Mr Robertson, who is also managing director of KR Developments, starts his tenure as the focus turns to post-pandemic recovery and rejuvenation following a year of severe disruption to the property sector and the wider Scottish economy.   

The SPF has recently called for more to be done to attract investment into Scotland’s built environment and has published a recovery focused action plan ahead of the Holyrood elections next month. The plan sets out a number of ways that the industry and government can work together to reduce barriers to investment, enhance Scotland’s infrastructure and create great places.

Outlining key themes for his upcoming term in office, Mr Robertson said: “After an immensely difficult period for communities and businesses across Scotland, my number one priority is to ensure the property industry is in a strong position to play a leading role in our national recovery. This will mean addressing long-term challenges in addition to issues that need to be resolved quickly, such as our outdated business rates system. 

“If we take the plight of our town centres as an example, the pandemic has hastened the need to rejuvenate our high streets with retail rapidly shifting online, while other sectors have been hit by low footfall as a result of home working. There are no quick fixes, but we must use this crisis to reimagine how we use such spaces for economic and social benefit in the future and build a collective vision for how to enact that change.

“The next year will also be pivotal in the fight against climate change, with Glasgow playing host to the important COP26 summit. Reducing the built environment’s contribution to climate change is vital, and the SPF will continue to work proactively with stakeholders to seize the opportunities for a green recovery.”

Kevin Robertson takes over from Michaela Sullivan RTPI who joins East Lothian Council as head of planning services and economic development.

Thanking his predecessor, Mr Robertson added: “I wish Michaela all the best for her exciting new role and thank her for all she has done for the organisation, particularly in light of the huge challenges faced by the property industry as a result of the pandemic.”