The Scottish Housing News Podcast

Scottish Housing News
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Former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner Jimmy Black and Scottish Housing News editor Kieran Findlay discuss the latest news and chat to influential figures from Scotland's social housing sector.

  1. SEP 17

    75 - Scottish Housing Day: Celebrating good neighbours with Callum Chomczuk and Jamie Ballantine

    In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the theme of 'Everybody Needs Good Neighbours' for Scottish Housing Day. They explore the importance of community and neighbourliness, the role of housing associations in fostering social connections, and the challenges of social isolation. Guests Callum Chomczuk, the national director for Scotland at the Chartered Institute of Housing, and Jamie Ballantyne, social regeneration manager at Queens Cross Housing Association, share insights on community engagement, the impact of digital connectivity, and the significance of small gestures in building trust and cohesion within neighbourhoods. The conversation emphasises the need for investment in social housing and the potential for positive change through community-driven initiatives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scottish Housing Day 02:49 The Importance of Neighbourliness 05:33 Community Engagement and Regeneration Projects 08:25 Building Trust and Connections 11:08 Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour 13:49 The Role of Housing Associations 16:28 Celebrating Community Initiatives 19:34 The Impact of Social Isolation 22:19 Measuring Success in Community Work 25:03 Challenges and Opportunities for Housing Associations 28:04 Fostering Pride in Communities 30:54 Conclusion and Neighbourly Gestures Further reading: Scottish Housing Day report: https://www.cih.org/publications/scottish-housing-day-report-everybody-needs-good-neighbours/ Queens Cross Housing Association Social Regeneration Impact Report: 2024/25: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SR%20Impact%20Report%20and%20cover%20202425%20Final%20Draft%20V3.pdf  Cedar mural design: https://www.qcha.org.uk/news/484-over-200-local-children-help-with-cedar-mural-design A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/scottish-housing-day-celebrating-good-neighbours-podcast-transcript Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here:  Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠ https://x.com/ScotHousingNews https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNewsRead all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

    40 min

  2. SEP 4

    74 - Tenancy sustainment with Maureen Knight and Pamela Forrest

    In this episode, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issue of homelessness with Maureen Knight from Albyn Housing Society and Pamela Forrest from Riverside Scotland. They explore innovative strategies to prevent homelessness, focusing on proactive tenancy sustainment and the Housing First for Families initiative. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced in different regions, the importance of community support, and the need for sustained funding from policymakers to effectively address housing issues.  Success stories from both organisations illustrate the positive impact of their services on families and individuals in need. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:54 Highland Housing Challenge 07:38 Housing First for Families initiative 13:42 Proactive tenancy sustainment services 17:53 Community benefits and Tenant Support Fund 19:44 Expansion of Housing First in Dumfries and Galloway 22:04 Support systems for homeless families 27:10 Common challenges in remote communities 30:24 The role of policymakers in housing solutions 35:17 Success stories: Transforming lives through support A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/tenancy-sustainment-podcast-transcript Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here:  https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-avoiding-arrears-voids-relets-and-failure Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠ https://x.com/ScotHousingNews https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

    40 min

  3. AUG 12

    73 - ‘What’s Next For Adaptations?’ with Professor Vikki McCall and Susie Fitton

    Join hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black as they delve into the complexities of housing adaptations in Scotland. Featuring insights from Professor Vikki McCall from the University of Stirling and SFHA policy manager Susie Fitton, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities in adapting homes for an ageing population. Discover findings from the ‘What’s Next For Adaptations?’ report, the latest research from ISPA and the University of Stirling which has been commissioned by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), the Chartered Institute for Housing Scotland (CIH Scotland) and the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO). Highlighting the urgent need for policy reform to support independent living and future-proof housing stock, the episode also explores the importance of timely and appropriate adaptations, challenges in the current adaptation system, the role of housing associations and local authorities, and the impact of adaptations on health and social care. Resources: ‘What’s next for adaptations?’ full report - https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SFHA%20-%20ISPA%20What%27s%20Next%20for%20Adaptations%20-%20Full.pdf ‘What’s next for adaptations?’ executive summary - https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SFHA%20-%20ISPA%20What%27s%20Next%20for%20Adaptations%20-%20Summary%20DIGITAL.pdf ‘Road to 2026: Homes Fit for the Future’ report - https://www.sfha.co.uk/sites/default/files/2025-07/PDF%20-%20Road%20to%202026%2C%20Homes%20Fit%20for%20the%20Future.pdf Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast. Visit our website for more insights and resources. A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/whats-next-for-adaptations-podcast-transcript Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-adapt-and-thrive Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠ https://x.com/ScotHousingNews https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

    43 min

  4. JUL 30

    72 - Cohousing and the Orkney pathfinder with Tom Morton and Jenny Rambridge

    Host Kieran Findlay delves into the world of cohousing with guests Tom Morton, convener of Cohousing Scotland, and Jenny Rambridge, a founding member of Hope Cohousing.  Discover how cohousing fosters supportive communities, addresses housing challenges, and promotes sustainability, but also hear about the challenges and barriers in implementing the model in Scotland. Explore more about cohousing and join the conversation by visiting Cohousing Scotland's website and engaging with their online community. https://cohousing.scot/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0hUoRAykGtHzsA1Jikeruw https://www.facebook.com/cohousingscotland A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/cohousing-transcript Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/ScotHousingNews⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd⁠ ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews⁠   Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

    36 min

  5. JUN 24

    71 - Damp, mould and tenant behaviour with Kerry Brown and Patrick McRedmond

    For this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issues of damp and mould in housing, focusing on the new Awaab’s Law legislation that mandates social landlords to address health hazards within strict timelines. Kerry Brown, co-founder and director of Alator Data Services, and Patrick McRedmond, the company’s technical product support manager, believe that not all RSLs are ready for the change. With backgrounds in housing, compliance, and environmental monitoring, they bring a unique perspective to this field and raise an important question: if the problem is now clearly the landlord’s to solve, is it still possible — and appropriate — to talk about tenant behaviour? A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/damp-mould-and-tenant-behaviour-podcast-transcript Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-data-beats-damp Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠ https://x.com/ScotHousingNews https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews   Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

    38 min

  6. JUN 2

    70 - How to retrofit a tenement with Josiah Lockhart, Mike Heffron, and Chris Carus

    In this episode of the Scottish Housing News podcast, hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the complexities of retrofitting tenement buildings in Scotland with experts Josiah Lockhart, Mike Heffron, and Chris Carus. They explore the unique challenges posed by the ownership structures of tenements, the barriers to decarbonisation, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the need for innovative financial models, regulatory frameworks, and technical solutions to address the pressing issues of energy efficiency and climate resilience in Scotland's housing stock. Josiah Lockhart is the chief executive of Changeworks, one of Scotland’s leading environmental charities driving low-carbon living and retrofit innovation. Mike Heffron is the chief executive of Under One Roof Scotland, the national information service for tenement owners tackling common repair and maintenance. Chris Carus is co-founder and executive officer of Loco Home Retrofit CIC, a social enterprise empowering communities to take climate action through home retrofit. Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-we-need-to-talk-about-tenement-retrofit-and-heat-networks Related links General info: underoneroof.scot Guidance for owners on the installation of solar panels, heat pumps or insulation in common parts of tenements in Scotland: https://underoneroof.scot/local-energy-scotland-partners-with-harper-macleod-under-one-roof-and-loco-homes-on-new-retrofit-guidance/ Retrofit for factors toolkit: https://underoneroof.scot/new-toolkit-available-factoring-in-tenement-retrofit/ Whole Tenement Retrofit feasibility study Loco Homes and Under One Roof: https://underoneroof.scot/what-will-new-heat-in-buildings-bill-mean-for-homeowners-whole-tenement-retrofit-feasibility-study-finds-out/out/ Loco Home - New Report: Whole Tenement Retrofit Feasibility Study: https://locohome.coop/2024/10/our-new-report-whole-tenement-retrofit-case-study/ Living Rent report critical of Edinburgh's Lochend council flat retrofit project: https://www.livingrent.org/lochend_mtis_a_retrofit_case_study and https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/melissa-esquerre-a-personal-account-of-edinburghs-dystopian-mandatory-retrofit-scheme Chapters 00:00 Introduction to tenements in Scotland 02:59 Challenges of retrofitting tenements 05:50 Community and ownership dynamics 09:01 Barriers to decarbonisation 11:54 Case studies and real-world examples 15:03 Legal and regulatory frameworks 17:48 Future directions and innovations 21:04 Community engagement and support 23:56 Financial models and investment 26:55 Technical solutions and heat pumps 29:47 Conclusion and next steps Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠ https://x.com/ScotHousingNews https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

    49 min

  7. MAY 19

    69 - A conversation with Professor Duncan Maclennan

    In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Professor Duncan McLennan discusses the complexities of the Scottish housing system, addressing the notion of a housing emergency, the implications of the right to buy policy, and the urgent need for increased social housing. Speaking with hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black, he emphasises the economic impacts of housing, the importance of quality and location, and the challenges faced in rural housing markets. The conversation also touches on the role of government in housing policy, the necessity for disruption in current practices, and the future directions for housing in Scotland. A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/duncan-mclennan-transcipt Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-i-was-aghast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Housing Challenges in Scotland 03:02 Understanding the Housing Emergency 05:55 The Right to Buy and Its Implications 09:12 The Need for Increased Social Housing 12:03 Housing as a Merit Good and Economic Impact 15:00 The Role of Government in Housing Policy 17:56 Housing and Economic Growth 20:49 Productivity and Housing Quality 24:07 The Importance of Location in Housing 26:57 Challenges in Rural Housing Markets 29:52 The Future of Housing Policy in Scotland 33:04 Rent Control and Investment Concerns 36:00 The Need for Disruption in Housing Policy 38:48 Conclusion and Future Directions Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ScotHousingNews⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingne

    47 min

  8. APR 16

    68 - Amendments to the Housing Bill with Susie Fitton, John Mills and Maeve McGoldrick

    In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, the discussion revolves around the proposed amendments to the Housing Scotland Bill, particularly focusing on homelessness prevention. The conversation features insights from Susie Fitton, policy manager at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Meave McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis in Scotland, and John Mills, head of housing at Fife Council and co-chair of ALACHO, exploring the implications of the Bill, the role of local authorities, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges faced in implementing these changes. The episode also addresses the need for a cultural shift in how homelessness is approached, emphasising prevention over crisis management, and the necessity for adequate resources and support systems to effectively tackle the issue. A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/amendments-to-the-housing-bill-with-susie-fitton-john-mills-and-maeve-mcgoldrick-podcast-transcript Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-do-your-job-by-law Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Housing Scotland Bill 03:09 Key Amendments and Their Implications 05:48 The Role of Local Authorities in Homelessness Prevention 09:01 Challenges in Implementation and Resource Allocation 11:52 The Importance of Collaboration and Data Sharing 15:10 Addressing Domestic Abuse in Housing Policy 18:02 The Carrot vs. Stick Debate in Housing Legislation 20:46 Future Directions and Key Amendments Needed 24:08 Conclusion and Next Steps Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner. Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://x.com/ScotHousingNews⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews⁠⁠ Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

    40 min
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Former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner Jimmy Black and Scottish Housing News editor Kieran Findlay discuss the latest news and chat to influential figures from Scotland's social housing sector.

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