Tag: transformation

First Minister digs in on Granton’s Waterfront

‘WE’LL TRANSFORM THIS FORMAL INDUSTRIAL SITE INTO A NEW COASTAL TOWN AND COMMUNITY’ – COUNCIL LEADER JANE MEAGHER

First Minister John Swinney has marked the start of construction on one of Scotland’s largest net zero housing developments as part of the latest chapter of Granton Waterfront regeneration,

The development will provide 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, 14 commercial units and a new primary school on former industrial land.

It is part of a wider £1.3 billion transformation of Edinburgh’s waterfront that will create 3,500 homes, new leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.

The First Minister joined local school pupils at the site, including young people who have benefited from construction courses supported through Scottish Government investment in Granton’s regeneration.

John Swinney said: “This is one of the largest regeneration projects Scotland has seen in decades and a major vote of confidence in Edinburgh’s future.

“For years, people have looked across this waterfront and seen disused industrial land. Today, we are laying the foundations for a new community that will be home to thousands of people.

“Through our investment, hundreds of families will have affordable, energy-efficient homes as we transform Edinburgh’s waterfront into a thriving neighbourhood with new homes, schools and businesses.

“We are putting the people of Granton at the heart of this transformation, with better transport links, new green spaces, apprenticeships, skills training and investment in local organisations.”

Jane Meagher, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a big step forward for Granton and the whole city, as construction begins on the first phase of one of the largest public sector led regeneration projects of its time.

“Through our joint efforts we’ll transform this former industrial site into a new coastal town and community. It’s important that those living in neighbouring communities benefit from the investment we’re making in the area.

“Our Place Accelerator approach will ensure residents see the benefits, including more green spaces to enjoy and opportunities for local young people to gain hands on construction skills and qualifications through work on site.”

Telford College

Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, which works with Cruden Homes to deliver Granton Waterfront Construction Pathway courses for school and college pupils, said: “Edinburgh College has been at the heart of the Granton community for many years and we’re delighted to be involved in the next stage of its regeneration.

“Not only will this project provide hundreds of new homes in the area, this is already providing hundreds of opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in the construction industry.

“These opportunities could be transformative for our learners – allowing them to gain vital skills and develop a career in the sector.”

More information about Granton Waterfront’s regeneration 

5.6 million taxpayers check their pay in the HMRC app an average of 18 times a year

  • 5.6 million taxpayers checked their pay in the HMRC app last year a total of 100 million times – equivalent to 18 times each a year.
  • The app had 7.6 million unique users and 2.8 million new users in 2025 to 2026.
  • HMRC transformation is on track – with digital services taking off, and outdated communication being phased out.

Millions of taxpayers are choosing to go digital and check their pay via the HMRC app, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals the service was used almost 100 million times last year.

Publishing its Transformation Roadmap – Update, HMRC is setting out how it is transforming and modernising the way taxpayers interact with HMRC’s services, while also making tax easier to understand and simpler to engage with.

The department highlights how its top-ranked app has been used by 7.6 million people in 2025 to 2026 – up 28% on the previous year, with user experience improved in recent months. HMRC has an ambitious target to reach 10 million users by April 2027.

That means one-in-seven Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxpayers have now used HMRC app to check their pay before it lands in their bank accounts, allowing them to plan and understand their finances better.

The HMRC app is driving the digital-first agenda. The app allows customers to check their pay before pay day and check their National Insurance number, tax code, income and benefits, and users can make Self Assessment payments, track letters, get tax estimates and more.

The number of letters HMRC has issued to customers has reduced by 15 million in the last 3 years and call waiting times have almost halved over the last 2 years, down to an average of around 12 and a half minutes.

Speaking at the Institute for Government this week, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Dan Tomlinson MP set out how HMRC is transforming the way it supports its customers. He also announced that HMRC will bring an end to the era of post by default.

From summer 2027, over 100 personal tax letters, that currently account for more than half of the 120 million letters HMRC sends every year, will be available digitally for the first time.

The department has committed to reducing the number of postal letters issued by up to 75% by 2028 to 2029, saving £50 million a year and giving customers faster, simpler ways to manage their tax.

One year on from publishing its five-year Transformation Roadmap, key reforms already delivered include:

  • giving taxpayers more ways to manage their money by enhancing the HMRC app
  • encouraging up-to-date record-keeping with the first phase Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax for sole traders and landlords with a qualifying income of above £50,000
  • 20 million people used their Personal Tax Account and achieved 80% of customer interactions through automated or digital self-serve channels in 2025 to 2026, compared with around 65% in 2020 to 2021
  • making it easier to sign up to HMRC’s digital services for one million new customers through the rollout of GOV.UK One Login

More than 350,000 sole traders and landlords have already signed up to MTD for Income Tax. Launched in April 2026, it is the most significant change to how many customers interact with the tax system in 30 years.

Around 2 million businesses already using MTD for VAT have found that keeping digital records means an average saving of 26 to 40 hours on administrative tasks a year.

Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “HMRC is transforming so that dealing with the tax system is simpler, faster and more convenient. We’re making big progress, and I hope people will download the HMRC app to see how well it works for themselves.

“There is more to do, but this is an important milestone on our journey towards a modern tax authority that saves people time, supports economic growth and helps ensure everyone pays the right tax.”

JP Marks, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said: “This roadmap updates on the progress we have made in year one of HMRC’s transformation and openly sets out our plans for the future.

“We are determined to go further, transforming digital customer experiences and strengthening our foundations for a more modern and secure tax, customs and valuation system. We are answering phones faster, collecting more debt, with tax receipts and HMRC yield up at record levels, with more to come.

“We remain focussed on delivering an improved service for our customers and bringing in the revenue that underpins the vital public services on which we all depend, and I hope this roadmap helps explain the progress we have made, and our next steps.”

The roadmap update also highlights how HMRC is investing in AI technologies to identify non-compliance earlier and more precisely. Several private sector organisations are currently on a 12-month programme to test AI-driven solutions to tackle non-compliance and help close the tax gap.

Following the integration of the Valuation Office (VO) into HMRC in April 2026, the VO’s plans to become a digital-first, high-trust organisation are now included in the HMRC roadmap.

The progress HMRC has made during the first 12 months underpins the ambitious plan to deliver a modernised tax and customs system that works for everyone, with planned activity for the year ahead focusing on further improving customer experience and strengthening compliance.

The Transformation Roadmap – Update 2026 can be found on GOV.UK

Historic Leith bingo hall is set to be transformed into student hub

A historic Leith landmark – once an industrial mill, later a cinema and most recently a bingo hall – is set for a new lease of life as a 200-bed student accommodation development.

JLL has brought the Manderston Street site, located just off Leith Walk, to market offering developers and investors the opportunity to a create high-quality, sustainable student living community in one of Edinburgh’s most characterful districts.

The building, which has been renamed The Grainworks, already benefits from planning consent for the transformation of the existing building into contemporary purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). A feasibility study has also been undertaken to explore the possibility of delivering a co-living scheme, depending on developer appetite.

The design, by Oberlanders Architects, celebrates the building’s heritage by utilising much of the original structure while introducing modern, light-filled spaces around a landscaped central courtyard. 

The main entrance to the accommodation will open onto a new public realm that links directly to Leith Walk with the former railway viaduct and arches bordering the site to the north along Manderston Street.

The proposed scheme features a mix of cluster and studio apartments, complemented by shared amenities including study lounges, social spaces, a gym and outdoor areas. It has been designed to achieve PassivHaus (EnerPhit) sustainability standards, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon, adaptive reuse within Scotland’s student housing market.

Once complete, the development will add to the ongoing regeneration of Leith, now one of Edinburgh’s most desirable neighbourhoods, known for its independent cafés, restaurants and creative scene, all just a short tram ride from the city centre.

Ewan Scott, Development & Regeneration Associate at JLL, said: “This scheme really captures the spirit of modern Leith, preserving the area’s history while giving it fresh purpose.

“Transforming a building that’s been part of the community for generations into a vibrant new home feels like the perfect next chapter.

“With planning already in place and a design that celebrates sustainability and heritage, The Grainworks offers a standout development opportunity in one of Edinburgh’s most exciting neighbourhoods.”

Musselburgh grandad reconnects with family after remarkable hearing transformation

DREW Johnson spent three decades in the security industry, keeping a watchful eye on offices and factories across Scotland.

But later in life, the Paisley-born grandad realised his own senses were fading, leaving him ‘switched off’ from the people who mattered most – his family.

Thanks to the work of Specsavers Musselburgh, the 79-year-old is celebrating a ‘remarkable’ two-month transformation after receiving life-changing hearing devices that has brought the sound back to his home and hobbies.

Before seeking help, Drew struggled with great difficulty in busy environments. Recently, he moved from Dundee to live with his daughter Lynn in Musselburgh, which made the issue impossible to ignore, as the bustling household became a challenge to navigate.

‘I was missing the high notes and the low notes’ says Drew. ‘I found myself looking at people’s lips just to understand what they were saying.

“I was worried, and I was annoyed at myself. I just couldn’t believe how small the hearing devices were when I saw them – the stigma of them being off-putting is totally gone.’

Drew visited audiologist Jonathan Bell at the Specsavers Musselburgh store on the High Street. Jonathan diagnosed significant hearing loss in both ears and fitted Drew with discreet, modern hearing devices. 

The result was an immediate return to independence and even allowed him to answer his phone with a simple tap of his ear.

As a thank you for Drew’s commitment to his clinical journey and to showcase the brand’s dedication to long-term customer aftercare, drew was gifted a TV Connector worth £229.

The device allows Drew to watch his favourite team, Dundee United, and stream crime dramas, such as Blue Bloods and Chicago Fire, with total clarity directly into his hearing devices without adjusting the volume for the rest of the room.

Jonathan Bell, director of Edinburgh Specsavers Hearcare and the audiologist who led Drew’s care, says: ‘What makes Drew’s story so special is the family aspect.

‘Seeing Drew joined by both his daughters, Lynn and Laura, shows how hearing loss doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects the whole support network.

‘Drew’s journey from being ‘annoyed’ by his hearing loss to being ‘delighted’ and independent is why we are so passionate about looking after our community’s hearing.’

For Drew’s daughter, Lynn, the change has been emotional. She says: ‘He’s so much more involved now. At the dinner table, he’s back in the heart of the conversation instead of being switched off.

“Seeing him have that confidence back at his Friday morning club is amazing.’

Drew is now using his experience to help others, frequently assisting fellow members at a club with their own tablets and phones – all while enjoying the ‘perfect’ sound he thought he had lost for good.

Specsavers offers services across optometry and audiology. With ongoing training and development opportunities, the stores are committed to investing in their teams and helping customers.

To book a hearing check, you can visit Jonathan and his team at the https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/camerontoll or call 0131 672 9218.

Please note: The centralised diary management system means that by calling the Cameron Toll team on 0131 672 9218, patients can conveniently book appointments at any of our Specsavers locations across the greater Edinburgh area.

Fort Kinnaird to welcome new line-up of popular brands in time for Christmas

Fort Kinnaird has announced a major transformation that will bring a host of much-loved retailers to the centre, with some set to open in time for Christmas.

The centre’s Eastern Terrace is getting a fresh new look, with premium beauty brand Rituals and popular card and gifting retailer Clintons confirmed to be joining the line-up – with a third high-profile brand set to be announced shortly.

A number of much-loved stores already based at the centre will also be getting a design refresh. Specsavers has already reopened in its newly refurbished space, with a revamped Costa Coffee set to launch inside Next in the coming months, providing the opportunity to take a pause while shopping with family or friends.

It’s all part of a wider refurbishment of the centre which will deliver more than 20,000 sq ft of upgraded space – allowing even more great stores for shoppers to explore.

Liam Smith, centre direct at Fort Kinnaird, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Fort Kinnaird. We’re continuing to invest in the centre to bring even more of the brands our visitors love, alongside giving some of our most popular retailers a fantastic new look.

“Whether you’re coming to the centre for everyday essentials or planning a full day out, these changes are all about creating the best possible experience – with more choice, more style, and more reasons to visit time and time again. We can’t wait for shoppers to enjoy what’s coming next.”

This announcement follows a successful year at Fort Kinnaird, during which the park unveiled nine new retailers, totaling 36,200 sq ft, with an additional 37,000 sq ft currently under offer.

Recent additions include European fashion powerhouse Mango, global sportswear leader Adidas, and family-focused crafts and stationery brand The Works. The line-up will also soon be joined by popular chicken chain Popeyes, which was recently announced.

A phased reopening of the redeveloped Eastern Terrace will commence in October 2025 with the works due to fully complete in Spring 2026. 

Conveniently located off the A1, Fort Kinnaird offers 2,600 free car parking spaces, Shopmobility and over 70 shops and restaurants, ensuring an enjoyable and varied shopping experience for all visitors.

Communities ‘to seize control over high streets and restore pride’

Local communities will be handed new powers to revitalise their high streets and restore pride in their towns

  • Communities will be handed unprecedented new powers to seize boarded shops, save derelict pubs and block gambling and vape shops on their high street. 
  • Prime Minister to announce “Pride in Place” Programme with historic funding to invest in over 330 of our most overlooked communities. 
  • The measures form the largest transfer of power from Whitehall to communities in history through the Plan for Change.

People will be given the power to revitalise their neglected high streets, create new spaces for young people and take back control of derelict pubs, to breathe new life into neglected communities up and down the country. 

Communities will be handed new powers to seize boarded up shops, save their treasured local pubs or libraries and clean up the eyesores in their area.  

Local people will finally have the powers to put things right after years of decline – an inheritance the government is determined to fix through the Plan for Change.   

This is about choosing a future where communities are empowered to come together, rather than be divided, and where renewal is chosen over decline. 
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will unveil the Pride in Place programme – an unprecedented programme backed by record funding – that lets local people call the shots on where and how money is spent in their communities, restoring local pride and helping them reclaim their streets.  

For far too long, communities have been dictated to rather than in control of their own destiny. This week marks a new way of governing. By choosing renewal over decline, this government is delivering lasting change working people will feel.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed said: “When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.  

“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.  

“The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.  

“That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”

The nationwide Pride in Place programme – which will be unveiled by the Prime Minister today (Thursday, 25 September) – will deliver a record investment and support over 330 communities in total.

It will tackle deep-rooted deprivation and regional inequality through wide-ranging action, including:

  • Community Right to Buy: handing local people the power to buy beloved assets, helping them turn around derelict pubs, create new parks and regenerate treasured spaces in the heart of their communities.  
  • Compulsory Purchase powers: allowing communities in England to acquire assets and eyesores like boarded up shops and derelict abandoned businesses, allowing new local start-ups to thrive. For larger sites – like disused department stores or abandoned office blocks – it could even see new health centres opening up, or local housing to help reach our target of 1.5 million homes. 
  • Power to block unwanted shops: empowering councils in England to say no to new betting shops, vapes stores and fake barbers.  
  • Giving residents the power: we will only approve spending if community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions on how the money should be spent – putting real power in local hands and giving them a proper say over their community.

The Westminster government is looking at new powers that would give communities more control over where betting shops can open, and how many there can be in one area.

This is about giving people a say over their high street, particularly where there are high numbers of these types of shop already, not blocking these shops altogether.  

They are also looking at accelerating ways communities can take ownership of empty shops – helping to give them a greater say over what’s on their high streets, so they don’t just end up with rows of vape shops, gambling shops and barbers. The government is already bringing in new laws to crack down on dodgy vape shops through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. 

The Labour government will only approve spending if Pride in Place Boards have genuinely engaged their communities, so that community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions on how the money should be spent. 

We (the UK Government) are announcing a raft of new powers and programmes to empower communities across the UK. Please note that some powers and programmes will not apply in every nation of the UK.  

The Pride in Place funding will be delivered in England, Scotland and Wales, with corresponding funding provided to Northern Ireland.

The government will be working closely with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to design specific programmes which put the principles of the strategy of community engagement at the centre.

Further detail on Northern Ireland, including support for Belfast, will follow.

Construction work begins on iconic Jenners building

GRAHAM appointed to reinstate one of the world’s oldest department stores

Leading construction firm GRAHAM has begun construction work on the historic Jenners building on Princes Street, to transform the location into a contemporary mixed-use space.

The development encompasses 17,500 square metres across ten floors. The plans include the restoration of Jenners and will feature its iconic atrium. The upper floors will house a new 90-room boutique hotel, along with vibrant café, bars and restaurant spaces that will complement the Jenners building’s future offerings. GRAHAM has been appointed to carry out the shell and core works.

 please see here for drone footage.

The plans for this Category A-listed structure, led by David Chipperfield Architects, focus on a sensitive restoration that will revive many original features lost over time. The Jenners building first opened in 1895 and was expanded in 1903, with further additions in the 1950s and 60s. It closed its doors in December 2020.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: “Edinburgh is a globally renowned city with a thriving hotel and leisure sector that draws visitors from around the world.

“It is exciting to see such an ambitious development taking shape, marking a new chapter for one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings.

“GRAHAM is proud to contribute to this historic transformation. Our team’s expertise will ensure a sensitive restoration as we work to bring the new vision for this landmark to life.

“We thank the owners of Jenners for believing in us and providing us with this great opportunity”.

Queen Margaret Uni transforms its teaching and learning spaces

Queen Margaret University’s attractive modern campus, which was built in Musselburgh in 2007, is undergoing a significant transformation which will see the development of exciting new teaching and learning spaces.

The Future Spaces project involves the revitalisation of some of the University’s most important learning and teaching spaces to help ensure QMU meets the changing needs of students and staff.

The work also aims to support QMU’s ambitions to refresh, enhance and modernise the campus so that it continues to attract prospective students and supports the growth of the university. 

With an investment of £2.1 million, students and staff can expect to see a dramatic change to the Learning Resource Centre and some ground floor classroom areas, which will ultimately expand capacity for self-directed and collaborative student learning and informal teaching activity.

The enhancement and repurposing of spaces will also provide more flexible use of key areas of the building and a wider choice of more comfortable, vibrant, and sociable study space options. Some of the changes will also provide increased capacity for larger practical group work, which will provide greater flexibility with timetabling and support the delivery of high demand courses. 

Bruce Laing, Director of Campus Services, explained: “Queen Margaret University already has an attractive, bright, modern campus development, but it’s important that we continue investing in our buildings to ensure they reflect changes in the way students work and developments in the way we teach.

“Essentially, we want to create welcoming and comfortable study and teaching spaces where students want to be, and which will support and enhance their learning. Aside from supporting current students studying at the University, the investment will help us to remain competitive in our ability to attract prospective students.”

A range of stakeholder engagement took place across the university through workshops, surveys and feedback sessions to help shape the plans and deliver attractive, flexible spaces which would inspire, motivate and support students to fully engage in a diverse range of learning opportunities.

The renovation work involves the transformation of the Learning Resource Centre to create spaces which support social learning through collaborative and peer-group projects, and flexible spaces which support a diversity of informal teaching and supervision activity.

Bruce Laing continued: “We are delighted to be working with Morris & Spottiswood in the transformation of the building spaces, and it is hoped that the full first phase of the project will be completed by mid-September, allowing our students to take full advantage of the new spaces in their first semester.

“We are also excited about showcasing our new interior spaces to hundreds of prospective students and their families at our September and October open days this year. More importantly, we are confident that the current transformation of learning and teaching spaces will help us enhance the student experience so that students are well equipped to go out into the world and make a difference.”

David Thorn, Operations Director at Morris & Spottiswood said: “Our aim is to create places where people can thrive, and this project really seeks to deliver such spaces, so we are thrilled to be involved. 

“All stakeholders are committed to successful delivery, and we have experienced true commitment to partnership working across our team, Designers ADP Architecture, Project Managers HD Property Consultants and the wider project delivery team.”

Professor David Stevenson, Dean of the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management and Project Sponsor, concluded: “This is an exciting, creative project for the University which, after two years of work, will now revitalise and improve our learning environment.

“We are pleased that our partner Morris & Spottiswood is providing the excellent support that we need to deliver our vision and that they share our commitment to ensuring the QMU environment is a happy, productive and enjoyable place to be.”

Welcome Home: First residents celebrate milestone moment at Deans South

Work to regenerate Livingston housing estate reaches highly anticipated completion of the first homes

The transformation of a once condemned housing estate in Livingston is celebrating a historic milestone with the official handover of the first few new homes.

Leading housebuilder, Springfield, has presented the keys to the first new residents of Deans South, many of whom have waited over 20 years for this moment. After a fault was identified in the concrete of the original homes, the estate was earmarked for demolition in 2004 and the area fell into disrepair.

The first handovers have taken place within a highly anticipated regeneration project from Springfield to deliver high-quality affordable and private new homes across the 2.9 acre site, giving the community a new lease of life.

To mark the milestone moment, Deans South veteran, Kerry Macintosh was joined by the Springfield team and Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston as she collected her keys and took the significant step over the threshold into her brand-new home.

Kerry bought her three-bed home on the estate in 2002 but in 2004, West Lothian Council condemned the site and earmarked it for demolition.

Unable to move, Kerry remained on the site to fight for a fair deal for herself and the remaining homeowners. Now, 20 years later and with the transformation of the site well under way, Kerry has received the keys to her long-awaited new home.

Kerry Macintosh said: “Having waited for this day for over 20 years, I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. It’s hard to put into words how it felt to be handed the keys and to take the very first steps into my brand new home, it was a mixture of relief and pure joy.

“The whole team at Springfield have been amazing. They have been an enormous support over the last eight years and have been determined to find a way forward even when we were all frustrated and things seemed bleak. A safe and secure home in a thriving community is all I’ve ever wanted and we’re finally in a position to make this happen.

“I can’t wait to get settled into my new home!”

Springfield and one of the UK’s largest builders of social rented homes, Wheatley Group, signed a deal worth £9.7 million in June 2023 to drive the regeneration of the site. Construction is underway for 55 high-quality new homes, of which 46 are affordable homes while the other nine private homes will be built for existing homeowners.

All of the private homes will be handed over to residents along with the first affordable homes next month.

The properties have been built by Springfield using sustainable timber kits constructed off-site at their timber kit factory and are extremely energy efficient, using air source heat pumps. The homes for social housing have been delivered for tenants of Wheatley Homes East, part of Wheatley Group. 

Tom Leggeat, Springfield Partnerships Managing Director, said: “Handing the keys to brand new homes to the people that have lived in an abandoned estate for so many years marks a momentous moment in the story of Deans South. We are incredibly proud to have played a pivotal role in delivering high-quality and energy efficient homes that the community deserve.

“It has been a journey to say the least, and these new homes now stand as testament to our commitment to deliver much-needed social rented homes, as well as our promise to provide a ‘home for a home’ for those who have lived in Deans South for decades.

“We were delighted to watch Kerry take the first steps in her new home after years of tireless campaigning and we’re looking forward to watching the neighbourhood come to life as our new community members settle in.”

Hannah Bardell MP for Livingston added: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Deans South residents at this exciting time.

“I have worked on behalf of Deans South residents for a number of years now and I know what this new development means to them. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved and I wish the residents the very best in their new homes.”

Charity calls on First Minister to back young people as the solution to transforming the nation’s dying high streets 

Scottish charity TechFest is calling on First Minister Humza Yousaf to support its vision of transforming high streets throughout Scotland before it is too late, and they die completely.

TechFest promotes STEM to school pupils throughout Scotland. The TechFest Blueprint Challenge is back this year to support all S3 – S6 pupils as they play their role in saving the country’s high streets.  

The competition, aligned with the CREST Awards and grounded in STEM, asks students to come up with realistic ideas for regenerating failing high streets.

Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Scotland’s high streets are dying, and regenerating them is a huge challenge. We need the First Minister’s help to place this at the forefront of the national and local agenda.

“Young people and their fresh perspectives deserve to be heard by decision-makers and they might just have the answers and ideas that will help transform high streets throughout the country.”

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Scottish Charity, TechFest, is urging the First Minister Humza Yousaf to get behind its goal and ambition to help transform high streets throughout the country.

Following a successful pilot year which brought a range of creative designs by students across Scotland, TechFest is once again challenging secondary school students across the country to redesign their high streets as part of TechFest’s Blueprint Challenge: A Future High Street.

TechFest’s Blueprint Challenge is a collaboration with Bluewater, a specialist private equity firm focused on global energy. The initiative has been developed through Bluewater’s charitable division to inspire children to think about future energy and how this can be integral to a better environment and social agendas.

However, this year as pupils return to school, the charity has written to the First Minister urging him to help raise awareness and drive positive engagement with Local Authority planners throughout the country to support the regeneration of Scottish high streets and give young people a seat at the decision-making table.

Bringing life back to the high street has been a hugely challenging task for local authorities and TechFest’s Blueprint Challenge has been designed to champion ideas that can help regenerate towns and cities throughout the country.

The competition is open to all S3 – S6 students who want to share their ideas on how to create a high street that allows society to thrive while celebrating the natural world at the same time.

Pupils are asked to take into consideration ‘’modern problems’’ surrounding architecture, economic stability, power generation and consumption, and how they can bring energy, technology and nature together to create a high street that meets Net Zero targets and encourages nature and community to grow.

The goal is a modern and progressive high street that is not simply about retail.

Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “We need the First Minister’s help to place the transformation of our high streets at the forefront of the national and local agenda.  

“In the past decade there have been continued discussions, debates and reports on how to transform our high streets and make them fit for the future but despite various thought-provoking think tanks and reports, sadly we have seen little to no action.  

“The Scottish high street is in crisis, and we need urgent action to save them, that is why the TechFest Blueprint Challenge is a huge opportunity to champion the youth voice and help transform how we use our high streets.  

“Young people deserve to be heard and we need the First Minister to bring our high streets further up the agenda and help us develop more positive and meaningful engagement with local authorities across Scotland.”  

Schools have until September 11th to register a team ahead of the project launch on September 12th.  

Teams will work together to create a project summary by the end of November, followed by a presentation day in December, where they will display their projects to a panel of experts, with a further opportunity to display their work as part of TechFest’s Science Festival in May 2024.  

The competition is curriculum-aligned, and students and teachers will receive comprehensive support materials, including a series of online webinars with industry professionals and an opportunity for students to showcase their skills to the local community.

“Scotland has a strong heritage for innovation and shaping the modern world,” Sarah Chew added.

“The TechFest Blueprint challenge offers a huge opportunity to develop progressive and ground-breaking ideas that can be held up as best-practice throughout the world, whilst engaging with young people in a fun, meaningful and impactful way.”