The Scottish Housing Podcast

Graham Simpson, MSP, shares his journey into politics, discussing his early interest in political issues and his career as a journalist. he reflects on his time as a local councillor and the importance of cross-party collaboration in addressing housing issues. The conversation delves into the challenges of student accommodation, affordability, and the need for a dedicated cabinet secretary for housing. Additionally, they explore the significance of maintaining tenement properties and the complexities of enforcing communal responsibilities among property owners.

In the modern fast moving world of 24/7 news cycles where everything has to be summed up in 240 characters, it can be difficult to take the time to look ahead and forecast what's to come.   With all the electoral turmoil across the states and the potential impact upon our economy and more, Steven and I took a moment to sit down, take a breath and discuss what 2025 might bring.   We start with the macro world view and funel that down to how it may impact housing here in Scotland.

CBRE are one of the leading property advisory firms in the world and therefore when an executive director of CBRE UK sits down for a chat it's always worth a listen.   Steven and I are joined for the first podcast of 2025 by Chris Dougray, Head of Development Scotland at CBRE to chat all things property.   We found it fascinating and we hope you do too.

Glasgow City Heritage Trust gives out almost £1million in funding each year to help people in Glasgow protect, repair and promote the city’s historic buildings and places. Through their conservation grants programmes people will enjoy, understand and care for Glasgow’s historic built environment and will be able to access funding and expertise which will ensure the sustainability of the city’s heritage for current and future generations. Niall has nearly 20 years experience as an architect and is heavily involved in heritage, conservation and community issues in Glasgow being current Chair of Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust – the largest meanwhile use in Scotland – and Vice Chair for the Pollokshields Trust – a community anchor organisation set up following the ‘Make Your Mark’ East Pollokshields and Port Eglinton Charrette in 2016 which Niall helped secure funding for. Niall has won the Glasgow Doors Open Day Excellence Award for Inspiring City Tour (2017), the Glasgow Doors Open Day Above and Beyond Award (2014), the Sir Robert Lorimer Award for Sketching (1996) and, in addition to nominations for Saltire Awards and GIA Awards was nominated for the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Award for Civic Champion in 2015. Niall regularly lectures on architecture, heritage and urban design issues.

If you or your family have lived in a tenement at any time in the West of Scotland you will have a pretty good idea about what a property factor is and what they do.  Elsewhere across Scotland it's likely that you'll know of the work of a factor if you live in modern flats or an estate of modern homes.  But for many a property factor may be a thing you've heard of but you're not really sure what it is - well we're here to explain.   Paul McDermott owns a property factor company and is a director of the trade body - The Property Manager's Association and he's on the podcast to explain all.