Opinion

Ahead of the increase in the National Minimum Wage, Scottish Building Federation director Billy Kirkwood voices his fears about the impact on craft apprentices. Earlier this month we celebrated Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March), a chance to appreciate the fresh new talent joining the workplac

With question marks hanging over the Scottish Government's Heat in Buildings Bill, CIH Scotland’s policy and practice manager Ashley Campbell explores the purpose of the legislation and why it’s so needed. Towards the very end of a debate on supporting households with cost of living pres

Robert Ogg, MD at Akela Construction, outlines how the lure of green jobs in the north east could entice skilled workers away from the central belt, potentially leaving much-needed infrastructure projects in limbo. As we look towards 2030 and beyond, Scotland's energy infrastructure is poised for a

Allan Macdonald, TMT project director at HDR, outlines why Scotland is well primed to lead the next wave of data centre development.

Ian Hughes, engagement director, Scotland for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), stresses the importance of construction apprenticeships in Scotland. Apprenticeships are a vital component of the Scottish construction industry. This week (3 – 7 March 2025) marks Scottish Apprentic

In an exclusive article for SCN, Debbie Rutherford, head of social impact and support services at GRAHAM Building North, suggests actions to deliver lasting change to construction's gender gap. This Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March), we have a timely opportunity to reflect on how we can

Jack Chambers marks the beginning of Scottish Apprenticeship Week with a first-hand account of being a health, safety, and wellbeing apprentice at Balfour Beatty. When I began my university studies in Environmental Management, I never imagined I would pursue a career in construction, particularly in

Five years on from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Thomas & Adamson director Heather Holbrook believes the construction industry is still being shaped by those events. It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, you can still see the

As New Homes Week brings home ownership to the forefront of attention, Ash Sheikh of Muir Homes examines how increased consumer confidence is bringing first-time buyers back to the market with fresh new demands. February has shone a bright spotlight on home ownership. We saw the Bank of England cut

Liam McKay, a Glasgow-based senior solicitor in Anderson Strathern’s Contentious Construction team, explains why the Scottish construction sector may be less affected by a ruling south of the Border. A recent decision by the High Court of England and Wales regarding construction contracts may

Surveyor Calum Allmond believes that while it is good news that domestic and non-domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are both set to be revised, full alignment with UK measurement goes unaddressed. Scottish Government plans to reform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) by late 2026 ha

The transformation of a former Glasgow pub could prove a benchmark for bringing other old bar buildings back to life, according to Louise Norris, a partner in the commercial property team at Lindsays in Glasgow. Ms Norris has been advising Merrylee Road Developments Limited on its conversion of the

In the latest CIOB column for Scottish Construction Now, Jocelyne Fleming, senior policy & public affairs officer – Scotland, looks ahead to the legislative changes set to impact the construction sector in the year ahead. 2025 promises to be a busy year for Holyrood with significant develo

Studio LBA managing director Lynsay Bell Manson shares her views on the trends for wellbeing-inspired sustainable-led designs. With an ongoing commitment to protect people and the planet, Scotland has set a target of net zero emissions by 2045. As such, it should be no surprise that several of our c

Lindsays partner Louise Norris shares her belief that the success of Scotland's property sector would be accelerated by an increase in female participation. The opportunities for women in Scotland’s property industry have never been greater - whether they be in construction, engineering or pro