The new unit will deliver advice, learning and development and a range of building standards systems to all of Scotland’s local authority building standards teams and stakeholders in the construction sector.

The hub will aim to support transformation and quality in building standards services across Scotland. It will do this by providing a range of building standards system services, supporting hubs of expertise and operational partnerships and by supporting learning and development in the sector.

The Building Standards Hub will also operate, manage, and support specific hubs of expertise and provide specialist advice in areas including fire engineering, structural engineering, environmental and energy. These hubs will facilitate and pull together panels of expertise from both industry and the public sector to look at matters of national interest with a view to establishing consistent positions.

Fife Council will take on the role of hosting the Hub following a successful two-year pilot programme.

Fife Council leader Councillor David Ross said: “A national hub such as this will be a fundamental part of improving building standards for the benefit of communities across Scotland.

“It also presents Fife Council with the opportunity to support innovation by hosting a national centre for expertise and resilience. I look forward to watching it deliver on its ambitious vision.”

Housing minister Paul McLennan added: “I am pleased that the Scottish Building Standards Hub has been launched, following a two-year pilot. This was recommended by the expert review panels on Fire Safety and Compliance and Enforcement, as a way of providing specialist expertise in fire and structural engineering throughout Scotland.

“The Hub is an example of joined up and collaborative working across our public sector and it will, with support from across industry, help to strengthen building standards for the future.”