Opinion

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

As rent increases ripple across Scotland, Rettie's Rob Trotter argues that landlords are acting now to avoid being locked into long-term losses later. Rent increases are appearing across Scotland—but this isn’t just a short-term reaction to the lifting of rent controls on April 1st.

Jimmy Black wonders about the current Housing Bill.

Following on from its recent release, Jacqueline Norwood, executive director at TPAS Scotland, takes a closer look at the findings of a new report into how social landlords are supporting their tenants to engage and participate in their work. Last year, TPAS Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Gover

Karen Gatherum, solicitor and licencing specialist at Gilson Gray, and Neil Gray, director at Gray Planning and Development, reveal what short-term lets operators in Edinburgh can do to try and maximise the chances of their licences being renewed. Four months before the start of the Edinburgh Fringe

Mark Bickford, CEO of Social and Sustainable Capital, explores how social investment is transforming supported housing in Scotland, enabling charities to move from renting to owning properties and providing far greater stability for vulnerable individuals. Scotland's housing crisis has reached emerg

Following the Scottish Government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry report, construction law specialist Caroline Maciver highlights the implications so far for the sector and calls for more clarity to help it progress under the new regulatory regime.  Last month, Holyrood’s housing

Jimmy Black reflects on the Heat in Buildings Bill, and laments the loss of Patrick Harvie’s radical edge.

Lloyds Banking Group’s Scottish Executive Committee chair Jackie Leiper explores how financial institutions can help bridge Scotland’s affordable housing gap and why unlocking private capital and accelerating cross-sector partnerships is critical to solving the crisis and driving long-te

Kerry Brown, director at Alator Data Services Ltd, wants to bring tenant behaviour back into the damp and mould discourse. There’s a difficult conversation in housing that too often gets avoided: tenant behaviour and its role in damp and mould. 

Maggie Brunjes, chief executive of Homeless Network Scotland, on why the housing emergency can’t become a cover for deepening exclusion. Picture two paths: one leads to an ordinary flat, a space to call your own, no different from anyone else’s. The other to a sleeping pod, a hostel room