en.Wedoany.com Reported - The RICS Scotland Conference 2026, held at the Technology and Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde, concluded with a consensus that collaboration is key to addressing current challenges in the built environment. Representatives from government, industry, professional bodies, and educational institutions discussed issues including skills shortages, housing delivery, and the transition to a sustainable built environment.
Themed "Navigating Surveying in a Changing Landscape: Building Resilience Through Innovation," the conference brought together surveyors, policymakers, academics, infrastructure leaders, and industry partners to examine the opportunities and challenges facing Scotland's built and natural environment. RICS CEO Justin Young and RICS Scotland Chair Professor Norman K. McLennan FRICS delivered opening remarks. Professor McLennan noted that this year's conference focused on showcasing how forward-thinking practices demonstrate leadership, adaptability, and innovation.
In his address, Professor McLennan highlighted the breadth of expertise in Scotland's built environment sector and the value of bringing together professionals from different disciplines. He stated that the day's discussions on economic uncertainty, political change, major infrastructure, housing delivery, artificial intelligence, and sustainability demonstrated that collaboration is essential for building a more resilient industry and achieving better outcomes for Scotland.
Dr. Gary Gillespie, Chief Economic Adviser to the Scottish Government, outlined the economic headwinds likely to influence government priorities in the coming years. Professor Sir John Curtice analyzed the impact of the recent Holyrood election, the reasons behind the results, and the evolving political landscape in Scotland over the next five years. Infrastructure was also a key focus, with representatives from the Port of Cromarty Firth, SSEN Transmission, and Balfour Beatty sharing experiences in delivering complex infrastructure projects and the opportunities presented by the global electrification of the economy. Blackhall & Powis discussed the evolving role of surveyors in supporting major national investments.
How emerging technologies are reshaping professional practice was another conference focus. Breakout sessions addressed the responsible use of artificial intelligence and the application of RICS professional standards; other sessions focused on innovation, refurbishment, and practical approaches to net zero in collaboration with BE-ST. Housing was a key agenda item, with experts from Homes for Scotland, Robertson Homes, and 7N Architects discussing planning and land supply, viability pressures, and strategies for developers and local authorities to address housing challenges.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion on how professional bodies, government, educators, and employers can strengthen collaboration to build a future workforce supporting Scotland's built and natural environment. This discussion reinforced the core message throughout the day: lasting progress depends on partnerships across the industry. The conference also featured an exhibition showcasing achievements from organizations across the built environment ecosystem, including industry, professional services, technology providers, training institutions, and academia, providing networking opportunities for attendees.
