Tom Hardy examines the constructive ways in which builders are working to get things off the ground

While Scotland's property market is currently very strong, further new developments are impossible without suitable sites on which to build them.

With a shortage of residential land due to planning restrictions, house builders are hunting high and low for development sites in city centres and suburban locations alike.

Any residential location that comes on to the market immediately receives close attention, and commercial developers are just as hungry for sites.

One builder has come up with a shrewd response to the land shortage. Well-known for its innovative approach to development, Morrison Construction Group is getting other builders to come forward with development opportunities so that they can carry them out together.

The idea is that small builders who have a residential site and a viable site bring their project to Morrison Residential Investments Ltd (MRIL), who will then work in partnership to get the scheme built.

Ian Mackay of MRIL says: ''Many small builders have problems in gaining funding for their schemes. We are able to get funding in place, and can provide back-up in important areas such as design.''

When a proposal is brought to MRIL the company appraises it. If it appears to have real potential, MRIL goes into a 50/50 partnership with the builder or site owner.

Mackay says: ''The aim is to share the development profit with our partner. So far, the initiative has attracted a lot of interest.''

Since setting up the initiative in November, MRIL has already been involved in 15 joint venture projects. The smallest scheme comprised eight up-market apartments, while the largest extends to some 60 flats.

''Both of these projects were in Glasgow, but we are also involved in projects extending from the Borders to Inverness,'' says Mackay.

While some of the builders bring their projects in a bid to tap into Morrison's construction expertise, Mackay readily concedes that the company's ability to organise funding is often the key.

''Our name is top class with the funding institutions. Most small builders know that, so they usually come to us with funding at the front of their minds.''

Leisure and recreation is one sector of the building industry that is particularly active just now.

North Lanarkshire Council is marketing a residential opportunity at Airdrie that is sure to attract strong interest.

The council is selling the former outdoor pursuit centre at Caldercruix, just the sort of place that could make a good residential or leisure development.

Meanwhile two contrasting sites in Aberdeen are already attracting considerable interest.

The sale of a seven-acre site at Balgownie, on the outskirts of the city, offers a major development opportunity for sports and leisure developers.

The council is is also marketing a Grade B listed building at 256/262 King Street in Aberdeen, which is currently zoned for residential use.

The Balgownie site at Bridge of Don and is earmarked for a prestigious recreation development. Located off Balgownie Road at the junction with the Parkway, the site has already attracted the attention of major players in the leisure industry according to property chiefs at Aberdeen City Council.

Potential buyers have been asked to come up with a benefits package for the local community, and offers must also include detailed layout proposals.

Developers are being encouraged to include elements such as indoor and outdoor sports, badminton and squash courts, aerobic and dance studios, fitness rooms, changing rooms, and car parking facilities.

Donald Murdoch, Aberdeen's director of property and technical services department, said: ''The development is seen as a key project for the Bridge of Don area, and for the city as a whole. It will bring top-flight sports and recreational facilities to the area.

''We are particularly encouraged with the level of interest already shown, and are looking forward to receiving what should be some innovative bids for a premier leisure facility in a prime location.'' The closing date for offers is August 3.

The listed building in King Street occupies a site of three-quarters of an acre, and is being marketed on behalf of Grampian Fire Board.

With the current drive towards encouraging more people to live in the city centre, the sale represents a major development opportunity. The closing date is July 27.