Planning Aid Scotland is working with the Scottish Government to develop content for mandatory training for elected members on the planning system. The aim is to enhance the quality of decision-making across Scotland to build public confidence in the planning process. We are working alongside the Improvement Service to develop this online package, which is due to be rolled out before the 2027 Local Government elections. Read on for an update.

Planning Aid Scotland has marked a year of significant milestones and community achievements at its Annual General Meeting, held in Edinburgh.

Town planning is about more than maps, buildings or development proposals. It is the process that shapes how people live, move and connect. Planning affects every aspect of daily life, from where homes are built to how people reach work, school and green space. At its best, it balances growth with heritage, environment and wellbeing.

We recently delivered our latest Community Engagement Skills Training, bringing together planners, architects, local authority officers and community development professionals from across Scotland.

For the first time in history, all five UK-based planning aid organisations have signed a joint memorandum of understanding, pledging to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and drive innovation in how communities engage with the planning system.

As part of ScotLand Futures, an initiative from the Scottish Land Commission exploring what it would mean to complete Scotland’s Land Reform journey, Planning Aid Scotland was invited to contribute a personal perspective on how the planning system and community empowerment intersect with questions of land, place and power.

With the first round of our new Graduate Training Scheme coming to an end, we talk to our Volunteer Coordinator, Jo Elston, to learn more about it and hear feedback from some of the participants.

With Scotland’s future firmly rooted in renewable energy, we are seeing an increase in developments across the country. Access to clear, impartial information is more important than ever to help our communities understand the processes around building this infrastructure, and how they can get involved in shaping Scotland’s clean energy future.

We’re delighted to introduce the trainers for our next Community Engagement Skills Training in Glasgow!