Team Civic at MIPIM 2026: Meet Isla!

Isla, our Scotland Director, is making her long-awaited return to MIPIM. Ahead of the trip, we caught up with her to find out what she’s most excited about this year. 

What’s one trend or topic you’re secretly hoping everyone’s talking about on the Croisette this year?  

How private and public sectors can partner more effectively to deliver more homes and tackle Scotland’s housing emergency. 

In three words, how would your teammates describe where you’ll be found / what you’ll be doing at MIPIM 2026?  

Cantering around Cannes. 

Tell us your MIPIM survival strategy, any secret hacks (think fun things like pastry runs, playlists etc)? 

Starting early with a pre-weekend break in Nice as a warm-up for what promises to be an epic return for Scotland to MIPIM!  

If someone bumped into you at MIPIM and had 60 seconds to hear your take on the market, what would you talk about? 

Scotland is well and truly open for business! Investment and development opportunities have never been better, with easy access to a creative and talented workforce. Come and find out what’s happening at the Scotland @ MIPIM stand - you might even get a whiskey tasting. Slàinte! 

What’s the one conversation you hope you’ve had by the end of the week / what are you most looking forward to? 

I would like to speak to investors and developers who are considering opportunities in Scotland and join up any conversations through the Scottish contingent/network. 

Next in our series is Paul. How would you describe Paul’s ‘system thinking’ superpower in one line?   

Paul is passionate about urban infrastructure, with a superpower for thinking holistically - designing places that are environmentally sensitive, well connected, and deliver positive outcomes for communities.