Care and housing provider Bield has appointed Caryn Innes as its new head of development.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the public and private sector, Caryn will oversee Bield’s growing portfolio of property developments in Edinburgh and St Andrews as well as identifying new opportunities for growth.

Having spent the last seven and a half years as development and regeneration manager at Four Housing in the North East of England, she is making a welcome return to Scotland.

Caryn said: “I’m delighted to be making the move to Bield, particularly at such a pivotal time for the organisation.

“I hope to bring a fresh eye to the fantastic work already being done and see if we can consolidate and improve on the great position we are in, in terms of our provision of housing options for older people, care services and the standing of the organisation.”

A native of East Lothian, Caryn grew up in Haddington and studied in Edinburgh.

Caryn added: “On a personal level, it’s a great move for my career. I’m excited to be back working this side of the border and for Bield.

“Over the next five years, there is a real opportunity for developing Registered Social Landlords in Scotland with the committed grant support from the Scottish Government, and Bield can play a key partnering role to deliver much needed homes for older people throughout Scotland.”

As a specialist provider of housing and care for older people, Bield has always been at the forefront of developing new property options to support their needs, particularly in areas that are traditionally outwith the thinking of charities.

It has been this underlying theme – matched with a clear ethos of giving older people greater independence and choice, set against tough financial demands – that has seen Bield embark on a new strategy for property development.

The new strategy is already working with much needed new homes built or under construction in Bearsden, St Andrews and Edinburgh.

Brian Logan, Bield’s chief executive, said: “Appointing someone of Caryn’s calibre to such a key position is excellent news for Bield.

“We know what she is capable of achieving and look forward to working with her on the vital projects in the immediate future and beyond.”

Bield’s housing is designed especially with the older person in mind with different levels of service available to suit people with varying needs.