Opinion

Scottish Futures Trust's Paul Devine responds to the Scottish Land Commission's report which highlighted that 11,000 hectares of land lies vacant or derelict.

Solicitor Ramsay Hall outlines the cost of fraud to the construction industry and reveals how businesses can minimise risk. Fraud has been estimated to cost the construction sector £8 million a year. The impact of COVID-19 suggests that cost will rise significantly. The consequences for constr

Neil McKay highlights the importance of social housing and building communities as a key factor in helping Scotland recover from the COVID recession. A new report released by housing and social research charities demonstrates that not only could the construction of affordable and social housing help

As we begin the year-long countdown to COP26, Lindsey Mitchell takes a look at how the education building sector can play its role in sustainable design. Scotland has ambitious environmental goals. It is five years since the Paris agreement. The race to zero emissions is a driver for new types

Stewart Dalgarno discusses the achievements so far at the mid-way point of the Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project. In 2019 the annual housebuilding target was missed by 138,978. The UK Government wants 300,000 new homes built a year — a number not hit

Throughout history, pandemics have changed our approach to the built environment. Abigail Brownlow explains how Wemyss Properties has responded to new demands from today's homebuyers. The news that the iconic Changing Rooms is making a return to our screens after a 16-year break follows a resurgence

Noting the increased demand for a manageable home working environment, Fergus Adams offers top tips for creating the perfect home office. As we gaze into the mists of the crystal ball to see what the New Normal will look like this week, one aspect of the post-COVID future is becoming increasingly cl

Wallace Hume is a senior project manager at Kier and he is currently working on the refurbishment of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow. Here, Wallace talks about his career within the built environment, his passion for heritage projects and his pride at winning three Considerate Constructor Scheme A

While considering whether Edinburgh can meet its pledge to be a zero-carbon city by 2030, Stephen Tucker takes a broader look at how to achieve zero-carbon at scale from a planning and design perspective. It seems like every day the world is being forced to deal with a new crisis. But long term, the

Liz Mallon looks at the important role first time buyers need to play in the changing new homes property market. Recent research carried out by Savills shows that the Scottish new homes market has seen a steady recovery since the market re-opened in the summer, and properties in Glasgow and Edinburg

From attic apartments to south-facing family kitchens, daylight is central to how we live in, and use our homes. Hazel Davies examines how architects seek to maximise natural light in properties. The importance of light has been understood by architects and housebuilders for centuries. The Georgians

Martin McKay, executive director of regeneration at Clyde Gateway, discusses the economic opportunities for regeneration areas like Clyde Gateway where resilience can be built in.  I don’t believe the pandemic will lead to the demise of the office. Companies are diverse and need workplace

Construction companies, engineering firms and other businesses active in the infrastructure sector stand to lose out on funding, investment and major government contracts around the world unless they take a more active role in the fight against climate change. A growing imperative for infrastructure

In a guest blog for CITB, health and safety consultant Andrew Gardiner shares three lessons to be learnt from lockdown. A contingency plan is essential

Landscape architect Kath McTaggart discusses the benefits of designing and creating learning and social environments that spark imagination and creativity. Raised in the rural south west of Scotland, I remember only too well wet playtimes at school, sitting bored at my desk and staring out of t