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.

Forster Group, Scotland’s leading provider of integrated roofing and solar solutions, has completed a major installation for Fife Creamery, marking the company’s biggest project to date for a client in the food and drink industry.

Following an investment of £230,000, Fife Creamery appointed Forster Group to install over 700 roof-mounted solar panels for its Innovation Hub and refrigeration warehouse in Kirkcaldy – covering an area the size of five tennis courts.

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.

Forster Group, Scotland’s leading provider of integrated roofing and solar solutions, has completed a major installation for Fife Creamery, marking the company’s biggest project to date for a client in the food and drink industry.

Following an investment of £230,000, Fife Creamery appointed Forster Group to install over 700 roof-mounted solar panels for its Innovation Hub and refrigeration warehouse in Kirkcaldy – covering an area the size of five tennis courts.

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.

Location, location, location. The old real estate mantra still rings true, and most definitely applies to lab space. In the scientific community, a lab’s location can be critical to its overall success.

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.

A group of former Pfizer employees have successfully created their own businesses based at and supported by Discovery Park, a thriving life sciences community in Kent. 

Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.

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.

The highly anticipated Health Innovation Hub (HiH) in Glasgow has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the building’s primary structure.