We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Factsheet

Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Board of the Scottish Housing Regulator

Published
6 August 2025
Directorate
People Directorate

Public appointments news release.

Part of

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP today announced the appointment of Garry Coutts as Chair of the Board of the Scottish Housing Regulator.

 

Chair

Garry Coutts is an experienced non-executive Chair and has previously been a non-executive director with NHS Highland, the Scottish Social Services Council and Children’s Hearings Scotland.

He was first involved in housing issues when he was a local authority councillor in both Edinburgh and Highland and currently chairs Highland Housing Alliance which is a major provider of mid-market rent housing across the Highlands. He is passionate about housing and is determined to contribute to helping resolve the housing crisis.

 

Appointment

This appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2029.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

 

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £235.93 per day for a time commitment of 104 days per year.

 

Other ministerial appointments

Gary Coutts does not hold any other ministerial appointments.

 

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Gary Coutts has had no political activity within the last five years.

 

Background

The Scottish Housing Regulator was established on 1 April 2011 under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010. Its objective is to safeguard and promote the interests of tenants and others who use local authority and Registered Social Landlord housing services. The Regulator operates independently of Scottish Ministers and is accountable directly to the Scottish Parliament. It assumed its full regulatory responsibilities on 1 April 2012. The Regulator currently consists of the Chair and eight Board members.

SHR regulates around 140 registered social landlords and the housing activities of 32 local authorities.  SHR’s current approach to regulation is set out in its regulatory framework – Regulation of Social Housing in Scotland.

Back to top