Bracewell has maintained strong momentum throughout the third quarter of 2026. Across architecture, masterplanning and energy, our teams have continued to support clients and partners on projects throughout Scotland, while strengthening our technical capability and contributing to the wider conversations shaping the built environment.
This quarter has seen further progress at Global’s new headquarters at Inverness Campus, the opening of Bayne’s the Family Bakers new Gordon Street shop in Glasgow and industry recognition for the conversion of Drummond Hill in Inverness. Alongside project delivery, Bracewell was also ranked first on Link Group’s four-year Energy Advisor Services Framework for new-build housing, reflecting the continued growth of our integrated energy services.
Our masterplanning and development team has also remained active across Scotland, with 33 Call for Sites submissions prepared across 10 local authority areas over the last 12 months, supporting proposals for around 6,800 homes alongside education, retail, community and mixed-use development.
As we move into the final quarter of the year, our focus remains on thoughtful design, practical delivery and long-term value, working collaboratively with clients and partners to shape buildings, places and communities across Scotland.
Project Highlights
The third quarter of 2026 has seen continued progress across a range of projects, from a major new commercial headquarters in Inverness to retail and conservation work in Glasgow and the Highlands.
Global Headquarters, Inverness Campus
Global’s new headquarters at Inverness Campus continues to take shape, with Bracewell supporting the delivery of Global’s vision for the 2,000m² commercial workspace.
As lead architects, Bracewell has worked closely with Global and Capstone Construction, the principal contractor, to develop a contemporary headquarters that places people, collaboration and long-term flexibility at the heart of the design. The building will bring Global group businesses together across office accommodation, meeting rooms and shared social spaces designed to support different ways of working.
During Q3, the external character of the building has continued to emerge, with bespoke cladding being installed to the south-facing elevation to create the distinctive pixelated treatment around the main entrance. Internally, the fit-out is also progressing across the office and meeting spaces as the project moves towards completion later this year.
Sustainability has been considered throughout the design, with air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic readiness, passive ventilation and EV charging incorporated to support the building’s long-term environmental performance.
Bayne’s, Gordon Street, Glasgow
The new Bayne’s the Family Bakers shop on Gordon Street opened during Q3, continuing a longstanding relationship that has seen Bracewell support the family business across more than 70 locations throughout Scotland.
Located directly opposite Glasgow Central Station, the project has brought a prominent city-centre unit back into use as a bright, contemporary retail space while working with elements of the existing building fabric. The new frontage gives Bayne’s a strong presence on one of Glasgow’s busiest pedestrian routes.
The Gordon Street opening marks Bayne’s eighth Glasgow location, has created 18 new jobs and forms part of the family business’s wider £11 million investment and expansion programme.
Drummond Hill, Inverness
We were also pleased to see Tulloch Homes’ Mineral Collection at Drummond Hill, Inverness, shortlisted in the Conversion of the Year category at The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2026.
Bracewell provided the architectural design for the conversion of the Category B listed Victorian mansion house, creating six individual apartments while retaining the character and significance of the original building.
The design brings together the mansion’s distinctive façade, original oak staircase, decorative fireplaces, ornate cornicing and oak panelling with considered contemporary interventions, giving the building a sustainable new residential use while respecting its historic fabric.
Projects of this nature require a careful balance between conservation, adaptation and contemporary design, and it is rewarding to see that approach recognised by the industry.
Masterplanning & Call for Sites
Throughout the quarter, our masterplanning and development team has continued to support landowners, developers and communities through site assessment, promotion strategy and Local Development Plan activity across Scotland.
Over the last 12 months, Bracewell has prepared 33 Call for Sites submissions across 10 local authority areas, supporting proposals for around 6,800 homes alongside education, retail, community and mixed-use development.
Q3 included continued Call for Sites activity in Edinburgh and South Lanarkshire, with North Lanarkshire also inviting landowners, developers, community organisations and other stakeholders to put forward land for potential inclusion in its next Local Development Plan.
Our approach combines planning insight, policy understanding and contextual analysis with clear strategy and creative thinking, helping clients understand development potential and position land effectively within the planning process.
If you are considering the potential of a site, promoting land through the planning system or preparing a Call for Sites submission, please get in touch with Mark Hamilton or Stephen Lynas FRIAS for an initial discussion.
People, Learning & Development
Supporting professional development and helping the next generation understand the opportunities available within architecture and the wider built environment remains an important part of how Bracewell operates.
During Q3, we welcomed Emma to Bracewell for a work placement with our architectural team. Having completed her first year studying Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier University, Emma spent time gaining practical experience of working within an architectural practice.
During her placement, Emma worked with measured survey information and existing drawings, developing these digitally and gaining a better understanding of how the skills and knowledge developed at university are applied to live architectural projects.
Bracewell also supported Developing the Young Workforce’s #NoWrongPath campaign, highlighting the wide range of routes our team has taken into architecture, masterplanning and energy. University, college, technical education, workplace experience and changes in direction can all form part of a rewarding career journey.
By sharing these experiences and providing opportunities to spend time in practice, we hope to help young people build confidence and better understand the different career pathways available across the built environment.
Community Engagement
Bracewell continued to support charitable, business and industry initiatives throughout the quarter.
In September, nine members of Team Bracewell completed the 21-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk Mighty Stride in support of Team Team Jak Foundation. Stephen Lynas FRIAS, John Foster, Paul Lockhart, Brodie Foster, Mark Hamilton, Blair Foster, Timothy Crone, Kerr Arnold and David Lawrie took on the route through Edinburgh, raising £3,000 to support children and young people with cancer, their families and those who have been bereaved.
Closer to our Inverness studio, Partner Lisa Middleton and Business Development Manager Stephen Lynas FRIAS attended the 2026 Highland Spotlight Exhibition at the Drumossie Hotel as part of Highland Business Week. Hosted by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together businesses from across the region and provided an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and make new connections across the Highlands.
Bracewell also continued to engage with the wider planning and housing sectors during the quarter, with Stephen Lynas FRIAS and Mark Hamilton attending the RTPI Scotland Conference in Glasgow, and Stephen, and Mark representing the practice at the Homes for Scotland Annual Conference in Edinburgh.
These events provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, maintain strong industry relationships and contribute to discussions around the future of Scotland’s places and communities.
Industry Perspective
Housing delivery remained one of the most significant issues facing Scotland throughout Q3, with continued discussion around the availability of effective housing land, infrastructure, planning resources, viability and the ability to translate housing ambition into completed homes.
Research highlighted by Homes for Scotland during the quarter reinforced concerns around the future housing pipeline and the need to focus not only on targets, but on the conditions required to bring forward deliverable sites.
For Bracewell, this aligns closely with our work across architecture, masterplanning and energy. Successful housing delivery requires land, planning, infrastructure, investment and design to work together, supported by early collaboration between local authorities, infrastructure providers, communities, developers and the wider project team.
Bracewell also supported Scottish Housing Day 2026, with this year’s theme, “Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures”, highlighting the relationship between housing, health and wellbeing. Warm, energy-efficient, accessible and adaptable homes can support people throughout their lives, while well-considered places can encourage active travel, access to green space and stronger community connections.
As Scotland continues to address its housing needs, delivering more homes and maintaining quality should not be competing ambitions. Long-term progress will depend on creating a system capable of supporting both.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the quarter, David Keith and Amanda MacRitchie, Senior Partners at Bracewell, commented:
“Q3 has reflected the breadth of work being delivered across the practice, from architecture and conservation projects to masterplanning and the continued growth of our energy services. It has been particularly positive to see progress across our projects, recognition for Drummond Hill and the appointment to Link Group’s Energy Advisor Services Framework. The quarter has also provided valuable opportunities for our team to support future talent, contribute to industry discussions and come together for an important charitable cause. As we move into the final part of the year, our focus remains on working collaboratively with clients and partners to deliver thoughtful, practical solutions that create long-term value.”
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
Shaping Scotland since 1925
Architecture | Masterplanning | Energy
