Leaders from across Scotland’s built environment sector gathered at the RICS Scotland Conference 2026 to examine how the profession can respond to ongoing political, economic and technological change through collaboration, innovation and resilience.
Held at a packed Technology and Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde, this year’s event was centred on the theme Navigating Surveying in a Changing Landscape: Building Resilience Through Innovation. The conference brought together surveyors, policymakers, academics, infrastructure leaders and industry partners to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping Scotland’s built and natural environment.
A key message throughout the day was the critical importance of collaboration across the sector. Speakers emphasised the need for closer working between government, industry, professional bodies and education providers to address shared challenges, including skills shortages, housing delivery and the transition to a more sustainable built environment.
Opening the conference, RICS CEO Justin Young and RICS Scotland Chair Professor Norman K. McLennan FRICS highlighted the role of forward-thinking practices in driving progress. Professor McLennan noted that the conference showcased how leadership, adaptability and innovation are helping the profession respond to change.
“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,” he said. “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 economic and political landscape also featured prominently. Scottish Government Chief Economic Adviser Dr Gary Gillespie outlined the headwinds likely to shape government priorities in the coming years, while Professor Sir John Curtice provided insight into the recent Holyrood election, analysing its outcome and what it could mean for Scotland’s political direction over the next five years.
Infrastructure was another major focus, with industry leaders sharing lessons from some of Scotland’s most significant projects. Contributions from the Port of Cromarty Firth, SSEN Transmission and Balfour Beatty highlighted the opportunities presented by the electrification of the global economy, as well as the complexities of delivering large-scale developments. Blackhall & Powis also explored the evolving role of surveyors in supporting major investment across the country.
Emerging technologies were firmly on the agenda, with dedicated sessions examining the responsible use of artificial intelligence and its alignment with RICS professional standards. Other discussions, delivered in partnership with BE-ST, focused on innovation, retrofit and practical approaches to achieving net zero.
Housing remained a pressing issue, with experts from Homes for Scotland, Robertson Homes and 7N Architects addressing planning constraints, land supply challenges and viability pressures. Discussions also highlighted how developers and local authorities are adapting to meet Scotland’s ongoing housing needs.
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The conference concluded with a panel discussion on workforce development, reinforcing the importance of stronger collaboration between professional bodies, government, educators and employers to build the skills pipeline required for the future.
Alongside the main programme, a busy exhibition showcased organisations from across the built environment ecosystem, offering delegates opportunities to network, share knowledge and explore new products, services and research shaping the future of the profession.
For more information on RICS in Scotland, visit the RICS website.
