With more than 20 years of experience in the policy, public affairs and campaigning field, Stuart joins the RIAS from Living Streets where he led the charity’s pedestrian safety and active travel campaigns in Scotland – including a successful campaign to ban pavement parking. Many years of professional experience in the Scottish charitable sector make him adept at transforming complex issues into persuasive campaigns that can capture the imagination of policy-makers and the public, and ultimately deliver change.

Stuart has a Masters degree in town planning from Heriot-Watt University and has maintained a strong interest in planning and urban design throughout his career. He has worked for a number of charities including Changeworks, where he led projects on renewable heating and energy heritage, and a European project promoting new approaches to historic building retrofit. He has also worked for Friends of the Earth Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Help the Aged.

As head of outreach at the RIAS, Stuart will spearhead the development and implementation of the organisation’s public affairs, policy, communications and awards programmes. As a member of the RIAS senior management team, he will help to direct the future direction of the organisation and will play a key role in ensuring that RIAS members’ interests are represented and promoted at local, national and international levels.

His appointment comes at a time when the RIAS is looking to widen public engagement with and enjoyment of architecture in Scotland – whether through the annual RIAS Awards programme, campaigning to secure better outcomes for places and communities through the procurement system, or developing the work of the popular RIAS Bookshop.

Tamsie Thomson, chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: “I am delighted to welcome Stuart Hay to the RIAS as our new head of outreach. He brings with him many years of experience in Scotland’s third sector, and an impressive set of skills that will, I am sure, deliver great results for architecture in Scotland. We were struck by Stuart’s combination of deep knowledge, sound advocacy skills and campaigns success, and I hope he will enjoy working alongside my team and RIAS members everywhere in our shared mission to champion Scottish architecture.”

Stuart Hay said: “I am honoured to join RIAS and be trusted with raising the influence and profile of architects across Scotland. Throughout my career, I have seen the difference good design can make by creating vibrant public spaces and sustainable buildings. Despite Scotland’s ambitious national policies on design, there is still work to be done to empower and properly support a thriving architectural profession. I look forward to working with Tamsie, the RIAS team, and members to address this challenge.”