Why homegrown innovation can supercharge bid to solve Scottish housing crisis

Innovation developed in Scotland is ready to be deployed to speed up the response to solve the nation’s housing crisis.
In the wake of this week’s Ministerial Statement by Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, unveiling the Housing Emergency Action Plan—a comprehensive response to Scotland’s deepening housing crisis – and the Scottish Parliament debate which followed, embracing innovation is seen by many commentators as the key to unlocking the country’s housing slowdown.
Recent reports have highlighted the need for different thinking and solutions such as modular construction, circular manufacturing, and innovative offsite housing models.
Industrialised construction methods have the capability to supercharge new housing, also creating manufacturing opportunities and jobs.
Innovation in build systems—particularly industrialised construction methods such as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and modular/offsite building—is increasingly recognised as a strategic enabler within the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan, and is embedded across all three pillars of its strategy.
VASO by Eco is ideally placed to support the Housing Emergency Action Plan by offering a solution to the housebuilding shortage across Scotland with its innovative recycled glass product.
Aligning with national strategies like Housing to 2040, VASO recognises the need for collaborative action to address housing pressures.
Eddie Black, Eco Group Managing Director, hopes the Government announcement will pave the way for many more schemes which embrace innovation.
Eddie said: “The urgency of the situation is clear for all to see. We would urge the Scottish Government to embrace homegrown innovation which can significantly speed up the solutions, and rapidly deliver affordable and sustainable housing.
“VASO By Eco’s speed and efficiency can provide a systematic solution to the housing shortage. It will allow Scotland to be at the forefront of a building solution which will help solve the housing crisis here and in other places around the world.
“With VASO by Eco we have a solution which is going to prove a complete game-changer for the Scottish, UK, and worldwide construction industry.
“VASO’s modular build system can erect a four-bedroom house super structure in just four days, with panels manufactured in under four hours. This rapid deployment capability directly supports the strategy’s priority to increase housing supply to meet urgent demand and economic growth targets.
“VASO panels are made from recycled glass and offer superior thermal performance, fire resistance, and durability. They are backed by a 60-year Lloyds of London warranty. This supports plan’s ambitions to achieve affordable warmth, energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty.”

McAllan’s statement outlined a three-pillar strategy:

Ending Children Living in Unsuitable Accommodation

£80 million investment this year (doubling the previous fund) to acquire homes and move 600–800 children out of temporary housing;
Councils are expected to “flip” good-quality temporary accommodation into permanent homes for families;
Awaab’s Law to be implemented from March 2026, targeting damp and mould in rented homes.

VASO support these ambitions with:

Speed of deployment means VASO homes can help councils quickly rehouse families from temporary or unsuitable accommodation;
Durability and energy efficiency ensure these homes are not just fast, but fit for long-term family living, supporting child wellbeing and stability.

Supporting Vulnerable Communities

£1 million “Fund to Leave” to help 1,200 women and children escape domestic abuse;
£4 million to expand Housing First tenancies for people with complex needs;
Extension of Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans funding to 2026–27;
£2 million in discretionary housing payments to help households in temporary accommodation transition to private rentals.