Opinion

In 2014, Edinburgh’s controversial new tram system finally opened to the public and the highly scrutinised Edinburgh Tram Inquiry got underway, writes Steven Stewart. By 2023, a second phase of the tramline had been completed and the inquiry by Lord Hardie concluded. In recent months, City of

Charles Hargreaves, deputy director compliance – heat networks at Ofgem, highlights what it takes to prepare for compliance when the regulation of heat networks begins this month.

As he steps up to the role of chief executive officer at Cruden, Fraser Lynes outlines the potential impact the business can deliver in 2026 following its recent investment from BGF. Scotland stands at a pivotal moment in its housing journey. The need for high-quality, energy-efficient homes has nev

Thomas & Adamson director John McGuire argues that while recent policy shifts have dented confidence in the build‑to‑rent sector, Scotland now has a crucial window to reset the market. Scotland’s housing market is entering a pivotal phase as the 2025 Housing (Scotland) Bill seeks

Paul Mitchell, operations director at the Scottish Building Federation (SBF), outlines how the current climate of uncertainty is undermining Scotland’s building industry. Construction is the engine room of the Scottish economy, contributing 7.4% of total output whilst directly employing 190,00

Managing partner Alan Gilkison outlines why Ryden has entered a new strategic investment partnership with Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) and what this means for the future of Scotland’s property sector. This year marked a turning point for Ryden. We recently entered a strategic investment partner

Jonny Seddon, a partner in MFMac’s Infrastructure & Capital Projects team, shares some insight from the recent Interlaw Global Meeting in Edinburgh, which sparked discussion around how developers and investors are navigating uncertainty in the Scottish real estate market. After years of po

City of Edinburgh Council leader Cllr Jane Meagher believes more affordable homes could be delivered through improved partnership approaches. Scotland's housing crisis isn't just a statistic.

Glasgow-born architect and Strathclyde graduate Paul Mugnaioni, who founded Quality Street Ltd in 1987, effectively pioneered the Build to Rent model in the UK years ahead of the current institutional wave, writes Iain Thompson. When people talk about the rise of Build to Rent (BTR), they usually pi

Scottish Construction Summit programme co-ordinator Paul McDevitt calls for immediate action to secure the future of the Scottish construction sector in the face of a recruitment cliff edge. Scotland’s construction industry is facing one of the most pressing challenges in its modern history &m

Gemma Monaghan, head of R&D tax at Azets, cautions Scottish construction firms to understand new legislation governing 'contracted out' research and development, as HMRC intensifies scrutiny of claims and contractual language. The contracted-out legislation update has been welcomed as a sensible

With the Home Office ramping up compliance activity and the government proposing to extend right to work checks to contractors and the self-employed, Carolyn Bowie, a partner and head of BTO’s Immigration law practice, offers practical advice to construction firms facing a growing compliance c

Brian Hutcheson, partner in Dentons’ Glasgow office and chair of the Investment Property Forum in Scotland, comments on the implications of the Housing (Scotland) Bill once Royal Assent is received and highlights some practical considerations for those operating in the sector. The Housing (Sco

Ross McDowall urges Scottish businesses to familiarise themselves with new environmental rules ahead of a looming deadline. Businesses that currently hold environmental consents for water, waste and industrial activities in Scotland should check if they will need new or amended environmental authori

Cruden Homes MD Fraser Lynes highlights one of Glasgow's more ambitious regeneration stories, King's View, and shares what this tells us about the housing challenges faced today. Over the past 15 years, the south side of Glasgow has witnessed one of the city’s most ambitious regeneration stori