Architect and television presenter George Clarke visited a housing development in Banchory, Aberdeenshire, this past weekend to draw attention to the critical importance of home and the pressing need for increased housebuilding levels across Scotland.

The visit, facilitated by industry body Homes for Scotland in conjunction with member company Bancon Homes at their Lochside of Leys development, comes just ahead of the first anniversary of Scotland's national housing emergency declaration on 15th May. The situation remains acute, with one in four Scottish households identified as being in some form of housing need, record numbers in temporary accommodation, and an accumulated shortfall of over 100,000 homes since 2008.

Jane Wood, CEO of Homes for Scotland, commented: "In a country like ours in the 21st century, it is difficult to believe that we don't have enough homes to house our population. Unfortunately, however, that is the reality we are currently living in... This is not a situation that evolved overnight, rather it is the result of decades of failed policy making. But, we can't afford to look back and point fingers, we must look ahead and take a long-term view so that we never fall into same situation again."

She highlighted the current challenges: "A year on since the housing emergency was declared, delivery levels of new homes are yet to return to pre-global financial crisis of 25k per annum and we are seeing the lowest level of private housing completions since 2017, with our research showing that 90% of all social homes are delivered by the private sector."

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Wood added: "We are incredibly grateful to have George on-board to support our work and hope that his voice will help to widen the debate on housing by highlighting the importance of what ‘home' means and the need to build more."

George Clarke, known for programmes such as "The Restoration Man" and "George Clarke's Amazing Spaces," emphasised the fundamental need for housing: "While having a place to call a home is about so much more than bricks and mortar, the stark reality is that so many people across the country are unable to even begin to dream of what it's like to have their own home as simply not enough houses are being built."

He continued: "It's no secret that this is a topic area that's hugely close to my heart... It's why I'm fully behind Homes for Scotland's campaigning for more discussions to take place around more homes being built in Scotland and encouraging government to take action. Importantly, delivering the homes we need has wide-ranging positive impacts. As well as providing roofs over heads, they support improved health and education outcomes, the transition to net zero, jobs, skills and the economy. For example, for every new home built, three and half jobs are supported."

Clarke urged public engagement: "You might think that the housing emergency doesn't affect you, but it affects all of us... The more we can get people talking about the current state of play, the more voices will be heard by our politicians to encourage the step change required to end the housing emergency."

Jamie Tosh, Managing Director of Bancon Homes & Construction, showcased the Banchory development: "At Bancon, we are extremely proud of the role we play in delivering high-quality homes, and in helping address the housing emergency Scotland faces today. Lochside of Leys in Banchory is a prime example of a sustainable, mixed-tenure rural development of 335 much-needed homes, including energy-efficient, accessible and adaptable affordable housing. This development brings real community benefits: new energy efficient homes, jobs, and contributions to local infrastructure such as the sports centre, medical centre and school."

Tosh concluded: "With the right backing, the home building sector can do so much more. We stand ready to build the homes Scotland needs, not just to house people, but to strengthen communities and support a more secure, sustainable future for all."