Bracewell has maintained strong momentum throughout the second quarter of 2026. Across architecture, masterplanning and energy, our focus remains on delivering thoughtful, high-quality design solutions that support communities across Scotland. This quarter has seen continued progress across a diverse range of housing, masterplanning and community-focused projects, alongside further investment in technical expertise and professional development across the team.
From affordable housing developments in Dingwall, Kirkwall and Kirkcaldy to strategic planning and Call for Sites activity across multiple local authority areas, our teams have continued to work closely with clients, consultants and stakeholders to help bring forward well-considered projects that respond to their setting and support long-term community needs.
The quarter also brought significant recognition for the practice, with Bracewell named Supporting Member of the Year at the 2026 Homes for Scotland Awards. This award reflects the collaborative approach that underpins our work and the contribution our team continues to make across Scotland’s housing sector.
As we move into the second half of the year, Bracewell continues to focus on thoughtful design, practical delivery and lasting value, working with clients and partners to shape buildings, places and communities that respond to Scotland’s changing needs.
Project Highlights
The second quarter of 2026 has seen continued progress across a range of projects supporting housing delivery, community development and long-term investment across Scotland.
Bracewell was proud to support Albyn Housing Society Ltd. in the delivery of 27 new affordable homes in Dingwall. Through design and planning services, the development has helped provide much-needed housing while creating homes that respond to local needs and contribute positively to the surrounding community.
We are also pleased to see further progress at the Walliwall development in Kirkwall, where Bracewell secured planning consent for the wider masterplan. The development will support the delivery of 41 new homes for ORKNEY HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED , providing a mix of homes for social rent, mid-market rent and affordable home ownership. This next phase represents continued investment in addressing housing need across the islands.
In Fife, plans are progressing for 56 new council homes at Boreland Road, Kirkcaldy. Having led the design of the Allanwater Homes development and secured planning permission, Bracewell is pleased to see the project move forward as part of Fife Council’s wider Affordable Housing Programme. The development will deliver a mix of homes, including general needs, amenity and wheelchair-accessible accommodation.
Beyond housing, Bracewell was pleased to support Oban Lorne RFC in securing planning approval for the next phase of its Community Sports Hub at Glencruitten. The approved proposals include the extension and redevelopment of the existing clubhouse, with new gym and physiotherapy facilities, enhanced changing accommodation and improved social spaces. The project will support the club’s continued growth while creating a more modern and accessible facility for sport, health and community use.
Together, these projects reflect the breadth of work being delivered across the practice and the continued importance of thoughtful design, planning and collaboration in creating places that support people and communities.
27 new affordable homes in Dingwall, Albyn Housing Society
Masterplanning & Call for Sites
Throughout the quarter, our masterplanning and development team has supported landowners, developers and communities through a range of site promotion and development planning opportunities, helping identify future development potential and shape long-term growth strategies.
This included South Lanarkshire Council’s Call for Sites consultation for Local Development Plan 3, which remains open until 18 September 2026 and will help inform how land is used and developed across the area over the next 10 years.
More recently, The City of Edinburgh Council has also launched its Call for Sites consultation as part of the preparation of the city’s next Local Development Plan. Running until 30 September 2026, the consultation invites landowners, communities, businesses, developers and their agents to put forward land for future development, helping shape the delivery of new homes, employment opportunities, infrastructure and community uses across Edinburgh.
Over the last 12 months, Bracewell has prepared 33 Call for Sites submissions across 10 local authority areas, comprising proposals for nearly 6,800 homes alongside commercial and other mixed-use developments.
If you are preparing a Call for Sites submission, promoting land through the planning system or would like to explore the development potential of a site, please get in touch with Mark Hamilton or Stephen Lynas FRIAS for an initial discussion.
Edinburgh City Council Call for Sites – South Lanarkshire Council Call for Sites
People, Learning & Development
Investing in our people and continuing to develop technical expertise remains an important part of how Bracewell operates across architecture, masterplanning and energy services.
This quarter, we are pleased to share that Paul Lockhart, Architectural Technologist in our Stirling studio, achieved Elmhurst Energy accreditation as an Approved 2D Psi Value Modeller. This specialist accreditation further strengthens our in-house energy capability and reflects the growing importance of building performance and low-energy design across the sector.
We were also pleased to welcome a work experience placement to Bracewell, providing an insight into life in an architectural practice and the different stages involved in developing a project from early ideas through to design, coordination and delivery. During the placement, they spent time with members of the team, reviewed live project material, visited site and developed their own small design project.
Alongside continued professional development and early careers engagement, the practice has also seen ongoing growth across a number of service areas. To support increasing workloads across housing and masterplanning projects, recruitment is currently underway for a Senior Architect, helping ensure we continue to provide the high-quality service and expertise our clients expect.
Stephen Lynas FRIAS, Business Development Manager at Bracewell, commented:
“Continuous learning is essential to maintaining the quality and relevance of our work. By investing in specialist skills, supporting professional progression and creating opportunities for the next generation, we are strengthening both our team and the service we provide to clients.”
Paul Lockhart, Architectural Technologist, achieved Elmhurst Energy accreditation as an Approved 2D Psi Value Modeller.
Community Engagement
Bracewell continues to support wider business, industry and charitable initiatives across Scotland.
This quarter, David Keith , Amanda MacRitchie and Lisa Middleton attended the Highland Business Dinner at the Drumossie Hotel in inverness, one of the key events in the Highland business calendar. The evening provided an opportunity to connect with businesses and organisations from across the region, while celebrating the continued growth, ambition and resilience of the Highlands business community.
Members of the Bracewell team also attended the 11th annual Dougall Baillie Associates Pub Quiz in Glasgow, a regular fixture in the industry calendar, held in support of the Beatson Cancer Charity. Competing alongside 24 teams from across the industry, the Bracewell team was pleased to take first place on the evening.
Events such as these remain important in strengthening relationships, supporting good causes and contributing to the wider business and industry communities we work within.
Pictured left to right: Alasdair McKay, Mark Hamilton, Graham Mowat, Tom Widdows, David Keith and Sarah McKenzie.
Industry Perspective
Housing delivery continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing Scotland. Increasing demand for affordable homes, pressure on infrastructure and the need for long-term strategic planning all continue to shape the discussion around how new places are planned, designed and delivered.
Throughout the quarter, Bracewell has supported housing and development projects at a range of scales, from affordable homes in Dingwall, Kirkwall and Kirkcaldy to strategic land promotion and Call for Sites submissions across multiple local authority areas. While each project is different, they are connected by a shared focus on creating well-considered places that respond to local need and deliver long-term value.
Collaboration remains central to this process. Local authorities, housing associations, developers, consultants and communities all have an important role to play in bringing forward successful development. As Scotland continues to address housing demand, delivery will depend not only on identifying suitable sites, but on creating places supported by the infrastructure, services and connections required for communities to thrive.
Reflecting on the quarter, David Keith & Amanda MacRitchie, Senior Partners at Bracewell, commented:
“Q2 has reflected the breadth of work being delivered across the practice, from affordable housing and masterplanning to community-focused projects and technical expertise. The Homes for Scotland award was a real highlight, but what stands out most is the continued collaboration across our team, clients and partners. As we move into the second half of the year, our focus remains on delivering thoughtful, practical solutions that create lasting value for communities across Scotland.”
If you are exploring a new project or would like to discuss how Bracewell could support your plans, we would be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch with Stephen Lynas FRIAS or start a conversation here: bracewell.co/contact
