In May, Glasgow played host to a landmark gathering of property leaders when a consortium – including MLA Architects, PMP, Saffery, Civic, and Place North – joined forces with local government officials to tackle Scotland’s investment gap. Dubbed ‘Attracting Occupiers and Investment – Why is Scotland missing from MIPIM?’, the event convened at the Social Hub co‑working space and urged decisive steps to elevate Scotland’s presence on the international real estate stage at MIPIM 2026.
The panel was chaired by Dan Whelan, deputy editor of Place North, and featured professionals including:
- Jonathan Guthrie, director for strategic partnerships, Robertson Group
- Adam Russell, investment director, Drum Properties
- Lillian McDowall, head of business development, Scape Scotland
- Louise Norris, partner, Lindsays
- Dino Moutsopoulos, managing partner, Place Media Group
- Councillor Susan Aitken, leader, Glasgow City Council
Councillor Aitken noted that development applications in Glasgow have rebounded to pre‑pandemic levels, expressing optimism that the conversations initiated at the event will support collaborative growth across Scotland’s cities and neighbourhoods.
Place North’s Dino Moutsopoulos described the gathering as a catalyst for propelling Scotland forward on the global investment stage. He emphasised it’s essential that the country leverages its robust property market to secure greater capital and engagement from international investors.
The event was a sell‑out and even attracted a waiting list, illustrating the appetite for greater connectivity between public and private sectors. As the first in a planned series, it signals a more proactive approach to Scotland’s property strategy and positions Glasgow centre‑stage in that dialogue.