Kirkpatrick named head of housebuilding at Gladedale

THE Gladedale Group has promoted Jim Kirkpatrick to head all its housebuilding operations in Scotland, including Bett Homes and Manor Kingdom.

Kirkpatrick rejoined Gladedale last year after a spell with rival Charles Church Scotland.

In his new role as divisional managing director for housebuilding in Scotland, he will also be responsible for the Gladedale Timber Systems manufacturing business, which has a factory in East Kilbride.

David Gaffney, chief executive of Gladedale, said the appointment followed a successful restructuring of the group and a return of confidence to the housing market.

Last November Gladedale announced the resurrection of its housing brand Bett Homes, following the restructuring that wiped out the shareholding of its former owner Remo Dipre.

Lloyds Banking Group – which took over Gladedale's 900 million debt, previously owned by HBOS and its subsidiary Uberior Ventures – now owns 30 per cent of Gladedale, whose interests in Scotland also include Edinburgh's Quartermile development.

Kirkpatrick, who was previously regional managing director for the Central Belt, said he was "genuinely optimistic" about the housing market and the future for Gladedale's businesses Bett Homes, luxury brand Manor Kingdom and Bett Partnerships which focuses on more affordable housing.