After Holyrood: has Scottish architecture lost its verve?

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In partnership with The Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland

When the Scottish Parliament building opened in 2004, it combined architectural ambition with high public visibility, alongside intense scrutiny of cost and delivery. It represented a significant investment in civic identity and long-term public value.

Twenty-two years on, how has that experience shaped public projects in Scotland? This discussion considers whether Holyrood strengthened a culture of design that prioritises long-term value, or whether its legacy has encouraged more cautious approaches to procurement, cost and risk. Has ambition been sustained, reshaped, or constrained? The panel brings together perspectives from practice, policy and academia to reflect on future directions.

Panellists:

Libby Heathcote is President of The Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland and is also an Associate Director / Architect for Reiach and Hall Architects where she has worked for over 20 years since completing her studies in 1999. Libby has lectured on professional practice and procurement for 20 years at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, where she was also a board member.

Paul Stallan is design director of Stallan-Brand, a leading architectural practice that has delivered transformative projects across Scotland and the UK. He is committed to addressing poverty, wellbeing and hope through regenerative design that connects places with opportunity. Paul has realised projects like Glasgow's Commonwealth Games Village, the Falkirk Wheel, major school and university projects and was part of the team that delivered the Scottish Parliament building.