Q&A with Kathleen Rennie

Can you explain the responsibilities and duties of your position at Langstane Housing Association?

I moved into my flat with Langstane 9 years ago. I love my flat as it's my little safe space and I have made it my own. I became an involved tenant around 4 years ago, participating in meetings about housing issues, tenant concerns and rent increase decisions. I was particularly interested in issues that directly impacted me, such as the anti-social behaviour in and around my block. I take part in organised walkabouts and assisted Langstane in the decision to implement CCTV cameras around the scheme, improving safety for tenants.

Now, I am part of a new scrutiny group where we collaborate with Langstane to make decisions. We have received training and had the opportunity to inspect vacant flats to determine their readiness for new tenants to reside in. A highlight of my involvement was attending the Annual TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) conference in Glasgow last summer. Meeting various housing professionals and learning about different aspects of the housing sector was not only enlightening but also enjoyable.

Kathleen Rennie

Kathleen Rennie
Langstane tenant and Tenant Scrutiny Group member

What profession do you dream of pursuing?

I had a career in beauty therapy for around 13 years. This was a dream job for me. I got to work in top spas and salons and I achieved a lot during this time. However, after losing my boyfriend of 7 years to suicide, my mental health was very badly affected and it was difficult to continue my career in Beauty. 

After a break, I now have a new career in mind - something in digital media. I would love to start a course at college this year to help me pursue this new dream.

If you could go back in time, what guidance would you offer your younger self?

I would say, "to be confident", that "most of the time, no one is judging you".

People are usually preoccupied with their own lives, such as what they are doing or how they look. There is no need to be overly self-conscious.

A saying I like is: "Comparison is the thief of joy."

Which women have had the most significant impact on your life?

The two individuals who have undeniably had the greatest impact on my life are my mother, Colleen, and my late grandmother, Kay.

My mother has been my unwavering pillar of support, always offering guidance and a listening ear. She has stood by me through my most challenging moments and is truly the best. We frequently get together for lunches, coffees, and shopping outings, and many people note the striking similarities between us. Both she and my father provide me with invaluable support, and I cannot imagine where I would be without them.

My grandmother, Kay, also played a significant role in my life. Having experienced the tragic loss of her son (my mother's brother) to suicide, she and my mother understood the pain I was going through. Grandma Kay lived to the remarkable age of 95 and was a vibrant, fun-loving individual. In her younger days, she sang and danced, and we often watched her perform in shows at venues such as the Beach Ballroom and Music Hall. She cared for my cousins and me when we were young, and we hold cherished memories of those times. Grandma Kay is my idol and the person who instilled in me a love for makeup and dancing. She always encouraged me to pursue happiness and strive for excellence. Her absence is deeply felt and she is dearly missed.

What does the theme #InspireInclusion for this year's International Women's Day mean to you personally?

To me, "Inspire Inclusion" means that women should be seen as equals.

Gender should not make it difficult for a person to fit in, obtain a job, or pursue their dreams. In fact, our individual skills and characteristics should be what is recognised as valuable. I believe that as a society, we are moving in the right direction, but there is still progress to be made.

I am proud to be part of International Women's Day and feel that it should be celebrated by everyone.

International Women's Day 

Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid. Learn more by visiting their website, now.