WITH over 46,000 vacant homes in Scotland, an event in Livingston this week is set to bring together leading figures to discuss how to combat the issue.
Hosted at the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) HQ, its AGM will be centred on delivering empty homes back into communities.
Those attending on 23 October will hear from organisations including the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, Homeless Network Scotland, and SFHA as well as leaders driving innovation across the housing sector.
Lesley Peaty, regional director at SPA, said, “The scale of long-term vacant homes in Scotland is deeply concerning, but what’s even more important is the opportunity they represent. Every empty property has the potential to become a secure, warm home for someone in need.
“That’s what this event is all about, not just discussing ideas in theory, but exploring practical guidance and next steps to manage voids, streamline renovations and create a sustainable pipeline of homes that are returned to the heart of our communities.
“From policy insights to hands-on case studies, we’re hoping that this event will inspire real action, bringing together local government, housing associations, landlords, service providers and third sector trailblazers who are making empty homes part of the solution to the housing crisis.”
Speakers will explore themes ranging from innovative funding and collaborative working to practical tools for cutting rent loss and navigating utility challenges in empty properties.
The core focus is to discuss tangible actions that support the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan and its call to bring more homes back into circulation as quickly as possible.
Tahmina Nizam, national manager of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, will provide an overview of the current landscape and future priorities for the sector. She will be followed by Cassandra Dove from SFHA, who will be delivering policy context and funding insights.
Grant Campbell from Homeless Network Scotland will discuss joined-up approaches to housing and homelessness, before a Q&A panel brings together voices from all three organisations.
In the afternoon, attention will turn to delivery on the ground. John Addison of City of Edinburgh Council will share the council’s experience of managing and upgrading empty properties. Barry Sweeney of Homes for Good will present a completed large-scale renovation project, outlining the steps that made it a success, and the lessons learned for others seeking to replicate it.
Further sessions will tackle concerns around how to minimise rent loss on void properties, manage safety concerns, and overcome common challenges related to utility providers, with insights from Louis Fordham of Orbis Protect and Lewis McKenzie, an energy expert and board director at Kingdom Housing Association.
The AGM takes place at 6 Deer Park Avenue, Fairways Business Park, Livingston, from 10:00am to 2:30pm on Thursday 23 October 2025. Spaces are limited and early registration is encouraged.
To learn more about the AGM, visit: https://www.scottishprocurement.scot/news/events/delivering-empty-homes-back-into-communities/
