The Scottish Young Planners' Steering Group give us their account of the day...
What is the purpose of planning? That was the question put to delegates at the Scottish Young Planners’ Conference 2025, held at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh on a (thankfully) rain-free spring day on 1 May.
To answer this question, the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee MSP, kicked things off by highlighting the need to plan confidently, including his desire to help young planners achieve this outcome. Embracing and employing collaborative practices was Holly Gardner’s (Collective Architecture) answer to this question as she inspired us all with her insights on putting people at the heart of projects and processes, using Cables Wynd and Lines View House as examples. Understanding and having access to the right tools was the practical tip of Callum Anderson (Kaya Consulting) as he took us through an overview of Flood Risk Assessments and how to prepare them so that they help, rather than hinder, development outcomes.
A highlight of this year’s Conference was the inspiring panel discussion between Pamela Clifford, Kevin Murray, Scott Ferrie and Helen Fadipe, expertly Chaired by Maura McCormack. The panellists used their own (and varied) career journeys to emphasise that planning is about people and safeguarding the environment by delivering quality development for future generations.
The afternoon provided delegates with a range of opportunities to either develop their professional skills or to get out and explore the city. The Design Tools Workshop, led by Heather Claridge and Steve Malone of Architecture and Design Scotland, allowed delegates to flex their place-making skills by shaping a vision for an imaginary future place, using a ‘backcasting exercise’ to think about what would need to happen to make the vision a reality – starting from the year 2050! Lynsey Reid and Ashley McCann from Shepherd and Wedderburn and Rhoda Banfro from Highland Council led a Freedom of Information Workshop – taking delegates through the legal side of the FOI process and providing practical advice for writing FOI requests – including that they should be clear, focused and proactive. Delegates looking to brush up on their drawing skills were able to attend Susie Stirling and Rowena Statt’s Mastering Drawing Places workshop. Aimed at enhancing observational and visual communication skills, participants were introduced to basic sketching techniques before moving outdoors to draw an item, building, or street scene of their choice.
For those fortunate enough to secure one of the limited places on a walking tour, there were a choice of two.
Angus Dodds of Contour Town Planning led a fascinating and eclectic tour through the New Town, across The Mound and up to the Royal Mile with a focus on Sir Patrick Geddes and his quest to understand societal evolution using the principles of botany and biology, and his theories on the interconnectedness and interdependencies of cities. Elaine Campbell of Edinburgh City Council led delegates through Edinburgh’s New Town, part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, highlighting how Edinburgh’s planning service engages with developers to ensure the use of high-quality materials and designs. As commercial demands change, Edinburgh needs historic buildings to remain in use. The key message of this tour was the importance of landowners being able and willing to invest in the adaptability of historic buildings through good design.
“The planners were always right” – something we don’t hear often enough and a quote from John Alexander’s keynote address as he reflected on his time as leader of Dundee City Council. John emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation from all parties when it comes to delivering projects like the Dundee Waterfront or bringing the Eden Project to life. John left attendees feeling both proud and inspired as he emphasised the vital role of planners to support the delivery of transformation in all its forms.
And with that, the day was brought to a close by our excellent conference chair and RTPI Scotland Convenor, Laura Robertson, who provided a summation of the day.
Confidence, collaboration and having access to the tools and skills to bring about transformational change were just part of the answer to our “what is the purpose of planning” question.
We are already looking forward to next year’s conference and posing a new question to stimulate further discussion and debate.