Everyone at Melville was very sad to hear of the death of our former Chair, Bob Anderson (pictured right), who died suddenly on 12 March aged 76. Andrew Noble, our former Chief Executive who worked closely with Bob, paid this tribute.

So well known was he in his local community, that Bob seemed like he must be a Midlothian man through and through. It came as a surprise to many of us to discover that he was, in fact, born and raised in Fife. But it was Newtongrange, where he spent much of his life, that he called home and that he did so much for.

Following a distinguished career in the NHS and Scottish Civil Service, Bob and Melville came together in 2004 when he applied to join our Board. He quickly took on more responsibility before being elected Chair in 2012.

When Bob joined us, I was Director of Finance and quickly got to know him through his work on our Audit Committee. From our first meeting it was clear that he was genuinely interested not only in what we were doing, but also the detail behind the numbers, and most importantly the people. This included not just Board and staff, but also external bodies including our funders and auditors, an attention to detail that was crucial in developing relationships and building confidence.

When I took over as Chief Executive in 2005, Bob was there to help and guide me. As Chair, Bob met with me weekly. As well as a great sounding board for ongoing issues or new opportunities, Bob was always interested in what was going on outside work. Listening to people and getting to know them was one of his great strengths. When visiting the office he always took time to speak to staff though, as a Newtongrange man, he already knew quite a few local staff from his favourite watering hole, the Dean Tavern.

During his time as Chair, Bob oversaw a period of substantial growth for Melville. He took a lot of pleasure in seeing sites progress from muddy fields to new homes and enjoyed marking completions with delighted tenants and sometimes even happy politicians.

One of his proudest moments came in July 2016 when he welcomed HRH the Duke of Gloucester to formally open the restored and renovated Dalkeith Corn Exchange. Bob had been passionate about the refurbishment project, saving one of Midlothian’s iconic buildings, and most importantly retaining it for the community.

Bob was also passionate about Midlothian’s industrial heritage and spent many years on the Board of the National Mining Museum Scotland.

His contribution to Melville, Midlothian and beyond over so many years was enormous, but first and foremost he was a real gentleman and we will miss him. Our thoughts go to his wife, Linda, and to all his family and friends.

Andrew Noble