Opinion

David Melhuish Scottish Property Federation director David Melhuish summarises the latest developments in Scottish real estate policy, and explains what is being done to attract investment into Scotland’s cities.

Mark O’Neill Scotland and England, though joined in union, have always had differing legal structures and, even in legislation which has common aims across the UK, there are key differences.

Lorraine MacPhail In 2009, Scotland's property and construction sector faced a crisis. The industry was one of the worst affected by the global economic downturn. Thousands of workers were laid off as businesses were forced to scale back their operations or face the risk of administration.

Amanda Wiewiorka The current combination of tax changes will hurt small investors, leading to an insufficient supply of suitable rental accommodation to meet demand in Angus, says Amanda Wiewiorka, company director at Wardhaugh Property.

Marc Giles Marc Giles, planning consultant at Ryden, on the part planning plays in delivering housing and infrastructure.

Gavin Hay Gavin Hay, training manager at City Building and chair of the Scottish Building Apprenticeship Council, says Scottish Apprenticeship Week (29 February – 4 March) is a timely reminder for us to look more closely at the important role young people play in securing the future of our industr

James Wates CITB chairman, James Wates, on improving the image of construction.

Steve Radley Steve Radley, CITB director of policy, discusses the organisation's business plan for the next three years.

Gareth made a difference in the way he established his company; he created a collegiate studio atmosphere, where many of the traditional cultures that bedevil architectural practice were actively discouraged. As the company grew from a tiny operation from his family’s back bedroom, to an establish

Gareth Hoskins Gareth Hoskins was a gifted architect, a natural leader, and a tireless ambassador for design through its power to improve our lives. He died on 9th January 2016 following a heart attack while attending a fencing match, having been an accomplished fencer himself.

RTPI Scotland planning policy & practice officer, Nikola Miller, sets out the Institute’s manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in May 2016. The Scottish election takes place on 5 May. At this important time for planning – what with a planning review and difficult economic circu

Richard Steel As northern England and many parts of Scotland count the huge cost of recent flooding, Richard Steel, technical director at independent environmental consultancy practice Atmos Consulting, asks if we need to give the way we design flood defences a fundamental rethink?

Tom Barclay Tom Barclay, co-chair of the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group reflects on 2015 and looks ahead to the next 12 months.

Craig McLaren Craig McLaren, director of RTPI Scotland, gazes into his crystal ball to identify key planning issues in the next year.

Richard Threlfall Richard Threlfall, KPMG’s head of infrastructure, building and construction, forecasts a positive outlook for the construction industry in 2016 and calls on all businesses in the sector to start to invest.