The Scottish Cities Alliance is delighted to return to UKREiiF 2026. The UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum is the UK’s leading real estate and infrastructure investment event, bringing together 16,000+ delegates from local and national government, investors, developers, end-users and the wider built environment sector – and it’s considered to be the place where conversations start to drive investment and regeneration into UK cities and regions.
As a unique collaboration between Scotland’s eight cities and the Scottish Government, our mission and strategy towards UKREiiF is to drive inclusive economic growth and attract investment to Scotland’s urban centres, for the benefit of the whole of Scotland.
Our UKREiiF 2026 Programme
We’re pleased to share our official Scotland Pavilion Programme for UKREiiF 2026, covering
Monday 18th May 2026
We’re excited to host our first ever Celtic Nations Networking Reception on Monday 18th May, to help kickstart UKREiiF 2026!
Come and meet representatives from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and industry peers with an interest in the Celtic Nations and get your UKREiiF experience off to a great start.
Please note this event is invite only. Contact daniel.clarkgibb@scottishcities.org.uk for further information.
Tuesday 19th May 2026
Recognising housing as a foundation for economic growth, discover how Scotland’s eight cities and the Scottish Government are partnering with investors to deliver a long‑term, infrastructure first pipeline of homes across all tenures. Backed by policy stability, institutional scale and a uniquely supportive, predictable environment, Scotland offers a compelling platform for sustained housing investment over the next 20+ years.
Panel & networking
Scotland is fusing a world‑class creative digital sector with frontier AI capability. A new AI strategy, an emerging AI Growth Zone and the Edinburgh supercomputer are accelerating scale‑up, productivity and investment. This session explores how creativity, capability and place are positioning Scotland as a global digital and AI hub.
Panel & networking
Chaired by the Scottish Property Federation, this investor‑focused panel offers direct access to the people shaping policy, funding and places, helping you navigate Scotland’s market and move projects from interest to investment. Meet senior representatives from the Scottish Government, Scottish National Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise, UK Government and Scotland’s cities. Come along and join the conversation.
Panel & networking
Wednesday 20th May 2026
Discover how Scotland applies the Place Principle to transform derelict and post-industrial sites into vibrant, sustainable communities. Hear how community empowerment, partnership models and targeted investment support long‑term inclusion, wellbeing and economic resilience.
*Session in partnership with Harper Macleod LLP
Panel & networking
Local and devolved government representations from across Scotland and Northern Ireland will come together to engage with developers, investors and end-users who are actively seeking opportunities to bring forward new schemes and invest in Scotland and NI.
This is a private facilitation event and therefore invite only due to limited capacity.
For local, devolved and national government representatives interested in participating, please register via daniel.clarkgibb@scottishcities.org.uk
Private sector attendees – please register via Andrew.Battye@ukreiif.com
Discover how Scotland’s uniquely diverse life sciences ecosystem – spanning pharma, health and biotech through to agritech, aquaculture and world‑leading food and drink innovation – is driving growth today and toward a £25bn industry by 2035. Hear expert views, cross‑city insights and success stories highlighting where investment can accelerate the next wave of scientific and commercial breakthroughs.
Panel & networking
Thursday 21st May 2026
Join us for a breakfast session exploring how Scotland’s iconic heritage, vibrant culture, world-class festivals and thriving leisure scene create distinctive, exceptional places ripe for investment. With stunning natural landscapes and exceptional quality of life driving resilient demand, discover why now is the moment to invest in Scotland’s places.
*Session in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Panel with audience interaction and networking
A final opportunity to drop in to the Scotland Pavilion and meet representatives from Scotland before UKREiiF 2026 comes to an end.
Read more about our UKREiiF 2025 programme
UKREiiF 2025
The Scottish Cities Alliance proudly marked a powerful presence at UKREiiF 2025, hosting a dynamic programme of panel sessions, networking events, and strategic discussions that showcased the collective ambition and investment potential of Scotland’s eight cities.
With over 500 unique visitors to the Scotland Pavilion, the Alliance created a vibrant hub of activity, drawing interest from investors, developers, and public sector leaders alike. The pavilion served as a platform for meaningful dialogue across a wide spectrum of opportunities for Scotland.
Notably we focused on;
- Energy, Infrastructure and the Transition to Net Zero, in partnership with Harper Macleod
- Housing Investment Projects
- Scotland’s Knowledge Economy, with a spotlight on Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing
- Place-based change across and between Scottish cities, in partnership with Arup
See our 2025 programme below, which featured panellists including:
- Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council
- Euan Pirie, Partner and Head of Major Projects & Infrastructure, Harper Macleod LLP
- Dame Susan Rice, Chair, Forth Green Freeport
- Richard Park, Chief Executive, Hub North Scotland
- Manuel Dusina, Head of Real Assets, Phoenix Group
- Philip Macdonald, Managing Partner, Oberlander Architects
- John Mackenzie, Director of Scotland, Pioneer Group
- Sandy Smith, Development Director, Buccleuch Properties
- Elaine Morrison, Director of Productivity (Mission), Business Growth, Scottish Enterprise
- Gareth Fairweather, Cities Integration Lead, Arup
- Susan Campbell, Director of Market Creation (Place), Scottish National Investment Bank
- Frances Moffett-Kouadio, Strategic Investment Director, Thames Estuary
For further information on our participation at UKREiiF in previous years:
Scottish Cities Alliance secures attendance at UKREiiF 2025
Scottish Cities Alliance attends UKREiiF 2024
Scottish Cities Alliance attends UKREiiF 2023
DO YOU WANT TO COLLABORATE WITH US?
We look forward to bringing the ‘Scotland Pavilion’ back to UKREiiF in future years, and would welcome conversations relation to sponsorship or collaboration opportunities. Please contact us for further information.
Copyright © 2025 Scottish Cities Alliance. All rights reserved.
LHEES, area-wide plans for improving building energy efficiency and decarbonising heat, are crucial for Scotland’s energy transition. These strategies provide a framework for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in buildings by 2045. Cities are implementing LHEES to identify and prioritise areas for energy improvements, ensuring a coordinated approach to decarbonisation.
Efforts to decarbonise urban areas are gaining momentum. Initiatives like the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are developing net zero neighbourhoods, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and green spaces. These neighbourhoods aim to create healthier, more sustainable urban environments.
Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its infrastructure. The country is a leader in wind energy, with numerous onshore and offshore wind farms. Cities are increasingly integrating renewable energy sources into their grids, supporting Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.
Transport infrastructure in Scotland’s cities is robust and continually improving. Scotland’s road network spans approximately 35,400 miles (56,959 km), with major road networks like the M8 connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh facilitating efficient travel and commerce. Rail connectivity is equally vital, with cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow serving as central hubs in the UK’s national rail network. The Caledonian Sleeper service, the overnight sleeper train service also provides a convenient connection between London and many of Scotland’s cities.
The rise of digital services has increased demand for data centres. Scotland’s cool climate and renewable energy resources make it an attractive location for green data centres. These facilities use energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are exploring opportunities to develop such centres, supporting the digital economy while aligning with sustainability goals.
Scotland is making significant strides in digital connectivity. The rollout of 5G and full-fibre broadband is transforming cities into digital hubs. CityFibre’s Gigabit City Investment Programme is a key initiative, aiming to provide full-fibre infrastructure to cities up and down Scotland and the wider UK. This programme supports the Scottish Government’s goal of ensuring superfast broadband access for all premises by 2027. Stirling became the UK’s first completed Gigabit City in 2020.