The journey towards Net Zero is fraught with complexities and challenges that often seem insurmountable and with Scotland just reneging on its own climate targets, the path is not as clear as we once hoped.

All across the UK, there are monuments to our industrial heritage. They remind us of the burgeoning heavy industries that once helped power our country. Importantly, they remind us of the toil of the workers and communities that dedicated their working lives to these important industries.

Scotland has been synonymous with innovation for hundreds of years, building groundbreaking machines that powered the industrial revolution and inventing products that transformed the way we live our lives. Striving to always be at the forefront has served Scotland well.

While support with office space was always greatly appreciated, we faced a continued challenge – our workspaces weren’t permanent. With the need for our support increasing, we needed somewhere permanent to base ourselves.

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation - it happens when people, places and purpose come together. Business innovation, where the commercially successful application of ideas, leads to new or improved products, processes or services, is a vital ingredient in strengthening local economies and driving national growth.

With over 35,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year in Scotland, the need for accessible and empowering digital resources is critical. Many people living with cancer are missing out on accessing online tools and services which could make their lives easier.

In the dynamic world of urban development, the pursuit of sustainability stands as a cornerstone for progress. As cities across Scotland juggle the complex balance of growth and environmental responsibility, civil and structural engineering practices have emerged as catalysts for change. The regeneration of city centres and suburbs presents a prime opportunity to harness innovative engineering solutions to power a sustainable future.

In the lead up to International Women's Day, it’s time to step back and reflect on the positive changes sweeping through traditionally male-dominated sectors, particularly in the housebuilding industry. At 15.8 percent, women make up a higher proportion of the construction workforce than ever before.

As a seasoned architect, I'm no stranger to the built environment and the challenges we face in creating new homes. If I could share one lesson it would be not to underestimate the power of early creative dialogue between architects and housing developers. This collaboration, when nurtured from the project's inception, holds the key to not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of new homes but also significantly improving their sustainability and energy efficiency.

We’ve recently seen Scotland’s largest cities - Edinburgh and Glasgow - declare housing emergencies. This reflects the harsh reality across the country and there is no doubt more declarations are to follow.

The climate change battle is now at a crucial point where sustainable buildings are vital, not only to ensure the long-term safety of the planet, but to help businesses and homeowners navigate surging energy costs. Unfortunately fuel poverty is becoming increasingly prevalent, business energy costs are increasingly challenging and the impact of fossil fuels on our planet is starkly evident.

Living with incurable breast cancer has been a defining time in my life. Throughout this experience, I've come to understand the critical need for robust support systems for those affected by this devastating disease. This led me to found Cancer Card, a charity dedicated to revolutionising how we access and deliver cancer support services. While Cancer Card doesn't provide direct medical care, its impact is immeasurable and one I wish I was able to experience when I received my diagnosis six years ago.

You might be surprised to learn that Scotland currently holds the title for both the fastest and slowest average broadband connection speeds in the UK. Lochwinnoch, in Renfrewshire, was found to have the fastest broadband in the UK (a whopping 409Mb average connection), whereas Halkirk, in Caithness, was found to have the slowest (just 2.8Mb). But in 2024, your internet doesn’t have to be a postcode lottery of copper versus fibre, as lightning fast broadband can now be delivered without any wires whatsoever.

Structural engineering remains at the forefront of progress with continued efforts to embrace material innovations and technological advancement. It is helping to combat one of the great challenges of our time - climate change. This is not just about the structure of new buildings but also about adapting existing structures to minimise impacts on the environment…

As we return to work and clear away the clutter of Christmas, there is something symbolic about turning the calendar from one year to the next. It is a time of renewal when we reflect back on the year just gone, what we achieved, what mistakes we made, and what we got right.

I recently attended a business conference and heard a variety of business owners and leaders saying how challenging it is at the moment. What is interesting is it was not always about the economy or their sector being slow or there being no growth, but more about securing funding for the growth or getting enough of the right talent to make their plans happen.

On the Knoydart peninsula, one of the most isolated parts of Scotland, The Old Forge pub has recently reopened after refurbishment.The pub serves not just the small population that lives here, but visitors who make the seven mile crossing by boat from Mallaig or who walk for two days over hills and moorland to this remote and beautiful spot.

Family businesses inhabit every street of our towns and cities and are prevalent in rural communities, especially in the Highlands & Islands. Their contribution, financially, socially and spiritually, and the stability those businesses create cannot be underestimated. In today’s turbulent times, they are a hidden lever as a force for good in so many ways.

With the season of goodwill in full swing, it’s a poignant time to reflect on how important it is for businesses to embed social value at the heart of everything they do. This has certainly become a strong part of Cruden’s culture over our 80-year heritage as one of Scotland’s leading housebuilders and developers.

Earlier this month Scotland’s homebuilding industry gathered for the annual Homes for Scotland conference in Edinburgh, a city in the grips of a housing emergency.

The homebuilding industry makes a critical economic and social contribution through investment, employment, community financial support and, of course, the homes provided, both for private purchase and social housing…