Attending MIPIM this year was a powerful reminder of just how much international confidence there is in Scotland’s property and land markets.
As part of the Lindsays team representing Scotland in Cannes, I had the opportunity to speak with a wide range of global investors - and the message was clear: Scotland remains firmly on the radar.
Throughout the week, I found myself in conversations centred on some of the most dynamic sectors in our economy. Renewable energy continues to shine, with investors actively exploring where the next major opportunities will emerge as Scotland advances its net‑zero ambitions. Data centres also featured heavily - an area where both infrastructure and geography give Scotland a compelling competitive advantage.
Housing was another core theme, especially in relation to long‑term demand and the appetite for regeneration projects. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing commercial landscape, it was encouraging to hear investors talk about Scotland as a place where the right conditions and infrastructure are increasingly aligning.
Scotland’s presence and regeneration priorities
There was also a real sense of national presence this year. With a strong turnout from the Scottish Government, local authorities and investment agencies, Scotland projected a confident message: we are open for business.
One moment that particularly struck me was the discussion surrounding the devastating Union Street fire in Glasgow, which had happened just days before the conference. Images from the scene resurfaced conversations about the challenges—and opportunities—of town centre regeneration and the future of historic buildings.
As a Glasgow-based lawyer, this resonates deeply with me. Investors are increasingly keen to understand how our older buildings can be sensitively transformed to meet modern needs. While retrofitting and repurposing heritage assets is never without its challenges, the potential for mixed commercial and residential use is significant. The Union Street fire was a sobering reminder of why protecting these landmarks, while ensuring they remain viable for the future, is so important.
I was joined at MIPIM by my Lindsays colleagues—Derek Nash, John Bett, Alastair Goodman and Gavin Buchan—and collectively we were encouraged by the tone of the conversations we had. From sustainability to emerging technologies to urban renewal, the level of international interest in Scotland’s next chapter is both healthy and heartening.
Coming away from MIPIM, I’m more confident than ever that Scotland has a strong, compelling investment story to tell - and that global audiences are ready to listen.
