Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Scotland Construction News Archive for January 2015
30/01/2015
A £2.5m affordable housing development has officially opened in Ratho, Edinburgh. The development, known as 'The Mooring', is located next to the Union Canal and is within the Ratho Conservation Area. It is also close to a marina and open public space. Consisting of 19 modern and energy-efficien
30/01/2015
There are calls for a replacement prison in Inverness to go ahead, after it was decided that plans for a new all-women prison had been dropped. Earlier this week, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson confirmed that the controversial £75m prison, which would have replaced the women-only prison, Cornt
30/01/2015
A local landmark in the Highland is to be demolished as part of the first phase of a regeneration scheme. The former Dornoch abattoir, which has been renamed as the Dornoch South development site, is set to be demolished. Having been constructed on a site near the town centre in the 1970s, the aba
30/01/2015
A new hydro scheme has been unveiled for the historic Pollok House in Glasgow. It is thought Sustainable Glasgow are behind the proposals and are currently drawing up plans to develop a micro hydro electric project in Pollok Country Park. The initiative would generate sustainable energy by harness
30/01/2015
A redevelopment project at Aberdeen Art Gallery is due to commence shortly. From Monday (2 February), the gallery's opening hours will change to allow staff to prepare for the temporary move while works are carried out. Then, from 2 March, both the Gallery and Cowdray Hall will close to visitors.
30/01/2015
Work has started at Jamphlars Pond in Fife. The £750,000 project will see silt removed and ditches cleared. The Jamphlars Pond water treatment project is a one-off operation to demonstrate to private landowners the importance of undertaking regular maintenance of ditches on their land to prevent
30/01/2015
Flood prevention works are to begin in Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire, next week (2 February). It is thought it will take around 20 weeks to complete. The work is the final phase in a project to improve the drainage system in the area. The work will be carried out at the junction of Glasgow Road and P
30/01/2015
A construction company, based in the Scottish Borders, has been fined after a worker was seriously injured after being struck by a concrete beam that had fallen from a telehandler. Derek Graham, 51, suffered severe injuries in the incident which happened on 14 March last year. At Leicester Magis
29/01/2015
More than 1,000 empty properties have been brought back into use in Fife. The transformations have been made possible thanks to the local authority's policy to charge owners of long-term empty properties double council tax. The move has subsequently encouraged a large number of owners to bring
29/01/2015
Doosan Babcock has been awarded a contract to construct a new pharmaceutical plant in Angus. The £25m contract will see the engineering firm deliver an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) facility for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) at its Montrose site in the area. The two companies will work togethe
29/01/2015
Plans to develop a wind farm in Wigtownshire have been withdrawn, it has been reported. It had been proposed that an 18-turbine development would be constructed at Airriequhillart, between Port William and Wigtown. However, EDF Energy Renewables has now confirmed that it has dropped the plans. A
29/01/2015
Work is continuing to progress on the first stretch of the A9 Dualling Programme between Perth and Inverness. The work has enabled phase two of ground investigation works to begin on the 7.5km section between Kincraig and Dalraddy. Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical Ltd have been appointed to carry o
29/01/2015
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has confirmed a moratorium on fracking until additional research – as well as a public consultation – is undertaken. The decision comes just days after the UK Government voted against a moratorium. Full control over fracking is due to be devolved to Scotland after th
29/01/2015
Plans for a flood defence scheme in Kirkwall are to go on public display. The exhibition, which will be held next month, will provide the local community with an opportunity to view and comment on the proposals. The exhibition will take place at Kirkwall Town Hall on 3 and 4 February, from 10am
29/01/2015
A council has been asked to help a community group in their efforts to purchase the Castle Toward Estate in Argyll. The South Cowal Community Development Company (SCCDC) wish to purchase the estate and Communities Secretary Alex Neil has now asked Argyll and Bute Council to assist with the buyout.
29/01/2015
A new site is being considered for a sports pitch in Peebles, the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has said. The preferred location for the full-sized synthetic 3G pitch is Craigerne Lane, adjacent to Peebles High School. It is understood the site is being considered after the parks next to Gytes Le
28/01/2015
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has agreed to provide an additional £4.5m in funding towards the new V&A Museum in Dundee. The fund is in addition to a £9.4m grant awarded to the project in January 2014. Earlier this month, it was revealed that initial projected costs for the project had almost
28/01/2015
A £4m fund has been unveiled to help transform empty properties into affordable housing. The Town Centre Empty Homes Fund will provide both grant and loan funding to help increase the housing supply in towns throughout Scotland. It will offer funding to regenerate homes which have been lying emp
28/01/2015
The newly-established Energy Jobs Taskforce is to meet for the first time in Aberdeen today (28 January). The taskforce will focus initially on maintaining jobs in the oil and gas sector, with the aim of expanding that focus to jobs across the entire industry. It will be chaired by Scottish Enterp
28/01/2015
The final stage of a consultation process for a proposed campus in Largs, North Ayrshire, is to commence next week. The Consultation Report, which includes the findings from the public consultation, has since been published on the council's website, alongside an assessment by Education Scotland of
28/01/2015
The Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has said employment opportunities are still available for firms looking to get involved in the Galashiels Transport Interchange project. A number of sub-contractors are already working on the £5.2m scheme, but there are still opportunities available for other com
28/01/2015
A total of £754,430 has been set aside in funding for North Queensferry, it has been announced. The funding boost has been made possible through the Coastal Communities Fund and will allow Fife Council to install a floating pontoon landing berth at North Queensferry harbour to create a sustainable
28/01/2015
A consultation event is to be held in Aberdeen in relation to a proposed new school for children with additional support needs. It has been proposed that a Centre for Excellence for children with additional support needs, arising from severe and complex factors, should be built on land on the corn
28/01/2015
Oliver Kinross has announced the first Scotland Build 2015 event, which will be held at Glasgow's Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) later this year. The event, taking place from 25 – 26 November 2015, will welcome more than 10,000 attendees and over 175 exhibitors. The announcemen
27/01/2015
Work has commenced on a new housing development in Thornton, Fife. The 31 homes will be constructed at Orebank Terrace and consist of bungalows, four-in-a-block flats and two-storey houses, ranging from one- to five-bedrooms. The development will also include wheelchair and amenity housing. Coun
27/01/2015
A public consultation is to be held regarding the future development of Callendar Woods in Falkirk. The events, which are being organised by Forestry Commission Scotland, will allow the local community to comment on a 10-year Land Management Plan which is currently being drafted. It outlines a vis
27/01/2015
Scotland's construction industry is expected to grow at a slower rate than the rest of the UK over the next five years, it has been claimed. According to the latest forecast by Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Scotland will see a 1.1% in growth over the next five years, following the c
27/01/2015
The new South Glasgow University Hospital campus is expected to be officially handed over to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, according to the BBC. The campus, which has cost more than £800m, will be able to cater for more than 1,300 patients. Construction work commenced on site in early 2011 and i
27/01/2015
Work is continuing to progress on the Queensferry Crossing, Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown has said. Visiting the site, Mr Brown announced that the three large towers of the structure have now reached half of their final 201m height. From the tower's deck platform, which stands at more than
27/01/2015
An additional £600,000 in funding has been confirmed for the Rothesay Pavilion renovation project. The money has been secured from the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF). The fund aims to encourage the economic development of UK coastal communities by awarding funding to create sustainable economic
27/01/2015
Construction work has been completed on 69 new homes in Dumfries. The properties, which are being made available for rent, have been delivered as part of the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative. They were funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council and Robertson Homes. The development comprises
27/01/2015
An official opening has been held for the new Onthank Early Childhood Centre, East Ayrshire Council has said. The ceremony also marked the official opening of a new extension to Onthank Primary School. The £4.3m single-storey extension initially opened last year and has provided a bright, attracti
26/01/2015
SSE has confirmed it is to reduce its gas bills by 4.1%. The cut will come into effect from 30 April, and will save the average household £28 a year. It is understood the new price will remain until at least July 2016. SSE is now the fifth of the "big six" energy companies to have reduced its
26/01/2015
Proposed plans for a new all-female prison in Inverclyde will no longer go ahead, it has been confirmed. Justice Secretary Michael Matheson announced on Monday morning (26 January), that the controversial facility would not be progressing. The proposed £75m prison would have replaced the women-o
26/01/2015
The Scottish Government is to invest in three schools in the Dumfries area. Two of the schools will be new builds, while the third will be refurbished. Some £21m will be invested in the projects, which will see Dalbeattie High School and Maxwelltown High School both being replaced by new buildin
26/01/2015
A number of community-led projects in Caithness and Sutherland are to benefit from a share of more than £86,000 in funding. The initiatives are the first to benefit from SSE's Strathy North wind farm fund. The grants will allow projects, worth more than £160,000, to progress over the coming months
26/01/2015
Progress is continuing to be made on a new housing development in Scotstoun, Glasgow. A total of 116 homes are being constructed on the site of two former tower blocks which were demolished last year. The properties, as well as improvements being carried out to the four remaining blocks at Kings
26/01/2015
A project to reduce flooding in Torrance, East Dunbartonshire, is set to begin next month. The work will see improvements carried out to the waste water infrastructure in the area, Scottish Water has said. The £420,000 scheme will see a new sewer installed as well as the construction of eight manh
26/01/2015
More than £2.8m is to be invested in local communities in Scotland to help tackle the issue of climate change, it has been announced. The latest awards from the Climate Challenge Fund will see 33 community-led projects benefit from a share of £2.86m. The awards, unveiled by Climate Change Minist
26/01/2015
Superglass Insulation has welcomed a visit by the Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing. The firm, which has its headquarters in Stirling, also welcomed Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling, as well as other policy advisers, to their facility last week (23 January). During his visi
23/01/2015
Major construction contracts, related to projects for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, amounted to £669m, it has been reported. According to officials at Glasgow City Council, more than £669m of Tier 1 Games-related contracts were awarded to companies. Of that amount, Scottish firms secured mo
23/01/2015
Designs are to be drawn up as part of proposals to transform a former hospital site in West Lothian. GVA James Barr has been appointed by NHS Lothian to develop a masterplan for the Bangour site. Bangour stopped operating as a hospital site in 2000 following the relocation of health services in
23/01/2015
The next stage of an ambitious expansion programme at Edinburgh Airport has begun. The announcement of a new £50m development was made as Prime Minister David Cameron visited the airport. Work on the project will involve the extensive redevelopment of the airport's immigration and baggage reclai
23/01/2015
Construction work has started on an £8m community and office development in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire. The Cumbernauld Community Enterprise Centre aims to replace the current Muirfield Community Facility. When completed, it will provide office space designed for small businesses, a nursery, h
23/01/2015
Argyll and Bute Council has agreed to invest in a number of development projects in the area. The investment, which will be carried out over the next five years, could see £18.9m in council funding go towards the initiatives. The project initiation document was proved by members on Thursday (22
23/01/2015
Supermarket chain Lidl is reportedly planning to expand its business in Scotland. According to the BBC, the retailer proposes to build at least three new stores in the country, as well as refurbish or relocate some of its existing outlets over the next 12 months. It has also been said its Scottish
23/01/2015
A bid has been submitted by a community group to the National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS) to purchase an area of land at Kinachreachan. The bid has been made by the Dalmally Community Company (DCC) and is for 0.7 hectares on the Loch Awe side of the land. Administered by Forestry Commission Scotlan
23/01/2015
The Central Library in Inverclyde is to relocate to a new refurbished site at Wallace Place in the town, it has been announced. To allow for the transition to take place, the existing library at Cathcart Street will close tomorrow (24 January), and reopen on Thursday 29 January at its new venue.
23/01/2015
Keyline has announced the opening of a national rail sales office for Scotland. The firm, a specialist supplier of rail materials, has said the new office will be dedicated to supporting customers working on all Scottish rail contracts – including major improvement schemes currently underway. Ke
23/01/2015
Superglass Insulation Ltd has announced the appointment of Ken Munro as its new Managing Director. The firm, which has its headquarters in Stirling, added that Mr Munro would take up the newly-created position with immediate effect. Munro will be responsible for the running of all operational an
22/01/2015
Construction works have commenced on the new Royal Edinburgh Campus. On a visit to the site on Wednesday (21 January), Health Secretary Shona Robison cut the first ground, signifying the start of works on the first phase of the project. The project will see the site transformed over the coming y
22/01/2015
A new play park is to be created at The Cauldie, the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has confirmed. The Earlston Community Development Trust (ECDT) secured £250,000 from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland towards the cost of the project. The total cost of the work is said to be around £310,000. The addi
22/01/2015
Plans to create multi-purpose community hub on an area of land known as Teletubby Hill, Midlothian, have been unveiled. Dalkeith Miners Welfare are behind the proposals, which aim to provide a facility for the local community to use. The hub would also complement current facilities and services in
22/01/2015
A firm based in North Lanarkshire is to expand its facilities after receiving £250,000 in funding. Kelvin Valley Honey, which sells honey-based products as well as providing equipment and training to bee keepers, has said it plans to expand its Beekeeping for Business scheme with the fund, as well
22/01/2015
Progress is continuing on a council housing development in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. The £2.2m project will see 20 new homes delivered on the site of the former Belvidere Primary School. The properties are a mix of two-bedroom cottage flats and bungalows. The energy-efficient properties have
22/01/2015
Plans for the new Torvean Golf Course are to be submitted by the Highland Council. The proposals are part of a wider initiative to enhance sports facilities in the area. A planning application in principle was approved in April 2014, but delivery of the project is dependent on the local authority
22/01/2015
New property tax rates planned for Scotland will result in half of all households paying no tax, it has been claimed. A further 40,000 buyers will also pay less on the purchase of a new home. The Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is to replace the UK's Stamp Duty Land Tax from April 2015.
22/01/2015
The final consultation events regarding the future development of New Cumnock, East Ayrshire, are to be held next month. New Cumnock was one of the first communities in East Ayrshire to produce a Community Led Action Plan, which outlines its plans for change. Part of the aim, which is shared by th
22/01/2015
Planning permission to build a number of new homes on a site in Glasgow have been submitted by New Gorbals Housing Association. According to Scottish Housing News, the group proposes to construct new infill housing on the site of two demolished tower blocks on Sandiefield Road. Designed by Elder
22/01/2015
Plans to transform the site of a former jute mill in Dundee into a housing development has been given the go ahead. According to reports, 100 homes will be constructed on the site. those behind the plans, Craigie Estates, will develop 100 flats on the site of the former Wallace Craigie Works on
21/01/2015
A third occupier has been announced for a new office development in Glasgow. The 'CONNECT11ONS' building, located in the city centre, was sold by BAM Properties to Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management (Deutsche AWM) last year. Work to the building is still currently ongoing, but is expected to be c
21/01/2015
Scotland's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased 0.6% during the third quarter of 2014, it has been revealed. Construction output was found to have expanded by 3.2% during the latest period, while the production sector contracted by 0.7% and the services sector, which accounts for almost three qu
21/01/2015
Members of the public are being invited to comment on a Final Consultation Report into a proposed new community campus in Tain. The report by the Highland Council outlines plans to construct a new 3-18 years community campus, which could comprise of early years, primary, secondary, additional supp
21/01/2015
A new report has found that the average rent price in Scotland has fallen. The decline in 2014 contributed to a slower annual growth, the findings by Your Move added. In its report, the letting agent said that rents fell by 0.4% last month, to take the average cost of rent to £536 a month. Over
21/01/2015
A number of funding options regarding Meadowbank are to be explored before a final decision is made on the future of the stadium, Edinburgh Council has announced. On Tuesday, the Council's Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee agreed to refer a report on the future of the venue to the Council's
21/01/2015
The second phase of works at Banff Bridge are to resume later this month. The work will recommence on Monday 26 January and is expected to last for five days. The project was delayed over the Christmas period due to poor weather conditions. The latest works are for the installation of six three-
21/01/2015
Work has started on the next phase of the Smithton and Culloden Flood Alleviation Scheme. The project will involve the remediation of sections of watercourse where erosion is evident and subsequently leads to a blockage of downstream culverts. A coarse debris screen will also be installed on the S
21/01/2015
Work to upgrade footpaths in the Clickimin area of Lerwick, Shetland, is underway. The paths, located on the west side of Clickimin Loch and around Clickimin rugby pitch have now been closed to pedestrians to allow work to commence. The route that is closed includes southwards, from North Lochside
20/01/2015
ScottishPower has confirmed it is to reduce its gas prices by 4.8%. The reduction will come into effect from 20 February and will see customers on the firm's standard tariff save an average of £33 on their annual gas bill. The reduction follows the recent fall in wholesale gas prices. Neil Cli
20/01/2015
Graham Construction has been appointed by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to carry out preparatory works at Kelvinbridge Station. The initial works will be undertaken at the lower concourse level of the station and will see temporary walls and flooring erected to allow for the remo
20/01/2015
The owners of a fish factory in Peterhead have confirmed that two main areas of the facility have been left "destroyed" following a fire at the weekend. On Saturday afternoon (17 January), a major fire broke out at the factory. In a statement on its website, Northbay Pelagic has said that "the mai
20/01/2015
Repairs are continuing to progress at Dura Den in Fife. The C45 road which goes through Dura Den has been closed since October 2012 after flooding caused the retaining walls supporting the road to collapse. Private properties in the area were also damaged by the flooding. Work to construct a new
20/01/2015
A hotel situated on Edinburgh's Royal Mile has been sold to investors, it has been confirmed. The price has not been disclosed, but it is said to be the largest hotel transaction in Scotland since 2007. It was sold to a German investor, while Manchester's Park Inn by Radisson, which was marketed f
20/01/2015
A new 20-year forest plan is to be considered by Perth and Kinross Council, it has been announced. The review is in relation to the management of 36 council-owned woodland sites in the area. The plan will be discussed by the Environment Committee later this week. It is understood a sustainable man
20/01/2015
A meet the the buyer event is to be held in Aberdeen later this month by Stewart Milne Homes North and Constructionline. The event will allow for sub-contractors to meet the team at Stewart Milne and learn about the opportunities and benefits of working for the firm. Presentations will also be hel
20/01/2015
Refurbishments have been completed at a school in Scalloway, Shetland. The work was being undertaken at the former Scalloway Junior High School, and involved redecorating classrooms, creating new play and social areas, improving lighting, flooring and installing new toilets. With the primary sch
19/01/2015
An additional £10m of Scottish Government funding is to go towards the construction of the V&A Museum in Dundee, it has been announced. The funding comes following a revelation last week that the cost of the project had almost doubled in cost to £80m. The cost of the project had previously been
19/01/2015
Five proposals for a potential redevelopment of Perth City Hall have been received by the local council. The bids follow a period of remarketing the building, located in the city centre, to prospective developers. The closing date for applications was last week (16 January) and these bids will n
19/01/2015
Scottish Gas has confirmed it will cut its energy bills for customers. The firm, which operates as British Gas in the rest of the UK, will cut gas prices by 5% of 27 February. Part of the Centrica group, the energy supplier said the cuts would reduce the average household's annual energy bill by
19/01/2015
Proposals have been submitted to develop a wind farm in Tweedsmuir. The plans by 2020 Renewables initially suggested building 27 turbines on an area of land south of Tweedsmuir, at Whitelaw Brae. However, following an Environmental Impact Assessment, the Greenock-based organisation has now revis
19/01/2015
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission, a subsidiary of SSE, has said it is to accept funding of £1.1bn from Ofgem for its new subsea cable. The funding is however £105m less than SHE Transmission initially applied for. Over the construction phase of the project, some 600 jobs will be created. Whe
19/01/2015
The third phase of refurbishment work has commenced at the Aberdeenshire Council offices in Banff. The works commenced in summer 2014 with other offices on Low Street, Carmelite Street and Sefield House being undertaken. The project is now focusing on Banff's Town House, and is part of the Council
19/01/2015
A new dedicated day care service for the elderly has opened in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The £1.8m facility, situated on the site of the former Leslie House care home in Merry Street, replaces the Airbles Road day hospital and will provide care and health services for those over the age of 65
19/01/2015
A new report has found that while local authorities have developed successful Gypsy Traveller sites throughout Scotland, more work is still needed. The research, published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), was commissioned in response to claims from some councils in Scotland who s
19/01/2015
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has said he is to consider reviewing the residential tax rates for the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT). The LBTT is due to replace the UK Stamp Duty Land Tax from April 2015. In a statement, Mr Swinney confirmed he would review the rates as part of th
19/01/2015
The UK and Scottish governments have confirmed their ongoing support towards delivering the renewable energy potential of the Scottish islands. The reaffirmation comes following the third meeting of the Scottish Island Renewables Delivery Forum. At the meeting, Ed Davey, the UK's Energy and Clim
16/01/2015
Plans to provide mid-market rented housing in Aberdeenshire have been unveiled. The proposals will provide homes to those on modest incomes but who are likely to be unable to afford private renting at current market rates, but who are also unlikely to be able to access social housing. Aberdeensh
16/01/2015
Following the first meeting of the Stornoway-Ullapool Ferry Project Taskforce, Transport Minister Derek Mackay has said the new MV Loch Seaforth ferry will be in operation by the end of May 2015. The £42m vessel was initially expected to be in operation late last year, but delays to work on upgrad
16/01/2015
Plans to construct a new purpose-built education campus in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, have been approved. The campus will see two primary schools, an early learning and childcare centre and an additional support needs base created on the site. The £15.4m facility was approved by the local aut
16/01/2015
A builder has suffered serious head injuries following a fall at an empty shop unit in Edinburgh. It is understood the man, aged 57, was working at the Fort Kinnaird shopping centre in the city when he fell 15ft. The incident happened at 12.30pm on Thursday (15 January). He was working on the reno
16/01/2015
A housing development by Kingdom Housing Association has been completed. Situated in the village of Largoward, in the east of Fife, 12 new affordable homes have been completed. The £1.5m development consists of two- and three-bedroom cottages, flats and two-storey houses. The new homes were part
16/01/2015
Improvements to the waste water infrastructure at Queen Margaret Drive in Glasgow are continuing, Scottish Water has confirmed. Work commenced on the project on 12 January and is expected to last around six weeks. The project will see £150,00 invested to link two existing waste water mains to redu
16/01/2015
A community group is Morvern, Argyllshire, is set to acquire control of a local woodland. The announcement follows an award of £50,250 from the Scottish Land Fund. Since 2004, Morvern Community Woodlands has managed the Achnaha Wood, and following the funding earlier this week, the group can now
16/01/2015
Pinefield Glass has announced the expansion of its Skypod® skylights range. The company, based in Elgin, Moray, has now added a two-bar pitched gable end design to its portfolio. The new design option from Eurocell eliminates the need for a central spider glazing bar, thereby further improving aes
15/01/2015
A contract as part of a planned £177m energy recovery facility (ERF) in East Lothian, Scotland, has been awarded. The contract by Viridor will see joint venture Interserve and Bancock & Wilcox Vølund A/S work on the project, which will be located at Viridor's existing Oxwellmains waste treatment h
15/01/2015
A new survey has revealed 2014 was a strong year of growth for the construction sector. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Business Survey, revealed that companies reported an increase in contracts, investment and work in the final months of 2014. It is hoped this growth will continue int
15/01/2015
The Scottish Government has confirmed it is providing a further £3m towards the A83 scheme. To date, £9m has already been invested around 'Rest and Be Thankful' (A83) road. The money has helped to improve resilience and keep the communities connected in the event of landslides in the area. It is
15/01/2015
More than £500,000 is to be invested in the new Prince's Trust headquarters in Glasgow. The £555,000 will go towards the cost of purchase and renovation of the building to create an enterprise and employability hub in the city. It will provide support for young people and secure more than 2,000 jo
15/01/2015
A turf cutting ceremony has taken place on the site of Windygoul Primary School, marking the start of construction work. The project will see a new extension added onto the school in East Lothian. The work is being carried out by Morrison Construction, under a Hub South East Scotland Ltd contrac
15/01/2015
Works are to begin at the Foregate North car park in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. The improvement works will begin next week (19 January), and are part of a wider scheme in the town. A scheduled completion date of the end of March has been given. At the car park, the project will involve practical
15/01/2015
Superglass Insulation has announced the arrival of Alastair Gleave in the Commercial Director's role. Alastair's previous experience in founding the leading Saferidge business in the U.K., Europe and North America is testament to developing innovation in wider construction markets. On the succes
15/01/2015
A refurbishment project at the Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr has been completed. The work will see a new, state-of-the-art gym open at the centre next week (19 January). Following an investment of almost £500,000 from South Ayrshire Council, the gym consists of cardio-vascular equipment and resi
15/01/2015
Barr Construction has announced it is to host a Carbon Footprint seminar for businesses in Glasgow tomorrow (Friday 16 January). The free event aims to ensure that where there are opportunities for organisations to save money, they are not forgotten in the imperative to save the planet. The semi
14/01/2015
The first phase of works to redevelop Birkwood Castle and the surrounding estate has been completed. The project, which will see the historic castle transformed into a boutique hotel and residential development, is being carried out by Envestco. Birkwood Castle started as a family home in 1860,
14/01/2015
A weekly service, where property owners in the Scottish Borders can receive information about traditional building repairs, has commenced in Selkirk. Beginning tomorrow (15 January), the Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) will over the drop-in advice service. It will be available
14/01/2015
The future of Meadowbank is to be discussed by councillors in Edinburgh next week. It is understood they will asked to consider the sports facility as part of the Council's budget considerations for 2015/16. Next week, a report will go before the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee which wil
14/01/2015
ISG has announced an addition £6m worth of Scottish projects to its portfolio. The latest contracts, in St Andrews and Glasgow, include the development of a new hotel and retail outlet, plus an office refurbishment for Network Rail. At St Andrews, the contractor has started work on a £5m mixed-u
14/01/2015
More student accommodation has been proposed for Edinburgh. The plans, by architects Maclaren Murdoch & Murdoch, would see the student housing developed at 14, 16-18 Bothwell Street in the city. Located at the east end of Bothwell Street, the development is within the Leith Walk Ward of Edinburg
14/01/2015
Work to improve access to the walking trails at Dalbeattie Town Wood is set to begin next month. The project will be undertaken by Forestry Commission Scotland and will involve landscaping and redesigning the beginning of the trails. The work will begin on 2 February and is expected to be comple
14/01/2015
New fracking rules, issued by the UK Government, will not affect Scotland, it has been claimed. The Infrastructure Bill is currently making its way through Westminster and if approved, would provide fracking firms easier access to drill for shale gas underground. It controversial law would apply t
14/01/2015
Proposals have been unveiled to construct a number of new affordable homes in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. It is understood the development is part of the council's priority plan to increase the number of low-cost homes to buy or rent in the city. If approved, the plans would see a total of 55 homes
14/01/2015
North Ayrshire Council is to hold a number of consultation events in relation to a proposed scheme to tackle flooding in the Upper Garnock Valley area. The events, which will take place later this month, will allow the local community to view plans for the £14.5m investment along the River Garnock
14/01/2015
A former tourist site in Aberdeenshire is to go on sale, it has been announced. The site, Archaeolink, located at Oyne, near Insch, opened in 1997 as a museum facility and remained so until its closure in 2011. In June 2013, the council-owned site was declared surplus to requirements and investi
13/01/2015
Improvement works are due to begin at three of Aberdeen's most popular paths. A total of £435,000 will be invested on the projects at Deeside Way as well as the Formartine and Buchan Way, while paths in Hazlehead Woods are also set to benefit. Works at the Formartine and Buchan Way – from the ci
13/01/2015
Designs for a proposed recycling and waste management facility in Aberdeen are to go on display for the next two days. The initiative, being put forward by SITA UK, would see a facility constructed at the Altens East Industrial Estate. The application by SITA UK is for two new recycling and wast
13/01/2015
A consultation event is to be held later this month for the new Barrhead High School. The information event will allow the local community to view the plans and provide feedback on the proposed school. Members of the design team will also be in attendance to answer any questions the public might h
13/01/2015
Argyll and Bute Council has said it has submitted a bid for a share of £60m from the Scottish Government. The funding would be used to help vulnerable households in the area living in fuel poverty with various energy efficiency improvements such as solid wall, cavity and loft insulation. If succes
13/01/2015
Galliford Try has confirmed financial close on a £31.2m contract to deliver the new Greenfaulds High School. The Hub South West Scotland Ltd contract, will see the facility, located in North Lanarkshire, constructed for the local authority under its Schools and Centres 21 scheme. The constructio
13/01/2015
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), has welcomed the new £30m Small Developers Scheme from the Scottish Government. The fund, launched yesterday (12 January), aims to assist small and medium-sized housebuilders throughout the country. The FMB has said the initiative will increase growth amo
13/01/2015
The Scottish Government has established a group to assess and report on the condition of school buildings. The group, consisting of representatives from both public and private organisations, will review all aspects of the existing guidance, which outlines a consistent approach for local authoriti
13/01/2015
AJ Engineering has undergone a successful assessment by the Steel Construction Certification Scheme (SCCS), part of the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA). The firm, based in Forres, Moray, can now undertake Steel Fabrication works up to Execution Class 4. Graham Alexander, General
12/01/2015
A new scheme, designed to help small and medium-sized housebuilders has been launched. The £30m Help to Buy (Scotland) Small Developers scheme will allow people to purchase new homes from small and medium sized housebuilders. Created by the Scottish Government, the initiative will spread support m
12/01/2015
The final phase to lay track for a highly-anticipated rail link between the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh is underway. Work commenced on the project today (12 January), following a break over the Christmas period. It is thought the rail installation machine will now reach its final destination
12/01/2015
Dundee Council has said it wants to hear from the community regarding new street names for the Dundee Waterfront area. The local authority has today (12 January) released a list of proposed names for some of the streets, and they commemorate the city's seafaring history. For example, names put f
12/01/2015
A taskforce has been appointed to oversee the completion of infrastructure works in relation to the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry. The initiative will aim to address issues surrounding the planned improvements for the service. Plans were approved for a new linkspan to be installed at Ullapool ferr
12/01/2015
A project to create a new cycle path and footway in Aberdeenshire has commenced. The work will see the appointed contractor, Hunter Construction, create a 3m-wide shared-use path from Redcliff to Invercarron Cottage. Work on the scheme will start from today (12 January) and is expected to take a
12/01/2015
Homes for Scotland has said it has responded to the Scottish Government's call for a low carbon economy by encouraging home builders to look at alternative construction methods. In its Sustainable Housing Strategy, the Scottish Government outlined plans for the country to achieve a low carbon econ
12/01/2015
A formal consultation process on a new asbestos bill has begun. The bill has been designed to re-claim the medical costs of treating people who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. If approved, the Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Scotland) Bill would allow the NHS to reclaim s
12/01/2015
North Lanarkshire Council has reminded the local communities of Airdrie, Bellshill and Coatbridge, that the deadline for feedback for their town centre consultations is the end of this month. In November 2014, the council published a draft Town Centre Frameworks and Action Plans for each town and
09/01/2015
A solar panel project is due to be expanded to more sites throughout Renfrewshire, it has been unveiled. The scheme aims to save more than £24,000 each year, as well as reduce CO2 emissions by up to 48 tonnes. Renfrewshire Council has confirmed the first phase of the project has already been com
09/01/2015
Tesco has confirmed it has withdrawn plans to build eight new stores in Scotland. The announcement is part of a turnaround plan for the retail chain following a difficult year of falling sales and controversy. It is understood the planned stores at Aviemore, Banff, Cowdenbeath, Crieff, East Kilb
09/01/2015
A £3.64m restoration project at Wilton Lodge Park is to progress. The Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has said work will be continuing on the park's new bandstand, with the columns and beams already in place. This should allow the structure to be completed by April. Also this month, SBc Contracts w
09/01/2015
Work is continuing on a new housing development in Dundee. The homes are the first properties in the city to be constructed under the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative. Developed by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Futures Trust, the NHT scheme allows developers and local authoriti
09/01/2015
Aberdeenshire Council has said it remains hopeful that a new sports and community facility in Banff will still go ahead. The announcement comes after Tesco confirmed it was to pull out of plans to build a new supermarket in the town. On Thursday, the supermarket chain said it would no longer be
09/01/2015
Work is to resume at Glen Righ, it has been announced. A geotechnical team from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) will commence work on the site from Monday 19 January. The work is part of the latest phase of the Commission's A82 Project, which is making safe and harvesting trees on the hills a
09/01/2015
Refurbishment work on the Glass House in Pittencrieff Park, Fife, is to start later this month. The project will begin on Monday 19 January, and take around 12 weeks to complete. The works are being carried out as part of the wider Heritage Lottery Fund project at the park. It will see the repai
09/01/2015
A team has been selected to lead a regeneration project for Academy Street, Inverness, the Highland Council has confirmed. The development is part of the Townscape Heritage project in the area. Last year, the local authority secured a Townscape Heritage stage 1 pass from the Heritage Lottery Fun
08/01/2015
The Scottish Government has confirmed almost 800 affordable homes for rent have been delivered through the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative over the last three years. The government added that an additional 850 NHT homes have received approval through the original – and subsequent – version
08/01/2015
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) has released a shortlist of architects to lead a restoration project on its Mackintosh Building. The Mackintosh library was left badly destroyed in a fire in May 2014. Around 200 firefighters tackled the blaze on 23 May. They managed to save 90% of the structure o
08/01/2015
Revised plans for Edinburgh Marina have been submitted to the council, it is understood. The development for Granton Harbour, if approved, would include a 400-berth marina, housing, retail and a spa hotel. Improved facilities for local yacht clubs are also included in the proposals. The plans we
08/01/2015
Work has commenced on a new cultural facility in Dunfermline, Fife. The project – a new museum and art gallery – will take around two years to complete. Construction work started on site last month. When completed, the building will be integrated with the Dunfermline Carnegie Library. A museum w
08/01/2015
Work is to be carried out to upgrade the water mains system in Lochwinnoch. The project, being carried out Caledonian Water Alliance on behalf of Scottish Water, will begin on 12 January. It is expected to be completed by May 2015. The work will see improvements to the infrastructure to ensure c
08/01/2015
A series of emergency embankment works have been completed on the A9 near Kincraig. The work was needed after a washout of the section of the embankment following a period of heavy rainfall, the Highland Council has said. Debris was scattered onto the B9152 below during the incident and the road
07/01/2015
The new Barrhead Foundry is expected to open later this month, east Renfrewshire Council has confirmed. Work on the facility's library, learning and meeting spaces, as well as the business centre are due to be completed shortly. The second phase of work on the £3.8m project will then see car park
07/01/2015
Lovell has been selected to deliver a new housing development in Glasgow's East End, it has been announced. The housing developer was chosen by Shettleston Housing Association for the build, which will cater for those aged 55 and over. The £3m project will be situated in Fernan Street, Shettlest
07/01/2015
A Temporary Stop Notice has been issued for a site in Aberdeenshire. Issued by the local authority, the notice is in relation to a site located south of Middlemuir Croft in Whitecairns. The site was formerly used as an equestrian centre. It is understood local residents contacted Aberdeenshire C
07/01/2015
Plans to invest significantly in an art school expansion in the Moray region have been unveiled. Over the next four years, the Glasgow School of Art (GSA), along with the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), will invest up to £10m in the initiative. The two organisations are already partners i
07/01/2015
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation regarding its Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS). The scheme provides financial assistance for improving and maintaining crofter housing in the remote Highlands and Islands areas. The consultation, which launched this week, will run for 12 weeks a
07/01/2015
Plans to install flood protection measures along a section of the coastline in Dundee are to go on display next week. The designs will highlight how potential flood waters could be held back at City Quay, between Discovery Point and Dundee Airport. The open 'drop-in' sessions will take place on
06/01/2015
Maxwell Bruce has said it is to fill at least 1,400 construction jobs throughout 2015. The Scottish recruitment agency, which specialises in engineering as well as construction, added that the positions will vary from general operatives, to middle and senior management. The firm's announcement f
06/01/2015
A £2.8m refurbishment project at a school in Port Glasgow has commenced in Inverclyde. The work is being undertaken at St John's Primary School and is part of the local authority's wider £210m schools estate programme. Expected to take around eight months to complete, the project will include th
06/01/2015
Kingdom Housing Association remains on track to complete a number of homes in Kincardine. The properties are part of an ongoing redevelopment project in the area, which has seen three blocks of high-rise flats demolished. Last month, 10 two- and three-bedroom homes were completed by the housing as
06/01/2015
Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed a new house for children and young people in need of care is to be constructed. Some £1m will be invested in a new modern, custom-made house which will be located in Dunoon. It will cater for children and young people and has been designed following consulta
06/01/2015
Galliford Try has confirmed it has now reached financial close in relation to the new Wick Community Campus. The £48.5m Hub North Scotland Ltd contract, on behalf of the Highland Council, will see the campus replace the current Wick High School, South Primary School, Pulteneytown Academy Primary S
06/01/2015
A "substantial investment" is to be made at two rivers in the Paisley area, Scottish Water has announced. The projects will not only help to improve the waste water infrastructure in the area, but help protect the local natural environment. The improvement work will be undertaken in the Lapsley
05/01/2015
Work is to begin on a new £1.45m visitor centre at Helix Park, located between Falkirk and Grangemouth. The facility will be situated in the park, adjacent to The Kelpies – the world's largest equine sculptures. Commencing this month, work on the new visitor centre will see a restaurant, retail
05/01/2015
Financial close has been reached on the new £45.2m Royal Edinburgh Hospital, it has been confirmed. The contract by Hub South East Scotland Ltd, for NHS Lothian, will see Morrison Construction build and operate the first phase of the multi-million pound development. Morrison, which is part of Ga
05/01/2015
Construction work is to commence on a new single-track bridge at Quarrier's Village in Inverclyde. The £275,000 project will replace a 'temporary' bailey bridge which has been installed at Gotter Water for the last decade. As a result of the project, which begins today (Monday 5 January), the co
05/01/2015
Scottish Water has said it is to undertake a £150,000 project in the West End of Glasgow, which will improve the waste water network, as well as tackle issues of flooding in the area. To allow the work to be carried out, a road closure will be enforced on a section of Queen Margaret Drive in the c
05/01/2015
Dunoon Primary School is to undergo a series of improvements, Argyll and Bute Council has announced. Around £3.5m will be invested in the school, with a further £4m expected to be provided by the Scottish Government, following a funding application from the local authority. Having undertaken dis
05/01/2015
A public consultation is to be held later this week for the local communities in the Gretna Green and Springfield areas. The event will see designs for a number of environmental improvement works, which are due to commence shortly, go on display. The improvement plans have been developed by Dumf
