SCA History
The Scottish Christian Alliance in its present form goes back to the formation long ago of various independent branches of the 'YWCA of Scotland', some of whom decided in 1987 to merge at that point with an English Charity by the name of 'Christian Alliance' or 'C.A.' and formerly named 'Christian Alliance of Women and Girls' founded back in 1920.
The branches which did merge were Greenock, Edinburgh (which included Kinnaird Christian Hostel in Coates Crescent and the Craigentinny Christian Centre) and finally Muslin Street, Glasgow, which was operating a hostel known as 'Bethany House', the name taken from the old Bethany Hall.
There had been a new work started in Glenrothes, Fife under the name of Gilven House in 1985 and this was also involved in the merger, but was not previously a YWCA of Scotland branch.
In 1993, the Christian Alliance, wishing to focus on new housing legislation developments, decided initially to constitute a separate body, an unregistered Housing Association, which was originally named 'Christian Alliance (Scotland) Limited' with charitable status. A Committee of Management was elected and later that year a Director of the Charity was appointed. The brief was to run and manage the work in Scotland.
Not long after this in 1994 the parent charity changed its name to KeyChange and the Christian Alliance followed suit by becoming KeyChange Scotland Limited.
The next alteration did not take place until 1998, when they devolved and became 'Scottish Christian Alliance Limited' giving what they believed was a Scottish 'flavour' and dimension and also reminding them of their roots and ethos.
In July 2018, and after several years of discussion, a decision was made by SCA and Fife Council that Gilven House would come under the management of Fife Council. As of 2018 Scottish Christian Alliance consists of The ARCH Resettlement Centre and Scatter Flats in Glasgow.
Our Mission Statement
SCA Board
The board of trustees is made up of caring and compassionate people from across the all levels of society. They freely give their time to aid and assist staff in helping those who suffer from the blight of homelessness access our services.
Martin Carr, Chairperson
| Name | Martin William Carr BEng(hons). CE. MIMechE |
| Position | Chair of Board of Trustees for SCA |
| Family Life | Married to Linda since 1996 |
| Qualifications | Letters after my name |
| Christian | Gave life to Jesus in 1998 |
| Previous Experience | Engineering officer in merchant navy for 7 years, worked in Saudi Arabia for 2 years, 3 years at university as a mature student studying mechanical engineering, joined BP Chemicals as an engineer at Grangemouth to eventually become a senior operations manager - left after 20 years. Supported Linda setting up her own business (20 years ago). Now actively involved supporting her, working with the Children's Hearing system and of course SCA. |
| Hobbies | Avid reader, cyclist and now grandparent |
| Hope etc.. | Following God's calling - to grow the work to help people have a meaningful and real life! |
Craig Denham, CEO
| Name | Craig Denham |
| Position | CEO |
| Family Life | Married to Lois with two grown up children |
| Qualifications | Registered with SSSC and as well as the HNC holds SVQ level 4 in Care Service management, level 4 in care and a certificate in Training practice |
| Previous Experience | Prior to coming in as CEO part time, Craig served voluntarily on the board of Trustees. |
| Hobbies | Reading music and football (watching not playing) |
Other Trustees
Linda Carr
Sara Copeland
Ian Batt
