LEADERS from across Scotland’s built environment came together at the RICS Scotland Conference 2026.
The conference highlighted that collaboration is key across the built environment professions. Speakers highlighted the need for government, industry, professional bodies and education providers to work together to tackle shared challenges, including skills shortages, housing delivery, and the transition to a more sustainable built environment.
Held at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre, under the theme Navigating Surveying in a Changing Landscape: Building Resilience Through Innovation, the event brought together surveyors, policymakers, academics, infrastructure leaders, and industry partners to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Scotland’s built and natural environment.
Opening the conference, delegates heard from RICS CEO Justin Young, as well as RICS Scotland chair, professor Norman K. McLennan FRICS, who said that this year’s conference highlighted the standout practices that showcase how forward-thinking practices are demonstrating leadership, adaptability and innovation in the face of change.
Professor Normal K. McLennan, commented, “This year’s conference demonstrated the breadth of expertise that exists across Scotland’s built environment and the value of bringing together professionals from different disciplines to tackle shared challenges. From economic uncertainty and political change to major infrastructure, housing delivery, artificial intelligence and sustainability, the conversations throughout the day showed that collaboration will be central to building a more resilient profession and creating better outcomes for Scotland.”
The conference also heard from Scottish Government Chief Economic Adviser Dr Gary Gillespie, who outlined the economic headwinds likely to influence government priorities over the coming years, while professor Sir John Curtice explored the implications of the recent Holyrood election, why the outcome looks the way it does and what Scotland’s evolving political landscape could look like over the next five years.
Infrastructure also featured prominently, with industry leaders discussing the critical success factors behind some of Scotland’s most significant projects. Representatives from the Port of Cromarty Firth, SSEN Transmission, and Balfour Beatty shared lessons on delivering complex infrastructure and the opportunities created by the electrification of the global economy, while Blackhall & Powis touched on the evolving role surveyors will play in supporting major investment across the country.
The event also explored how emerging technologies are reshaping professional practice. Dedicated breakout sessions examined the responsible use of artificial intelligence, including the application of RICS’ professional standards, while others focused on innovation, retrofit and practical approaches to achieving net zero, delivered in partnership with BE-ST.
Housing remained high on the agenda, with experts from Homes for Scotland, Robertson Homes, and 7N Architects discussing planning and land supply, viability pressures and the approaches being taken by developers and local authorities to respond to Scotland’s housing challenges.
The conference concluded with a panel exploring how stronger collaboration between professional bodies, government, educators and employers can help build the future workforce needed to support Scotland’s built and natural environment, reinforcing the day’s central message that lasting progress depends on partnership across the sector.
Alongside the conference programme, a busy exhibition showcased organisations from across the built environment ecosystem, with exhibitors spanning industry, professional services, technology providers, training organisations and academia. The exhibition provided delegates with valuable opportunities to network, share knowledge and discover new products, services and research supporting the future of the profession.
