Lord Macintosh of Eastwood is a member of the House of Lords and a former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. Ken began his working life with the BBC, serving as a senior producer and broadcast journalist on a range of news and current affairs programmes. He was elected to the first Scottish Parliament in 1999 and held a number of front bench roles before being chosen as Speaker in 2016. He used his creative, communicative, and governance skills to introduce a programme of Parliamentary reform, and to steer the institution through the heat of the Brexit and constitutional debates as well as the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ken is a member of the Privy Council as well as a Trustee of several charities. He is married to Claire and the couple live in Busby with their six children.
Mikko joined Lar from Scottish Futures Trust where he was an associate director specialising in housing projects including the implementation of the National Housing Trust initiative, he also lead the development of a business case and funding proposal for Lar and was responsible for the setting up of Lar in 2015. He has also held senior roles with the Scottish Government’s Financial Partnerships Unit and worked at Communities Scotland. Mikko joined Lar in 2018 first as the director of finance and upon establishment of Lar’s subsidiary companies, he has been the managing director of Lar Operations CIC and a director and chair of Lar Projects Limited, and is the Chief Executive Officer of Lar Housing Trust.
MMonica is a consultant physician and rheumatologist and honorary senior clinical lecturer for Glasgow University. She is on the Global Minorities Board for The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and is also on the British Sjogrens Society Association Medical Council and Scottish Society for Rheumatology Medical Council, and is a school trustee. She believes that good health is a fundamental right and safe, affordable housing and supportive communities are central to achieving this.
Chief Development Officer, Managing Director of Lar Projects Ltd
Stuart is a development professional with over 20 years’ experience in the property and housing industry. He holds a Bachelor of Land Economy (Hons) in Urban Surveying and Town Planning from the University of Aberdeen and is a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor. Stuart's career started as a Land Acquisitions Surveyor before progressing into project management roles with Places for People and Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, where he oversaw numerous development projects. His tenure at Perth and Kinross Council as the Affordable Housing Enabler further enriched his experience working between planning and housing departments and developers to facilitate affordable housing initiatives. In 2016, Stuart joined Lar Housing Trust as Development Manager and in 2020 was subsequently promoted to Development Director and in 2025 Managing Director of Lar Projects Ltd, the development subsidiary of Lar Housing Trust. In this role, he plays a key role in facilitating complex construction projects and fostering relationships with existing and prospective partners. Beyond his responsibilities at Lar Projects Ltd, Stuart is Trustee and Chief Development Officer of Lar Housing Trust and serves as a Director of Lar Operations CIC, ensuring a seamless transition from Lar’s acquisition strategy to construction and maintenance across Lar’s portfolio.
Stuart McLaren
Chief Development Officer, Managing Director of Lar Projects Ltd
Following a long and distinguished career as a partner at Burness solicitors dealing with large infrastructure projects, Christa moved to Scottish Futures Trust (a company set up by Scottish Ministers in 2008), where she held the posts of Commercial Director and then director of Development and Housing. During her time at SFT, as part of her housing related activities, Christa was responsible for the implementation of the National Housing Trust, the first mid-market rent initiative in Scotland, and the setting up of the Lar Housing Trust. Christa particularly enjoys combining her commercial and legal skills with strategic thought and has a keen interest in how ideas and strategies are implemented.
Alan is a former senior manager in the NHS performing a number of senior strategic and operational roles. Currently, he acts as non-exec director and lay member of a number of Boards, bringing experience from large property development planning and implementation, strategic commissioning of major healthcare environments, commercial contract and property experience, and working with public bodies at the most senior level across the UK and Ireland.
Former banker, Alison Macdonald, has joined the board of Lar Housing Trust, she previously held various senior roles with Lloyds Banking Group and has extensive non-executive experience gained across different sectors. Ms Macdonald is currently chair of climate change charity, Verture and spent many years on the boards of the Bank of Scotland Foundation and risk consortium ORIC International. She also served on the professional standards committee of the Chartered Banker Professional Standards Board.
Mikko joined Lar from Scottish Futures Trust where he was an associate director specialising in housing projects including the implementation of the National Housing Trust initiative, he also lead the development of a business case and funding proposal for Lar and was responsible for the setting up of Lar in 2015. He has also held senior roles with the Scottish Government’s Financial Partnerships Unit and worked at Communities Scotland. Mikko joined Lar in 2018 first as the director of finance and upon establishment of Lar’s subsidiary companies, he has been the managing director of Lar Operations CIC and a director and chair of Lar Projects Limited, and is the Chief Executive Officer of Lar Housing Trust.
Philip first studied at St Andrews University gaining a BSC(hons) in Human Physiology before pursing his interests in Architecture and Construction. He worked as an assistant architect on individual private housing and conversion projects alongside studying at the Mackintosh School of Architecture for the Part 1 qualification. He then spent a year-out working in commercial architecture in Edinburgh before returning to the Mac for the Part 2, where he graduated with a Diploma in Architecture. He worked at CDA Group Architects in Edinburgh as Project Architect on a wide range of commercial and residential projects, specialising in refurbishment and conversions of listed buildings, alongside new build and conversions of offices and retail projects. He progressed to Project Architect for the mixed-use office, retail and residential development for Standard Life Investments of 3-8 St Andrews Square in Edinburgh, before setting up his own practice in 2015. Philip joined Lar in 2016 as Project Manager initially on a part-time basis alongside his own Architectural Practice, becoming full time with Lar in 2017, and in 2020 was promoted to the role of Project Director for Lar Projects Ltd. He identifies development opportunities and designs Lar Projects’ most complex and ambitious construction proposals, securing permissions and managing the design process through to construction.
Chief Development Officer, Managing Director of Lar Projects Ltd
Stuart is a development professional with over 20 years’ experience in the property and housing industry. He holds a Bachelor of Land Economy (Hons) in Urban Surveying and Town Planning from the University of Aberdeen and is a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor. Stuart's career started as a Land Acquisitions Surveyor before progressing into project management roles with Places for People and Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, where he oversaw numerous development projects. His tenure at Perth and Kinross Council as the Affordable Housing Enabler further enriched his experience working between planning and housing departments and developers to facilitate affordable housing initiatives. In 2016, Stuart joined Lar Housing Trust as Development Manager and in 2020 was subsequently promoted to Development Director and in 2025 Managing Director of Lar Projects Ltd, the development subsidiary of Lar Housing Trust. In this role, he plays a key role in facilitating complex construction projects and fostering relationships with existing and prospective partners. Beyond his responsibilities at Lar Projects Ltd, Stuart is Trustee and Chief Development Officer of Lar Housing Trust and serves as a Director of Lar Operations CIC, ensuring a seamless transition from Lar’s acquisition strategy to construction and maintenance across Lar’s portfolio.
Stuart McLaren
Chief Development Officer, Managing Director of Lar Projects Ltd
Neil came to Lar with experience as an Audit Manager for PWC. He joined a Graduate Scheme in 2013 after completing his Accountancy degree at Glasgow University and taking a ‘year out’ to travel in South and Central America. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and joined Lar in 2023.
Pete is a former Managing Director at Muir Homes and ex-chair of Mactaggart & Mickel Homes Trade Board with over 30 years' experience in the home building industry and 12 years' experience at board level focusing on house building, commercial property, strategic land management, timber frame manufacturing and contracting. Pete is also an experienced non-executive director having spent nine years as a board member of Hillcrest Homes. Pete joined Lar Projects in 2024.
Andrew Cowan, Managing Partner at solicitors TC Young and has a vast experience of the housing sector and specialises in Scottish tenancy law and serves a legal member in the Housing and Property Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland. Andrew is a non-executive director of Lar Operations CIC and company secretary of all three Lar entities.
Ed is the former Group Chief Executive of Mactaggart & Mickel Group Ltd which he joined as an apprentice at the age of 16. He is also a Fellow of the RICS and serves on the boards of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and the Glasgow based charity, Rosemount Lifelong Learning. Ed is a non-executive director of Lar Projects Limited and Lar Operations CIC.
Alan is a former senior corporate banker with Bank of Scotland / Lloyds Banking Group. He spent the last ten years of his career there as Head of Private Groups Real Estate Scotland and was instrumental in rebuilding the bank’s real estate brand in Scotland. Alan in a non-executive director of Lar Projects Limited.
Neil came to Lar with experience as an Audit Manager for PWC. He joined a Graduate Scheme in 2013 after completing his Accountancy degree at Glasgow University and taking a ‘year out’ to travel in South and Central America. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and joined Lar in 2023.
Neil Griffin
Director of Finance
Nicole Maxwell
Operations Manager
Nicole Maxwell
Operations Manager
Natasha Wyse
Property Manager/Lettings Co-ordinator
Natasha Wyse
Property Manager/Lettings Co-ordinator
Andrew McCormack
Property Manager
Andrew McCormack
Property Manager
Sharon Travers
Property Manager
Sharon Travers
Property Manager
Akmal Yamin
Property Manager
Akmal Yamin
Property Manager
Myles Cleghorn
Property Manager
Myles Cleghorn
Property Manager
Jacky Macdonald
Senior Practitioner
Jacky Macdonald
Senior Practitioner
Linda McLean
Property Manager/Factoring Manager
Linda McLean
Property Manager/Factoring Manager
Cat Fowler
Operations Team Administrator
Cat Fowler
Operations Team Administrator
Allison McFarlane
Office Manager
Allison McFarlane
Office Manager
Lauren Findlay
Office Administrator
Lauren Findlay
Office Administrator
Natasha Wyse
Property Manager/Lettings Co-ordinator
Natasha Wyse
Property Manager/Lettings Co-ordinator
Cat Fowler
Operations Team Administrator
Cat Fowler
Operations Team Administrator
Cat Love
Media and Marketing Manager
Cat Love
Media and Marketing Manager
Alan Nisbet
Asset Manager
Alan Nisbet
Asset Manager
Caroline McKenna
Repairs Coordinator
Caroline McKenna
Repairs Coordinator
Linda Hunter
Maintenance Coordinator
Maintenance Coordinator
Linda Hunter
Maintenance Coordinator
Sarah Gale
Repairs Coordinator
Sarah Gale
Repairs Coordinator
Mairi Stewart
Repairs Coordinator
Mairi Stewart
Repairs Coordinator
Keith Tracey
Estate Maintenance Supervisor
Keith Tracey
Estate Maintenance Supervisor
Michael O'Donnell
Maintenance Operative
Michael O'Donnell
Maintenance Operative
Alan Nisbet
Asset Manager
Alan Nisbet
Asset Manager
Linda McLean
Property Manager/Factoring Manager
Linda McLean
Property Manager/Factoring Manager
Keith Tracey
Estate Maintenance Supervisor
Keith Tracey
Estate Maintenance Supervisor
Caroline Tracey
Estate Support Operative - Lothians
Caroline Tracey
Estate Support Operative - Lothians
Leeanne Shinnie
Estate Support Operative - North
Leeanne Shinnie
Estate Support Operative - North
Jorge Dongo Basauri
Estate Support Operative - Edinburgh
Jorge Dongo Basauri
Estate Support Operative - Edinburgh
John Orr
Estate Support Operative - West
John Orr
Estate Support Operative - West
Michael O'Donnell
Maintenance Operative
Michael O'Donnell
Maintenance Operative
Michael Hashweh
Finance Assistant
Michael Hashweh
Finance Assistant
Sharon Aldred
Finance Manager
Sharon Aldred
Finance Manager
Neil Griffin
Director of Finance
Neil came to Lar with experience as an Audit Manager for PWC. He joined a Graduate Scheme in 2013 after completing his Accountancy degree at Glasgow University and taking a ‘year out’ to travel in South and Central America. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and joined Lar in 2023.
Neil Griffin
Director of Finance
Sharon Aldred
Finance Manager
Sharon Aldred
Finance Manager
Eric Holmes
Commercial Manager
Eric Holmes
Commercial Manager
Stuart Malcolmson
Site Manager
Stuart Malcolmson
Site Manager
John Dibben
Project Manager
John Dibben
Project Manager
Ged McGarry
Lar Projects
Ged McGarry
Lar Projects
Philip Walker
Project Director
Philip first studied at St Andrews University gaining a BSC(hons) in Human Physiology before pursing his interests in Architecture and Construction. He worked as an assistant architect on individual private housing and conversion projects alongside studying at the Mackintosh School of Architecture for the Part 1 qualification. He then spent a year-out working in commercial architecture in Edinburgh before returning to the Mac for the Part 2, where he graduated with a Diploma in Architecture. He worked at CDA Group Architects in Edinburgh as Project Architect on a wide range of commercial and residential projects, specialising in refurbishment and conversions of listed buildings, alongside new build and conversions of offices and retail projects. He progressed to Project Architect for the mixed-use office, retail and residential development for Standard Life Investments of 3-8 St Andrews Square in Edinburgh, before setting up his own practice in 2015. Philip joined Lar in 2016 as Project Manager initially on a part-time basis alongside his own Architectural Practice, becoming full time with Lar in 2017, and in 2020 was promoted to the role of Project Director for Lar Projects Ltd. He identifies development opportunities and designs Lar Projects’ most complex and ambitious construction proposals, securing permissions and managing the design process through to construction.
Philip Walker
Project Director
Pete Shepherd
Construction Director
Pete is a former Managing Director at Muir Homes and ex-chair of Mactaggart & Mickel Homes Trade Board with over 30 years' experience in the home building industry and 12 years' experience at board level focusing on house building, commercial property, strategic land management, timber frame manufacturing and contracting. Pete is also an experienced non-executive director having spent nine years as a board member of Hillcrest Homes. Pete joined Lar Projects in 2024.
Lar Housing Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Scottish Charity number SC044825)
Lar Operations CIC is on the register of Property Factors (PF000814) Lar Housing Trust is on the register of Property Factors (PF000815) Lar Operations CIC VAT number is 290 790 870 Lar Projects Limited VAT number is 331 989 081 Lar Operations CIC is a member of The Property Redress Scheme: PRS049862 Lar Operations CIC is a registered letting agent: LARN2509002
