Opinion

Time is of the essence for construction professionals across Scotland who want to be recognised with a prestigious industry award, writes Lynne McKay, CIOB’s regional manager for Scotland. I’m delighted to announce nominations are now officially open for the CIOB in Scotland Awards 2025,

Gary Gray, general manager at Muir Timber Systems, argues that timber systems and trusses in particular are driving the next generation of housing delivery.

Scottish building and fire safety regulations are set to change significantly in light of the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry, writes Katherine Metcalfe. The Scottish Government’s acceptance of all recommendations from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire signals further significant cha

Planning a construction or refurbishment project in 2025? From April, new National Insurance Contribution (NICs) changes have come into force and they’re already starting to impact costs across the industry. David Shaw, refurbishment cost expert at Torridon explains what clients need to k

Clive Dickin, CEO of NASC, explains why scaffolders remain essential to the overall UK economy. It is not impossible to find a few people who object to the current UK government’s obsession with growth. But these are a rare breed, and their objections are usually focused on concerns about sust

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.