Choosing what to study at university was one of the biggest decisions I made in my youth. Faced with the dilemma of choosing subjects I loved or a degree that would get me a job, I decided not to compromise and chose to study Structural and Architectural Engineering at the University of Strathclyde - an institution that promised to be ‘a place of useful learning’.

A 10-year anniversary for an organisation provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on its achievements but also to think about what lies ahead and how to prepare for it. However, 10 years ago no-one could have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for resilience and the ability to think the unthinkable. That requires an organisation to step back from day-to-day issues, irrespective of how important they may seem, and take a strategic overview. No part of the organisation is better placed to do that than a board.

Six years on from Paris and the world is still getting warmer. We are now seeing first-hand the impact of climate change - the floods and fires alone are biblical. However, the number of innovative solutions and sense of urgency brings hope and optimism as Glasgow prepares to host COP26.

In less than three weeks’ time, the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow when Scotland’s largest city hosts the prestigious COP26 summit. World leaders, negotiators and journalists will be amongst the 25,000 people who arrive en masse for the most important climate change conference there has ever been.

The clamour to be associated with COP26, or even to make unrelated announcements during the event, brings risks which are worth considering carefully.

The pandemic has triggered a massive shift in the way we work, resulting in many companies moving from an office-centric culture to considering more flexible ways of working.

‘The world of work is changing’ has been frequently heard over the course of the pandemic. Like a catchphrase, this has picked up a head of steam as transitional return to workplace plans are discussed, from models of hybrid working to a complete switch to remote working in some organisations.

It doesn’t matter what content or topic you’re marketing, true student has developed a list of the top four things we recommend you consider when marketing to students.

In the 2018-2019 financial year more new homes were built in Scotland than at any time since the crash of 2008. Covid put the brakes on activity levels and although work has restarted, shortages of materials and skilled labour are hampering the speed at which houses are being built.

Now that the dust has settled on this year’s results, many young people adversely affected by disruption to their education will be wondering, “What next?”

The canal towpaths and redundant railway lines that pass through the hearts of our cities are a legacy of our industrial past. Built at a time when progress and pollution went hand in hand, many have lain unused since the 1960s when the road network was expanded and train travel declined.

Scotland plans to deliver 100,000 new homes by 2032 to meet strong demand for housing. However, creating great new places with their own identities, where people really want to live, requires more than houses. Successful large-scale residential developments also need a mix of local amenities, shops, workplaces, schools, public spaces and different housing types.

COP26 delegates will be welcomed upon arrival by People Make Glasgow Greener, and when they depart Scotland, it will mark the precise moment that regeneration organisations become even more pivotal in supporting efforts to halt the climate crisis.

Today, exam results are unveiled in Scotland after over a year of disruption to education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. For those considering their career options, construction might not be the obvious choice. Historically the sector painted a low-paid, low- skilled picture. However, this is a sector that is thriving, innovating, highly rewarding and driving change.

Next week exam results will be revealed and career paths set, or will they? As shown with the #NoWrongPath campaign, are there more options for young people than they might think?

A golden key opens any door and 5G is the key to unlocking business efficiency and productivity as well as societal benefits to the stunningly beautiful and sparsely populated rural areas of Scotland. Smart cities is a recognised term, but we need to reference ‘clever countryside’ in any discussion about digital connectivity in Scotland and further afield.

As an ambassador for surfing in Scotland, and with a seat on the board at The Scottish Surfing Federation, I take every opportunity to spread the word internationally about the emerging scene in our country.

There is no greater proof that People Make Glasgow than to see the city without its crowds. The city centre has been dormant, feeling like a stage without a play. Now, the commuters and shoppers are returning from their Covid-enforced isolation and the redeveloped Glasgow Queen Street station is there to welcome them.

What if…?/Scotland is an exhibition that frames hopes and dreams for our communities through the people who live in them.

World Social Media Day falls on Wednesday 30th June. The global campaign aims to shine a light on the role of social media in connecting cultures, starting movements and bringing people together.