With an ongoing commitment to protect people and the planet, Scotland has set a target of net zero emissions by 2045. As such, it should be no surprise that several of our clients have looked to surpass the required Building Regulations standards and provide more sustainable, low energy buildings throughout 2024.

The excitement amongst homebuilders and social housing providers could be heard across Scotland last week when it became clear that housing funding would be restored in Shona Robinson’s budget.

Last year, whilst still under Humza Yousaf’s premiership, the budget was slashed by around £200m, forcing social housing providers and developers to rethink their home building plans for the coming year.

CBO of one of Europe's largest science and technology parks calls for richer female specific data sets to enable more informed and personalised healthcare.

It has now been over six months since the Scottish Parliament declared a housing emergency. Here in the Highlands, the council declared a ‘housing challenge’ and it is a priority for Albyn Housing Society, and other social and private developers in the area, to deliver much needed homes for local people. There is too much at stake if we do not.

Having spent my whole career in Edinburgh, I have witnessed the remarkable resilience and growth of its hospitality sector. Our city’s hotel industry has bounced back from the challenges posed by the pandemic and positioned itself as a leader in the UK. This success story is also a testament to the critical role that civil and structural engineering plays in this ongoing narrative.

Scotland, particularly the central belt, is a powerhouse of life sciences talent. This region

boasts a rich synergy between companies, universities, colleges and networks, fostering a

collaborative environment that drives innovation. However, a significant challenge threatens

to stifle this burgeoning sector, the acute shortage of suitable lab space.

In the ever-evolving landscape of housebuilding, the need for innovative practices and techniques has never been more critical. As we strive to meet ambitious housing targets and address the pressing demand for new homes, it is essential for companies to invest in cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and futureproof the industry.

In September the UK’s last coal-fired power station near Nottingham was closed after over 140 years, marking a significant moment in our energy history. Coal, which once powered our factories, homes and transport, has been the bedrock of our industrial growth and modern economy.

As Scotland faces increasing economic challenges, the need for innovation and collaboration in public sector infrastructure has never been greater. The Scottish Government's recent Programme for Government has highlighted its commitment to addressing climate change, with a strong focus on decarbonisation sector-wide. At hub South West Scotland, we are proud to play a crucial role in this transformative agenda, working alongside our public sector shareholders to deliver sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of communities today and for future generations.

There is an unmet need for better precision medicine globally. Patients won’t always respond to mass prescribed treatments, resulting in unnecessary side-effects and wasted prescriptions, but precision medicine will help optimise patient treatment pathways - and Glasgow can be home to life-changing innovations. 

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve had is to listen first, then talk.  Actually it was a little more brutal than that, suggesting that as I have two ears and one mouth, it would be sensible to use them in that proportion.  A little stinging as a chatty teenager, but  great life long advice in many situations, especially in the business world.  

A timely conversation with my Washington DC-based pal ex-FBI and Microsoft global cyber expert and renowned speaker Edward P. Gibson prompted me to make a direct link between the highly unpredictable so-called hyperconnectivity promises generated by artificial intelligence generated systems and seasonal affective disorder.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards experiential gifting in the UK. Instead of traditional gifts, people are increasingly opting for gifts that create memorable moments or unique experiences, such as spa days or concert tickets. We see similar growth in this space for days out with family and friends, with rises in ‘competitive socialising’ venues like crazy golf and axe throwing.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards experiential gifting in the UK. Instead of traditional gifts, people are increasingly opting for gifts that create memorable moments or unique experiences, such as spa days or concert tickets. We see similar growth in this space for days out with family and friends, with rises in ‘competitive socialising’ venues like crazy golf and axe throwing.

The shortage of homes in Scotland has been quite clear for a number of years. Industry leaders put the shortfall to be somewhere in the region of 110,000. Given the recent significant reductions in new home starts and completions, this is not going to be fixed anytime soon.

The shortage of homes in Scotland has been quite clear for a number of years. Industry leaders put the shortfall to be somewhere in the region of 110,000. Given the recent significant reductions in new home starts and completions, this is not going to be fixed anytime soon.

Imagine for a moment how different your life might be without the security of a safe, comfortable home. Next week marks Scottish Housing Day, with the theme "Homes for Life." At Perceptive Communicators, we’re supporting our housebuilding clients around this, shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of homes on the quality of all of our lives and yet also the massive shortage of much needed homes. 

As I approach nearly a year as Chair of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Regional Group in Scotland, I've had the opportunity to reflect on the evolving responsibilities and influence of our profession.

As the UK grapples with a housing market that’s increasingly stretched at both ends, one solution that’s often overlooked is the potential of the retirement housing sector. Specifically, age-exclusive developments for the over-55s could play a crucial role in easing pressure on the market by encouraging downsizing, freeing up larger family homes, and ultimately ensuring a more efficient housing lifecycle.

As the Managing Director of Scotland’s largest vaccine producer, Valneva, I am immensely proud to work in an industry which saves lives and prevents disease. I can track my drive to work in life sciences to one moment from my childhood, when I was around seven years old.