Insight

After GWSF’s David Bookbinder pondered the wider implications of the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision to suspend housing list lets in favour of homelessness allocations, Homeless Network Scotland has issued a response. Three weeks ago, Edinburgh Council took the decision to susp

Marking today’s anniversary of the declaration of a housing emergency in Scotland, the Everyone Home collective has criticised failures over the last year and is calling on all political parties to commit to concrete action with one year to go until the Holyrood election. Today, we stand at a

GWSF’s David Bookbinder ponders the wider implications of the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision to suspend housing list lets in favour of homelessness allocations. It’s no surprise that the very word ‘emergency’ may drive courses of action that would previously have

Housing associations require leadership that blends commercial skill, social purpose, and bold vision for the future, writes Cairn Housing board member Nigel Fortnum. As housing associations take on increasingly complex roles — from placemaking and delivering mixed-tenure communities, to partn

With one year to go until the Scottish elections, this period provides challenges for businesses trying to achieve planning permission and funding. But, as public affairs consultant Jack Hope argues, it also provides some unique opportunities, like influencing politicians to prioritise the unblockin

UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) director Professor Ken Gibb introduces a new report that explores how to rethink Council Tax & LBTT to build a fairer, more functional system. When Housing to 2040 was launched in 2021, the ambitious vision at the centre of it was, in one resp

Hazel Davies reveals how Cruden Homes' Longniddry development in East Lothian has been designed for multi-generational living and shares all the elements to be considered in building a great community.

Don McLean, CEO at Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), shares how a whole-system approach, supported by performance modelling technology, can support AEC professionals in meeting both housing demand and sustainability targets. Scotland is grappling with two somewhat conflicting challenges: tac

Gary Gray, general manager at Muir Timber Systems, argues that timber systems and trusses in particular are driving the next generation of housing delivery.

Scottish building and fire safety regulations are set to change significantly in light of the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry, writes Katherine Metcalfe. The Scottish Government’s acceptance of all recommendations from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire signals further significant cha

Professor Vikki McCall & Professor Kim McKee from the University of Stirling share this joint piece about the importance of empathy in reflective housing practice. In the wake of Grenfell and the devastating death of Awaab Ishak due to mould in his home, questions around professionalism in housi

Communications specialist Rachael Martin emphasises the double-edged opportunity and responsibility of being a vital community anchor. In recent years the narrative surrounding housing associations (HAs) has been defined by their role as landlords and service providers, amid a severe and growing hou

This year marks a significant milestone for Grampian Housing Association as we celebrate with our tenants and customers, 50 years of providing diverse housing tenure choices and wider community services across the North East of Scotland. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and l

Reinvesting in existing buildings, celebrating heritage and protecting legacy can help Scotland reach its tough net zero target, argues Lynsay Bell Manson. Scotland has set a legally binding target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, with an interim target of 75% emissions reduction by 2030. Th

Ken Gibb from the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) discusses the launch of Shelter England's essay collection, making the economic case for social housing.  Last week, I participated in the London launch of Safe as Houses, Shelter England’s essay collection, making the