News

The Scottish Government has taken the first steps to create the new Scottish Child Payment. The new £10 weekly payment has taken its first step to being introduced, with draft regulations being sent to the Scottish Commission on Social Security for scrutiny.

The Cruden Group has promoted Fraser Lynes to the role of managing director for Cruden Homes (West). The development and construction group said the move reinforces the company’s expansion plans to remain firmly at the forefront of Scotland’s residential market.

Marshall Construction has been appointed as principal contractor for the first two phases in the redevelopment of the former Pilmuir Works in Dunfermline following a “comprehensive negotiation process”.

Representatives from Scottish local authorities and housing associations are joining construction contractors at a conference tomorrow to discuss key topics relating to affordable housing following the launch of Scotland Excel’s £1.5 billion New Build Residential Construction framework l

Fife Council has launched a new housing training academy which will give staff and trainees the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised housing qualifications. It is hoped that the training can eventually be extended to include Public Social Partnership (PSP) partners and Registered Social Landlor

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Shelter Scotland and Oxfam Scotland are hosting a screening of the film, Push, to mark this year’s Challenge Poverty Week.

Councillors in Edinburgh are being asked to prioritise poverty and sustainability as a means of improving residents’ wellbeing.

Around 100,000 new trees are to be planted throughout the Outer Hebrides by 2020 thanks to an initiative set up by a community wind farm charity. (from left) Wind farm developer Calum MacDonald, David Maclennan, SNH area officer for Argyll and Outer Hebrides, SNH chief executive Francesca Osowska an

New research from KPMG UK has revealed that almost a quarter of Scots (23%) spend more than half their income on the day it’s paid into their account.

James Kelly MSP and Paul Farrell, director of West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative (WWHC), met with the cabinet secretary for communities and local government Aileen Campbell last week to discuss support for and promotion of the co-operative model of housing. The meeting follows a debate in the par

Kingdom Housing Association has recruited its first two members of staff through its innovative Naumann Initiative. Jennifer Reilly and Agnes Bicket have been hired to work for the housing association through the initiative.

A new investigation has highlighted the dearth of accommodation that families on benefits can afford in Scotland’s largest cities and in rural areas.

Highland Council has decided not to proceed with a new affordable housing project adjacent to the Merkinch Nature Reserve amid concerns from the community. The local authority had proposed to build 35 homes in the recreational field behind the Merkinch Nature Reserve and Carnarc Crescent in Invernes

The designer of an innovative spoon, which won the top prize at the Blackwood Design Awards and which enables people with shaky hands to eat without spilling, has launched a children’s version following the success of its adult product.

Routinely talking to primary school children about homelessness could prevent such problems later in life, according to the Homeless Network.