Opinion

With less than two months to respond to Graham Simpson MSP’s Proposed New-Build Homes (Buyer Protection) (Scotland) members Bill, Harry C. Smith, partner and head of housebuilder & construction at Gillespie Macandrew LLP, shares his views. There have been a number of attempts down the year

Kier's MD Brian McQuade on how initiatives like Open Doors can give young people an insight into the world of construction. Addressing the skills shortage remains a key priority right across the construction industry. While the sector has become one that is incredibly diverse and significantly more

City Building’s executive director, Dr Graham Paterson, on how education must work with employers to encourage more young people and women into construction. It’s no secret that the construction industry suffers from a gender imbalance. Across the UK, around 11% of the construction workf

Paul McGonigal explores the changes in VAT rules for supplies in the construction industry coming into force from October this year. From 1 October 2019 significant changes are being introduced to the VAT treatment of supplies in the construction industry. HMRC are concerned about the current levels

Given a number of Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) accusations against key suppliers to the construction sector, Jamie Dunne from law firm Brodies has looked into the issue in more detail. The Competition and Markets Authority has recently accused six key suppliers to the construction sector

Queensberry Properties’ land and development director, Fraser Lynes, says there’s no need for our cities to continue expanding outwards, when Scotland has plenty of urban land available for redevelopment. For almost a century, people have worried about suburban sprawl and the growth of o

The recently published judgment of O’Farrell J in Swansea Stadium Management Co. Ltd v Swansea City and County Council ([2018] EWHC 2192 (TCC)) provides guidance on limitations of time clauses contained in collateral warranties and acts as a reminder that collateral warranties are ca

By Alasdair Steele, head of Scotland commercial at Knight Frank When Blue Planet II was first broadcast in 2017, the programme sent a ripple across the world. It laid bare the ruinous effect plastics have on our environment – particularly our oceans. It was a difficult but important watch

Relaxing green belt restrictions will make it easier for developers to build on green belt land, writes Colin Lavety, planning director with Barton Willmore. It is a controversial question, but should we be looking at ways of relaxing green belt restrictions to make it easier for developers to build

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre chief executive Stephen Good reflects on an £11 million boost in core funding and explains why industry should step up and help drive an innovation revolution. The importance of the construction industry to the Scottish economy can be demonstrated with a

Solicitor Amy Drew of Scottish lawyers MacRoberts addresses changes to the law in the wake of recent cases relating to “smash and grab” adjudications. In March and December of 2018, we published updates about recent case law which changed the position in relation to &ldquo

Scottish business advisors Scott-Moncrieff outline how the construction industry can ensure it is prepared for the upcoming Making Tax Digital deadline. I don’t want to panic you, but HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) deadline comes into effect on Monday (1st April). What this means is tha

A dispute about a demolished housing development in Midlothian has shown how a claim against consultants can be time barred before it is even known that there is a claim to be pursued. Is it time to change the law? The Scottish Government already has. It has passed the Prescription (Scotland) Act 20

Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) offers to help the Scottish Government better understand the true costs of delivering planning reform and quality services in communities.

Planning Minister Kevin Stewart blogs about the need for Scottish Parliament to amend the Planning Bill to ensure it supports economic growth. The Financial Memorandum for the Planning Bill has been published. This sets out the estimates of the financial implications of the legislation as it st