Malcolm Cannon, the chief executive of lettings agency Braemore, has been appointed to the board of the newly created The Property Ombudsman (TPO) Scotland.

Cannon contributed to TPO Scotland’s Codes of Practice for sales and lettings agents in Scotland which have been endorsed by the Scottish Government and Shelter.

More than 500 estate agencies and lettings firms are signed up to TPO Scotland.

Cannon said: “It is imperative that good lettings businesses, providing high-quality and reliable customer service, are not damaged by the rogue agents and non-compliant landlords acting at the edges of acceptable practice and it is equally important that members of the public are made aware of what standards they can expect.”

He added: “Braemore has, for some time, been lobbying and publicly supporting the raising of standards in the lettings industry, and as members of TPO Scotland we are already bound by the regulations and redress process.

“In addition to the standards expected of all those agencies covered by TPO Scotland, Braemore is encouraging even greater regulation in the sector, looking in particular at deposits, client accounts and training.”

Ombudsman Christopher Hamer said: “Malcolm’s drive and determination to promote best practice and responsible estate and lettings agencies makes him a very welcome member of our board.

“The property market is changing and it is vital that the Ombudsman scheme stays relevant and in touch with the agents at the coalface of the sector.

“Malcolm’s insights will be important as we move forward with new legislation on the near horizon.”