Opinion

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

Offering promotions to staff to prevent them from leaving is a growing trend in construction and could harm your business, write Mactaggart & Mickel Homes director, Marion Forbes. Most of us have heard about imposter syndrome – where an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a fea

Robertson Group’s executive director, development, Scott Wilson, discusses why the company’s longest running partnership - one it has had for over 50 years - is proof that collaboration should be at the heart of every major construction/infrastructure project at MIPIM 2019. There are ple

MIPIM, the international property fair, opens its doors today, and Clyde Gateway will be there as part of Team Scotland. This is because MIPIM is big, international and truly global in ambition, and by attending, we put Clyde Gateway’s hat in the ring for the chance of significant internationa

M-Pact Group health and safety manager Martin Robertson on how firms can combat the tragic effects of mental health problems in the workplace. It is one of the great hidden secrets of the construction sector, an issue that many people in what is still a male-dominated indust