Opinion

Reinvesting in existing buildings, celebrating heritage and protecting legacy can help Scotland reach its tough net zero target, argues Lynsay Bell Manson. Scotland has set a legally binding target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, with an interim target of 75% emissions reduction by 2030. Th

Scottish Construction Summit programme director Paul McDevitt believes the traditional approach to construction leadership is no longer sufficient. The UK construction industry stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that threaten its long-term health and sustainability. Convers

Following the Scottish Government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry report, construction law specialist Caroline Maciver highlights the implications so far for the sector and calls for more clarity to help it progress under the new regulatory regime.  Last month, Holyrood’s housing

Lloyds Banking Group’s Scottish Executive Committee chair Jackie Leiper explores how financial institutions can help bridge Scotland’s affordable housing gap and why unlocking private capital and accelerating cross-sector partnerships is critical to solving the crisis and driving long-te

Scottish Construction Summit programme director Paul McDevitt outlines the necessary steps to rebuild the UK construction sector. The UK construction industry, a cornerstone of the nation's economy, finds itself in a precarious position akin to a teetering Jenga tower. In 2025, the sector faces unpr

In an exclusive for our sister publication Scottish Housing News, Hans Mitchell, client relations director at fire safety engineering consultancy Harmony Fire, summarises the Scottish Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. The recent Scottish Government Response t

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