Opinion

As the PROPS Awards marks its 32nd year, Neil Sinclair, who co-founded the PROPS with Ronnie Nathan, looks back at key insights gained from this long-standing event.

Paul McDevitt outlines why experienced mentors can help support people in the construction industry. No matter where you are on your career or business journey, it doesn’t matter if you are starting out or if you are now an experienced business leader, we all need help from time to t

Ash Sheikh, director of sales and marketing at Muir Homes, reflects on the recent cut in interest rates and its effect on the house building market. I am sure I am not the only one who was pleased with the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to cut interest rates by 0.

Julie Moulsdale from Perceptive Communicators, who worked alongside the contractors on the Athlete's Village as well as some of the housing projects post-games, outlines how Glasgow's Commonwealth Games delivered a transformational journey for local communities. It is the only time I can ever rememb

After Labour announced a plan for a £1.8 billion investment in Britain’s port infrastructure, Ian Mockett, director, energy and marine at COWI, highlights the critical role of port infrastructure in the green transition. £1.8 billion is set to be invested in port infrastructure by

Alistair Leith, head of submissions at GRAHAM Building North, discusses how new student housing will boost the appeal of Glasgow city centre.

Scotland's Land & Buildings Transaction Tax hits record high as more homes cross tax threshold, writes property expert Dr John Boyle. Rettie has just completed our annual review of Scotland’s property tax (Land & Buildings Transaction Tax, or LBTT). A dry subject, but one most home buy

Kathryn Sykes, structural project engineer at Harley Haddow, argues that it is important to identify how we combat the effects we are having on the environment when making improvements to our homes. As demand for house extensions continue, is building sustainably the everyday person’s first th

Martin McKay, chief executive of Clyde Gateway, looks back over 10 years of regeneration since the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Holmes Miller director Ryan Holmes shares what could be learned from the education sector when it comes to the proposed Scottish Passivhaus equivalent policy for new build housing. Designing buildings to meet the international Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency can cut heating energy use by u

A Scottish appeal court decision on time bar should provide a stark warning for the construction sector, argues Michael Collins. Five years. That’s how long a party has to make a claim for damages under the Scottish law of prescription (time bar). But when, exactly, does that clock s

As PFI assets return to public hands, Greig Fenton from Thomas & Adamson suggests that the most important step in the transfer is to inspect and assess the property to ensure all is in order. However, if any work is required it could be the right time to consider more sustainable options and tac

Mark O'Neill, head of energy consultancy at Hardies Property & Construction Consultants, likens heating a building to filling a sieve. I’m partial to a good analogy. In a literary sense, they serve the purpose of allowing a comparison to be drawn between two unrelated concepts to make a cl

With the consultation on the Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard expected to begin shortly, Kate de Selincourt from the UK Passivhaus Trust shares what it could deliver in terms of health. Scotland has big problems with public health. The life expectancy at birth is the lowest in the

Mark Royse, head of sales at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, explores the highways sector’s changing regulatory landscape and explains why manufacturers are investing heavily in next-generation product development to set new standards in safety, efficiency and productivity.