Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Scotland Construction News Archive for January 2016
29/01/2016
Thousands of new homes are due to be built in Edinburgh, it has been announced. It is understood six Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) have agreed to match council plans to build 8,000 homes in the city, bringing a total of 16,000 homes to the city over the next decade. The partners housing assoc
29/01/2016
Building materials supplier Norbord has revealed plans to invest £95 million at its oriented strand board (OSB) mill in Inverness. The move will upgrade the Dalcross facility's continuous press technology and also double its production capacity. In addition, the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (H
29/01/2016
Plans to create a Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) in Renfrewshire have been agreed by Councillors. It is understood the SPZ would be created at Westway business park. The move effectively grants planning permission in advance for certain types of development specified within the business park. The
29/01/2016
Over 500,000 passengers have used the Borders Railway, it has been announced. The milestone puts the service 20% ahead of its forecast, with passenger numbers anticipated to grow throughout the rest of the year. The £353 million railway, which runs from Edinburgh to Galashiels and Tweedbank, was o
29/01/2016
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has visited a new housing development in Glasgow. A total of 157 new homes were built by CCG last year in Barmulloch. The area is one of eight priority sites identified for regeneration by Transforming Communities Glasgow (TC:G), a partnership between GHA, The Whe
29/01/2016
A new school building is to be built in the Highlands, it has been announced. The Scottish Government confirmed on 25 January that funding will be allocated for a new facility to be built at Alness Academy. It is understood the Highland Council will be required to match this funding, with provisio
29/01/2016
Plans are progressing for a Growth Deal between the three Ayrshire councils, it has been announced. Councillors approved plans earlier this month to submit a bid for the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD) to the Scottish Government in March 2016. Each council has committed £50,000 to develop the proposals
29/01/2016
Land Engineering (Scotland) is due to begin developing a new road next month in South Lanarkshire. The firm will start ground clearing work to build the Cathkin relief road in the Rutherglen area from Wednesday, 10 February. The project is one of several schemes to be undertaken as a result of the
29/01/2016
The Scottish Government has revealed £24 million is available to develop a new grade-separated junction in Aberdeenshire. It is understood the funding will be put towards redesigning the Laurencekirk junction on the A90. Transport Scotland is now able to progress with the design phases of the upgr
29/01/2016
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has completed a £23 million improvement project at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. The project involved building new facilities for Typhoon fighter jets based at the facility. Works included creating a new headquarters building, refurbishing nine hardened
28/01/2016
The Scottish Government has announced it will invest an additional £254 million in Aberdeen on top of the previously agreed City Region deal. The UK Government confirmed today, 28 January, that it signed the agreement which will provide a £250m boost towards Aberdeen and North East Scotland's econo
28/01/2016
Over 12,700 new Scottish homes were registered to be built in 2015, according to recent figures. Data from the National House Building Council (NHBC) reveals a total of 12,755 properties were registered to be built for the year, up from 11,138 in 2014. Overall, this represents a 15% increase from
28/01/2016
A series of drop-in sessions are to be held next month showcasing development plans for Stirling. The events will showcase details of three projects identified under the City Development Framework. It is understood the schemes are worth £200 million. In addition, they have the potential to genera
28/01/2016
Climate Change Minister Aileen McLeod has confirmed the £10 million Climate Challenge is to continue for another year. It is understood the funding was allocated in the Scottish Government's Draft Budget 2016/17. Community groups across Scotland are now being invited to apply for a share of the £1
28/01/2016
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has granted £2m towards regeneration a regeneration project at a town in Argyll and Bute. The Townscape Heritage funding will be used to make improvements to historical buildings along Victoria Street in Rothesay. It is understood the works will create a better conn
28/01/2016
A new £23 million school has officially opened in North Lanarkshire. Over 600 pupils arrived at the first 'all-through' Clyde Valley Campus in Wishaw today, 28 January. It is understood the facility will eventually become home to nursery, primary and secondary pupils with a Language and Communicat
28/01/2016
The Scottish Parliament has published new legislation to introduce a supplement on purchases of additional residential properties. The Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill was announced last month as part of the government's 2016/17 draft budget. It proposes a supp
28/01/2016
A community engagement day detailing the regeneration of a Glasgow housing estate is due to take place in the city next week. The Sighthill Regeneration project is the largest of eight Transformational Regeneration Areas in Glasgow. Plans include creating a new pedestrian bridge over the M8 along
28/01/2016
Work is underway on a new £11 million space centre project at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh. The Higgs Centre for Innovation is being built by Graham Construction for the University of Edinburgh. Operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in partnership with Edinburgh Un
28/01/2016
Essential resurfacing works are to take place this week in South Lanarkshire, Scotland TranServ has announced. It is understood repair works will be carried out to the M74 northbound Millbank between Junction 11 and 12. Resurfacing will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am on Friday, 29 Januar
27/01/2016
Housebuilding is set to provide a growth boost for Scotland's construction industry, according to new research. The Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast revealed that the strongest area of industry activity over the next five years will be
27/01/2016
Work is underway on a multimillion data centre campus in Fife. It is understood Queensway Park, which is set to become the largest and most energy efficienct data centre in Scotland, has an estimated construction cost of £150 million. It will be built on the Queensway Business Park in Glenrothes.
27/01/2016
Over 600 jobs are set to be created in Scotland due to an offshore wind farm project in the North Sea, Mainstream Renewable Power (MRP) has announced. The energy conservation company has revealed it is in discussions with an InterGen-led consortium to take its £2 billion 450MW Neart na Gaoithe (NNG
27/01/2016
Scottish Water is continuing with its £12.4 million flood project in Glasgow, it has been announced. Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown visited the scheme today, 27 January to view progress on the site at Elmvale Row in Springburn. The project is part of Scottish Waters's £250m five-year investm
27/01/2016
McLaughlin & Harvey (MCL&H) has been appointed to deliver a new data facility for the University of Edinburgh. The 100,000 sq ft Data Technology Institute (DTI) will be built next to an existing data facility in the centre of the city. It will house a group of occupants from across the University,
27/01/2016
Partnerships for Renewables (PIR) are drawing up plans to develop a potential wind farm in the Scottish Borders. A scoping opinion request has been submitted to develop 90 turbines stretching from near the Carter Bar to Newcastleton. It is understood up to 20 turbines would be built on Newcastleto
27/01/2016
The Lochaber District Partnership is to hold its first meeting next week, the Highland Council has announced. It is understood presentations on social housing and development plans will be held at the meeting. In addition, housing management and support services as well as an update on the Be@home
27/01/2016
Over 1,300 people have signed a petition by the Scottish Green Party (SGP) to bring the country's derelict and vacant land back into use. The petition, which has gathered the signatures over just a week, was launched to demonstrate public support for a Green amendment to the Land Reform Bill. It i
27/01/2016
Work is underway on a new £12.4 million school in East Dunbartonshire. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on 26 January marking the start of construction on the new facility in Bishopbriggs. The two-storey building, designed by Archial Norr, is being built by Morgan Sindall on the site of the ex
27/01/2016
Essential roadworks are due to take place next week in Fife, it has been announced. It is understood the council will carry out resurfacing works at Rothes Roundabout in Glenrothes from Monday, 01 February. Works will take place between 9:30am to 3:30pm and will finish on Monday, 08 February. Roa
26/01/2016
Scottish First Minister (SFM) Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled four key areas of support the Scottish Government will invest in for the oil and gas sector. Ms Sturgeon outlined the actions at a Cabinet Meeting in Edinburgh today, 26 January. She said while the industry is currently facing an "extremel
26/01/2016
Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has announced the next phase of its Street Lighting Energy Efficiency Project (SLEEP) will take place in Galashiels. The £4.9 million scheme began in April 2014 and around 6,000 street lights in the Borders regions have already been converted. It is understood a tota
26/01/2016
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is due to start inviting tender bids to secure the future of electricity supply in the Shetland's. The move comes as the main power supply for the islands, Lerwick Power Station, is starting to reach the end of its operational life. During last su
26/01/2016
Interior solutions provider Havelock Europa has revealed it is benefiting from the decision to cut 100 jobs last year. The Fife-based business said its 'right sizing and simplification programme' announced on 01 September 2015 has resulted in trading results for the year 'to be in line with its exp
26/01/2016
West Dunbartonshire Council is to consider writing-off historical debts of former council tenants, it has been announced. It is understood the total sum owed by 258 former occupants is £436,000. Some of the debts still to be paid are from almost 20 years ago and the council considers it 'highly un
26/01/2016
A railway train station is to undergo improvement works in East Dunbartonshire, it has been announced. It is understood the council is aiming to develop a Sustainable Travel Hub at Milngavie Station. Work to upgrade the footpath, carriageway and car park will begin on Monday, 01 February. In addi
26/01/2016
Midlothian Council has hailed a recent civil engineering schools project as a success. Over 500 pupils from 12 schools in the region worked together over the last two weeks to build mini versions of the new Forth Road Bridge. After being given the chance to walk across the structure, the pupils th
26/01/2016
Additional funding has been announced for a school rebuilding project in Stirling. It is understood £2 million will be granted towards the overall £6.4 million cost of redeveloping St Margaret’s Primary School in Cowie. The financial boost was revealed by Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and
26/01/2016
A contractor has been selected to carry out repairs to a damaged section of road in Perth. Murdoch MacKenzie Ltd is due to begin repairing the Cuttle Burn Culvert and fence to the main landslip on Oakbank Road in Blairgowrie next week. However, Perth & Kinross Council added due to recent high leve
26/01/2016
Work to repair an embankment on the M8 in Paisley is due to be completed later this week, Scotland TranServ has announced. Specialist geotechnical engineers have been working alongside the roads construction company to develop and implement design solutions for the works at St James' Interchange.
25/01/2016
Breedon Aggregates has won a £10 million contract to supply materials for the A9 dualling project in Scotland. The company will provide drystone, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt for the £35m first project stage between Kincraig and Dalraddy south of Aviemore. The £3bn scheme aims to transform 80
25/01/2016
Scottish First Minister (SFM) Nicola Sturgeon has announced 19 new schools are to be built or redeveloped across the country. A total of £230 million has been allocated towards the building project, which is part of the final phase of the £1.8 billion 'Schools for the Future' programme. The 19 sch
25/01/2016
Housing subsidiaries are to be increased for 'affordable' homes being delivered over the next three years, the Scottish Government has announced. It is understood grant subsidiaries have been increased by up to £14,000 for each new home, with incentives being offered for homes which achieve a highe
25/01/2016
Transport Minister Derek Mackay has revealed extra funding for works to the A83 road in Argyll and Bute. The announcement was made at a meeting of the A83 Task Force in Arrochar today, 25 January. A further £6.6 million will be invested in the route, with just over £4 million for the landslide mit
25/01/2016
Renewable energy company Viridor has appointed Paul Brown as its new Regional MD for Scotland. He will take up the position on 01 February. Prior to joining Viridor, Mr Brown was Network Connections Director for Scottish Power Energy Networks. He has over 25 years' experience in infrastructure an
25/01/2016
Industry body Homes for Scotland (HfS) has launched a student design competition. It is understood the competition aims to encourage 'innovative' home designs to meet future building requirements. In line with new European legislation, all new Scottish homes will be required to be built with nearl
25/01/2016
Scottish Water has announced water mains upgrade work will take place next week in Ayrshire. It is understood Caledonia Water Alliance will upgrade around 55 metres of mains piping in the Viewfield Road area of Ayr. Works will start on Monday, 01 February and will be completed in around two weeks.
25/01/2016
A bridge is to temporarily close next week in Angus due to work on the area's multimillion Flood Prevention Scheme, the council has announced. It is understood Bechin Bridge will shut for a seven-week period from Tuesday, 26 January until Saturday, 12 March. Work was originally meant to take place
25/01/2016
Around £127,000 of resurfacing works are due to be carried out this weekend on the A725/A726 road in South Lanarkshire. The works are being carried out by Scotland TranServ on behalf of Transport Scotland. It is understood the eastbound carriageway will be closed from 6am - 6am on Sunday, 31 Janua
25/01/2016
A suggested Local Development Plan template for the Caithness and Sutherland (CaSPlan) areas in the Highlands have been unveiled by the council. The proposals set out the council's view on how and where the two areas should grow in the future over the next 20 years. The Plan focuses on growth in l
22/01/2016
Prime Minister David Cameron is being urged by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to confirm investment in a multi-million pound city deal for Aberdeen. Ms Sturgeon has written to Mr Cameron, stating a deal to support the city's position as a global oil and gas hub should be agreed "as a matte
22/01/2016
Work is progressing well on a construction project in Edinburgh, CCG has announced. The Lochrin Basin development is six-storey PRS scheme located along the banks of the Grand Canal in the city centre. A total of 113 apartments are being developed as well as public spaces, two rooftop gardens and
22/01/2016
Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil has announced up to £14 million will be available for councils to make buildings more energy efficient in Scotland. The fund will allow councils to create new approaches towards energy efficiency, which can then be introduced when Scotland's Energy Efficiency Prog
22/01/2016
A new £209 million EU cross-border links funding programme has been launched today, 22 January. Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Investment, Keith Brown, will join Northern Ireland Finance Minister Mervyn Storey and Ireland's Finance Minister Brendan Howlin at an event in Belfast to mark th
22/01/2016
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has published a new Natural Flood Management guidance. SEPA drew up the handbook after it said recent flooding showed new methods of managing flood risks are needed. The Agency said: "A key element of sustainable flood risk management involves fi
22/01/2016
Dundee City Council is to host a drop-in session next week discussing one of the city's economic development areas. Options for the Blackness General Economic Development Area (GEDA) will be outlined by planners. The plans will contribute to the wider Main Issues Report consultation, which discuss
22/01/2016
Aberdeen City Council has agreed to a new five-year Local Transport Strategy (LTS). The LTS, which will operate between 2016 – 2021, will guide the planning and improvement of the local transport network throughout the city. The programme will focus on 'locking in' the benefits of the developing A
22/01/2016
Councillors have given approval for extension works to go ahead at a primary school in West Lothian. Proposals for Torphichen Primary School include increasing the facility to support additional pupil numbers. The £1 million project involves adding two new classrooms along with various other impro
22/01/2016
Cloch Housing Association has announced its rents are to rise by 1.3% between 2016/2017. The increase will come into effect on 01 April 2016. The HA said it made the decision following 'an extensive business planning and budget setting process'. Housing Services Manager, Andy Thomson said: "We co
22/01/2016
Steps leading to a popular park in Midlothian have been shut due to concerns over landslip problems. It is understood recent heavy rainfall has caused cracks to appear on the steps and embankment at Ironmills Park in Dalkeith. In addition, a large amount of sand and gravel has been washed away in t
21/01/2016
Around 5,000 home buyers in Scotland are to receive £160 million of new funding to help them purchase their own properties. It is understood the funding will be invested into home ownership schemes in 2016/17. Over £80m will be put into the Scottish Government's Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (O
21/01/2016
Thousands of Scottish jobs could be created if home building manages to return to pre-recessions levels, according to new research. A recent report by the House Builders Federation (HBF) revealed over 100,000 new jobs were created in England last year due to a surge in home building. However, trad
21/01/2016
Scottish house prices are due to keep rising for the foreseeable future, according to new figures. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) report reveals rising demand and a marginal increase in the number of new properties coming to the market led to a surge of newly agreed sales in De
21/01/2016
Residents in Dundee are being invited to comment on proposed flood protection measures for the city. It is understood the council intends to carry out work between City Quay and Dundee Airport, subject to funding. Proposed works include: • Adapting the height of the existing sea wall and infrastr
21/01/2016
Transport Minister Derek Mackay has launched a 'refreshed' National Transport Strategy (NTS). Mr Mackay announced the new strategy today, 21 January, during an event in Edinburgh. The NTS sets out the government's vision for transport delivery across Scotland, including investment in transport inf
21/01/2016
A project being undertaken by CCG has been nominated for a BREEAM award. The firm's Specialist Building Services division is currently delivering a new, low carbon teaching block for South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride. Work on the two-storey project got underway in April 2015. It has now
21/01/2016
Sportscotland has granted a £500,000 cash boost towards a sports facility project in East Dunbartonshire. The community sport hub is being developed in partnership with the council and the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust at Huntershill. It includes a full-size all-weather sport
21/01/2016
Aberdeenshire Councillors are due to vote on proposals for a multi-million pound flood protection scheme in the region. The project to protect Stonehaven involves reducing the risk in the lower catchment area of the River Carron, which has previously flooded nearby homes and businesses. The scheme
20/01/2016
Work is continuing on a new £41 million train station in Edinburgh, Network Rail has announced. The Edinburgh Gateway station development at Gogar is part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP). The project involves electrifying central Scotland's railway infrastructure. The new in
20/01/2016
A total of 49 amendments are to be made to the Land Reform Bill, it has been announced. Land Reform Minister Aileen McLeod has moved for the amendments as the Bill reaches its second committee stage. Last week, Dr McLeod announced the Land Reform Bill will be amended at Stage 3 to allow for the cr
20/01/2016
Work will begin on a £17m sports facility in Dundee if a preparatory works tender is approved by Councillors, it has been announced. The development committee will be asked to green light £850,000 of works by Tayside Contracts at a meeting on Monday, 25 January. If accepted, work can get underway
20/01/2016
A Scottish Borders recycling facility is set to close next month due to construction works on a £31.4 million flood protection scheme in Selkirk. It is understood the town's Community Recycling Centre will close from Monday, 08 February for approximately four months. This will allow for a diversio
20/01/2016
Approval has been granted for a £7.5 million industrial unit construction project in East Ayrshire. It is understood three new industrial facilities are to be developed at Moorfield Park and Rowallan Business Park in Kilmarnock. The units will vary from 1,000sq m to 2,700 sq m and can be subdivide
20/01/2016
An elderly care home and day centre in the Highlands is to undergo a major refurbishment programme, the council has announced. The Wade Centre in Kingussie will be upgraded by McGregor Construction, with works starting on 01 February. Features of the £1 million project include improving electrical
20/01/2016
New solar panels are to be installed on council houses across Aberdeenshire, it has been announced. Contractors will fit the energy efficient panels on 1,200 homes over a three-year period. The investment will improve the quality of council housing across the region in line with the Energy Efficie
20/01/2016
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has provided a grant of over £2.3 million towards a park restoration project in Argyll and Bute. The Hermitage Park project aims to redevelop the 100-year-old urban park in Helensburgh. It is understood the scheme will be dedicated to the late architect Gareth Hoski
20/01/2016
Essential carriageway resurfacing work is due to take place next week in Fife. Contractors will carry out works on the Coul Roundabout in Glenrothes. The roadworks will take place from Monday 25 January to Friday 29 January. Temporary traffic lights and diversions will be in place. (LM)
20/01/2016
A former railway viaduct in Moray is close next week for repairs. The structure, which spans the River Spey at Garmouth, will close for six weeks from Monday 25 January. Work will be carried out to replace the timbers on the viaduct. Sustrans are funding the work through a £120,000 grant, while t
19/01/2016
Construction work on the Third Don Crossing project has resumed following the death of a worker last week. Ian Walker, 58, from Dundee, was killed in an accident at the construction site in Aberdeen on Wednesday, 13 January. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4:45pm. However, Mr
19/01/2016
Local people are being given the opportunity to view changes to the proposed A96 Inverness to Nairn dualling scheme. The plans also include the Nairn Bypass. Ongoing design work, along with the public consultation process, has resulted in a number of changes to the scheme. A series of drop-in exh
19/01/2016
The West Coast main line is to remain closed until the beginning of March, the ScotRail Alliance has announced. It is understood the Lamington Viaduct in South Lanarkshire is more damaged than first thought after already deteriorating due to Storm Frank on New Year's Eve. Although the structure ha
19/01/2016
A floating wind monitoring device has been installed at ScottishPower Renewables' East Anglia One windfarm zone. The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system will test and validate wind, wave and climate data as part of the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) programme managed by the Carbon Trust. F
19/01/2016
The Highland Council has allocated £25,000 for community groups in Nairn. The 'Nurturing Nairnshire' fund can be used in grants of £200 or £2,500 for community projects either big or small. The money has been set aside from the local Ward Discretionary budget to let locals decide which projects ar
19/01/2016
Scottish Water International is underway with its second major assignment contract in Canada. A five-strong project consultant team will undertake a service review for Calgary's Water Resources business unit. The project will see the group recommend improvements in the city's efficiency and effect
19/01/2016
A new primary school in Dundee is due to cost almost £500,000 more than anticipated, the council has revealed. The overall cost of the new primary and nursery school in Menziehill is now expected to be £13.2 million. However, Councillors will be told next week this figure can be funded by addition
19/01/2016
Funding for 'affordable' housing in Aberdeenshire is due to receive a financial boost, it has been announced. The council will allocate £3.2 million from its reserves while over £200,000 will be provided from developer contributions. The funding will go towards a £39m package of funding coming fro
19/01/2016
Work is due to begin on a road resurfacing project in East Renfrewshire next month. The Ayr Road will be resurfaced over a three-week period from 01 February. The project aims to improve the road along the northbound (Glasgow bound) carriageway of the route. Works will take place between the junc
19/01/2016
Councillors in Dumfries and Galloway (D&G) have agreed to add a number of new projects to the council's Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP). Previously, members agreed to deliver more than 840 new homes from 2016-2021. Since then, various opportunities have been identified and now the additio
18/01/2016
A £100 million infrastructure redevelopment of Dundee's waterfront region is to be completed ahead of schedule, according to Scottish First Minister (SFM) Nicola Sturgeon. The Central Waterfront infrastructure plan is part of the £1 billion transformation of the city's eight kilometre Waterfront Pr
18/01/2016
The Scottish Government has been slammed for shelving plans to develop a new high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Scottish Liberal Democrat (SLP) transport spokesman Tavish Scott has hit out at the SNP Government for showing a 'lack of respect' to residents in the two cities. Plans
18/01/2016
Work is due to get underway on a new leisure and community facility in South Ayrshire. The £6 million project has now reached financial close and will be built by Morrison Constructio. Work will start later this month at Girvan Harbour. The scheme is being led by the council and hub South West. T
18/01/2016
A new housing development has been partially completed in Stirling. Ogilvie Homes has delivered five council homes at the former Polmaise Farm in Cambusbarron. The properties were secured as part of planning permission for the site. Councillor Violet Weir said: "These are beautiful homes in what
18/01/2016
Work is to begin on a new motorway junction in North Lanarkshire, Transport Scotland has announced. The North Road in Bellshill on approach to and from the A725 Shawhead Junction with the A8 is due to close for three weeks from 10pm on Sunday, 24 January. This will allow for the construction of a
18/01/2016
The Scottish Green Party (SGP) has put forward amendments to the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill. The proposals include a requirement to bring the country's 11,000 hectares of vacant and derelict land into the valuation system to be taxed. The resulting revenue would then be 'ring fenced' f
18/01/2016
Work to create a temporary road in Aberdeenshire has been completed by the council. After part of the A93 at Micras was damaged by the River Dee during severe weather, work got underway to create a diversion around the affected section. The project was completed yesterday, 17 January. In the comi
18/01/2016
Two firms have been fined after a cold store collapsed and seriously injured two employees at a construction site in Scotland. John Sisk and Son, of Curo Park, Frogmore, St. Albans, Hertfordshire was found guilty of an offence under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It wa
18/01/2016
A project to redevelop a play park in East Dunbartonshire is now complete. A £41,000 cash boost from the council enabled works to be carried out at the park in Campsie Drive, Milngavie. The community facility was upgraded as part of the council's ten-year Capital Play Programme and its Open Space
15/01/2016
Business Minister Fergus Ewing has welcomed interest from buyers to purchase the Dalzell and Clydebridge steel mills in Lanarkshire. The two plants were mothballed after owner Tata Steel announced 1,200 jobs cuts in October. 225 jobs were lost at the Dalzell plate rolling works in Motherwell while
15/01/2016
Robertson Timber Engineering has secured a number of contracts to provide materials for six schools currently under construction in Scotland. It is understood the deals are worth around £2.4 million. Robertson will provide timber frame solutions at: • Bilston Glen and Southdale School in Midlothi
15/01/2016
The Big Lottery Fund (BLF) has granted £1.1 million towards building a new community hub in North Ayrshire. Fullarton Community Association will receive a total of £1,127,389 to develop the new £1.8m facility in Irvine. Features will include a doctor's surgery, a multi-purpose hall and a community
15/01/2016
Work has been completed on a £3.5 million transformation project in East Dunbartonshire. A total of 52 flats at the Burns Court development in Kirkintilloch have been redeveloped into energy-efficient, modern properties which meet new technical standards The three-year scheme included installing n
15/01/2016
Scottish Labour Party (SLP) plans to help First Time Buyers (FTB's) into the housing market have been welcomed by industry body Homes for Scotland (HfS). The SLP has pledged to provide FTB's with a £3,000 savings boost to help get people onto the property ladder. Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of Hf
15/01/2016
Work is now underway to repair a major landslip at an interchange junction in Renfrewshire, Scotland TranServ has announced. Engineers have completed the initial design to stabilise the slipped embankment on the M8 at St James' Interchange, with plans now in place to prevent further slips. Once th
15/01/2016
Tulloch Homes has announced plans to expand into the Central Belt in Scotland. It is understood Northern Scotland's largest house builder plans to launch two developments at East Kilbride and Glenrothes. The move signals a return to the Central Belt area for the first time in eight years. In addi
15/01/2016
Road resurfacing works are due to be carried out next week in East Ayrshire. The works are part of a £500,000 budget commitment by Council Leader Douglas Reid to improve road conditions on local housing estates. The three week programme will be carried out in Drongan from Monday, 18 January. Star
15/01/2016
Upgrade work is to be carried out next week to the water network in Glasgow, Scottish Water has announced. As part of its £250 million five-year investment plans, the company will improve a number of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) which run into the River Kelvin. It is understood the works will b
15/01/2016
A Norwich-based glazing firm has been fined after a worker fell from the roof of a van while loading equipment onto the vehicle. Anglian Windows Limited, of Anson Road, Norwich, pleaded guilty for breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Livingston Sheriff Court. It
14/01/2016
VHE has secured an £11 million contract to deliver a 'major' remediation scheme in Glasgow. The design and build contract covers all 50 hectares of the Sighthill Transformation Regeneration Area project. Almost 800 new homes will be built along with new roads and pedestrian bridges, amenity parkla
14/01/2016
A construction worker has been killed during work to build a new bridge in Aberdeen. Ian Walker, 58, from Dundee, died at the Third Don Crossing site yesterday, 13 January. Emergency services were called to the Danestone area at approximately 4:45pm. However, Mr Walker was pronounced dead at the
14/01/2016
The Grosvenor Group has secured planning consent for a new housing development in Edinburgh. The city council has granted permission for the property developers proposed build-to-rent scheme at Fountainbridge. The architects for the scheme are CDA and HTA. It is understood up to 400 homes could b
14/01/2016
Scottish Water is underway with a waste water treatment works (WWTW) upgrade project in Orkney. The £10 million scheme will link existing sewers to the Bu Point WWTW and reduce the risk of pollution to surrounding waters in Stromness Harbour. Work involves developing new manholes and sewer pipes a
14/01/2016
Work is underway to build nine new council homes in West Lothian. The development is located on the site of a former pub at Glasgow Road in Bathgate. Lovell Partnerships are developing the new housing, which is part of the council's building programme to develop 1,000 new homes across the region b
14/01/2016
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has provided a £6.1 million grant towards regenerating two historical parks in Edinburgh. Both Saughton Park and Hermitage Park are to undergo significant restoration works. Welcoming the news, Councillor Ellen Morton said: "We are delighted with this news. The mone
14/01/2016
Land Reform Minister Aileen McLeod has confirmed proposals to amend the Land Reform bill. It is understood Dr McLeod will put forward motions to amend the bill at stage three, allowing the Scottish Government to create a public register of land owners. This will allow for "greater transparency" on
14/01/2016
Almost 900 'affordable' homes are to be built in Edinburgh under the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative, Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil has announced. Already, 400 homes have been delivered through the scheme. The latest 234-home Waterfront development is being built by Hart Builders at t
14/01/2016
North Lanarkshire Council is to host an informational event about plans to develop a heritage project within the region. Proposals to develop Drumpellier Country Park as a gateway to the Seven Lochs Wetland Park will go on display later this month. The project involves carrying out improvements to
14/01/2016
A number of pre-determination hearings discussing 'major' planning applications are to take place in Aberdeenshire next week. The council will begin visiting each site from Monday, 18 January, with the last visit taking place on Wednesday, 09 March. Applications include a mixed-use development at
13/01/2016
The Scottish Government is being urged to set a new target of generating half of the country's total electricity, heat and transport demand from renewables by 2030. Industry body Scottish Renewables made the call as part of its 'Renewed Ambitions: Defining the Future of Renewable Energy in Scotland
13/01/2016
PMK Civil Engineering is underway with a £2 million project to boost the electricity network in South Ayrshire. The scheme is being carried out with SP Energy Networks and involves installing approximately 4.5km of high voltage/fibre optic cabling between Monkton and Troon. In addition, two new su
13/01/2016
Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) has started work on the next phase of a housing development in the Western Isles. Work has now begun on 34 houses across three sites in Lewis. A total of 24 homes are to be built at Mackenie Lane in Stornoway, while a further six are being built at Barvas. In a
13/01/2016
Environment Minister Aileen McLeod has blasted the UK Government over its energy policies. Dr McLeod claimed UK policy on energy and energy efficiency has prevented investment and reduced the level of funding available in Scotland. So far, funding for the HEEPS: Cashback scheme has ceased due to t
13/01/2016
Plans have been submitted by a consortium of developers to expand a town in Fife. Proposals involve delivering 1,480 new homes and creating more than 700 jobs in Cupar. The plans have been submitted by the Cupar North Consortium, comprising of Persimmon Homes North Scotland, Headon Developments an
13/01/2016
Work is underway to develop a £1 million cycle route in South Lanarkshire. It is understood a traffic-free dedicated cycle path spanning Glasgow and Gretna will be built from Lesmahagow to Happendon. The project will help complete route 74 of the National Cycle Framework. Funding for the scheme w
13/01/2016
Transport Minister Derek Mackay has launched a public communications campaign following the future closure of Queen Street Station High Level tunnel in Glasgow. The drive will inform the public of changes to ScotRail Alliance's train timetables. The tunnel is to close as part of the Edinburgh Glas
13/01/2016
Scotland TranServ is continuing to design repairs for an interchange junction in Renfewshire, it has been announced. St James' Interchange in Paisley was damaged by a landslip after the extreme weather experienced in the region over recent months. Scotland TranServ will carry out a series of detai
13/01/2016
A free two-day slate training course has taken place in the Highlands. The workshop was part of the £277,000 Ballachulish slate arch heritage project. A total of 12 volunteers from Ballachulish and Lochaber were taught various techniques associated with slate building. As part of the course, part
13/01/2016
Resurfacing works are due to begin next week in Inverness, the Highland Council has announced. A section of the Ness Walk will close to allow roadworks between the roundabout junction at Ballifeary Lane and the junction with Bishops Road. The closures will take place between 9am and 4pm from Monda
12/01/2016
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) has completed a new £7.5 million renewable electricity substation in Argyll. The facility allows for the connection of 43MW of renewable power to the A'Cruach wind farm. The new 132/33kV substation was built at Crarae, near Minard. The 15 mo
12/01/2016
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has appointed Ian Hughes as its new Strategic Partnerships Director for Scotland. Mr Hughes will be the senior Scottish representative for CITB and will take up his new role on 01 February. He will work in partnership with employers, federations, loc
12/01/2016
NHS Borders has submitted plans to develop a new medical centre in the Scottish Borders region. The proposals, which were submitted in December, involve building the new facility on the site of a former ambulance depot in Galashiels. The current building on Roxburgh Street would be levelled and re
12/01/2016
A £3 million investment is to be made in community facilities across Renfrewshire, the council has announced. The funding boost was approved at a council meeting on Thursday, 17 December. In addition, support will be provided for a local development trust and community-managed halls. Around £2.5m
12/01/2016
North Lanarkshire Council is inviting residents to attend a public consultation on future development in the region. The public will be given the chance to submit their views on a Draft Strategic Development Framework for the South Cumbernauld Community Growth Area (CGA). In 2006, the CGA was iden
12/01/2016
A new cycling project in East Dunbartonshire has been shortlisted in a design competition by transport charity Sustrans. A total of ten schemes from across Scotland have been listed for the 'Community Links Plus' competition. The project in East Dunbartonshire involves a new roundabout design in t
12/01/2016
Planning permission has been granted to develop a new visitor attraction in the Cairngorms National Park. Designs for a new attraction in Grantown-on-Spey were approved by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) on Friday, 18 December. The application was lodged by Revack Lodge Estate LLC.
12/01/2016
Argyll and Bute Council has announced a series of information events for local contractors. The exhibitions will allow local businesses to stay informed of available opportunities when tendering for council services contracts. The local authority has launched a new approach towards tendering capit
12/01/2016
Approximately 600 primary school pupils in Midlothian are building a mini version of the Forth Road Bridge, it has been revealed. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) project involves groups of up to 25 senior primary pupils from 12 schools each building a model cable-bridge, similar to the one
12/01/2016
Work is due to begin on a £100,000 road maintenance upgrade in Inverclyde, Scotland TranServ has announced. The A78 route is set to undergo the resurfacing works at Barrs Cottage in Greenock. The eastbound road will be closed from 6pm on Saturday, 16 January until 6am on Monday, 18 January. Gordo
11/01/2016
New figures have revealed a record year for wind power output in Scotland. Wind generated enough power to supply the electrical needs of 97% of Scottish households during 2015, according to WWF Scotland analysis of data provided by WeatherEnergy. It is understood wind power contribution is up by 1
11/01/2016
Deputy First Minister (DFM) John Swinney has given the go ahead for a new £25 million school to be built in South Ayrshire. The new Ayr Academy is the first project to reach financial close out of 12 schemes worth a total of £330m. The development is being built by Kier Construction under the hub
11/01/2016
Award-winning Scottish architect Gareth Hoskins has died at the age of 49. The renowned architect suffered a heart attack during a fencing match in Edinburgh on 03 January and passed away on 09 January. Mr Hoskins set up Hoskins Architects in Glasgow in 1998 and won UK Architect of the Year in 200
11/01/2016
Environment Minister Aileen McLeod has launched a £235 million flooding action plan. The Flood Risk Management plan contains 14 local strategies/proposals for 42 flood protection schemes or engineering works planned for 2016-21. Along with a range of other flood alleviation measures, it is underst
11/01/2016
Work is continuing on a project to repair a vital viaduct on the West Coast Mainline in South Lanarkshire, Transport Scotland has announced. Engineers are underway trying to stabilise the structure after floodwater damage during Storm Frank weakened one of the stone piers in Lamington. Large secti
11/01/2016
Maintenance work is underway on a rotating boat lift attraction in Falkirk, Scottish Canals has announced. The Falkirk Wheel is receiving its annual upkeep works and is expected to remain closed until 05 February. Workers will drain the Wheel, allowing specialist teams to inspect, lubricate, repai
11/01/2016
A bid to develop new facilities in one of Inverness's oldest areas has been withdrawn. The regeneration fund bid of £2 million would have provided the finance needed to develop community and family centre's in Merkinch. However, after a meeting between the Highland Council and representatives of l
11/01/2016
The second phase of a public realm improvement project is underway in Argyll and Bute. Contractor Land Engineering began over £2 million of improvements at Oban Bay on Monday, 04 January. It is understood the shopfront side of George Street and Station Square will be completed first, with the seaw
08/01/2016
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has officially opened a new affordable property development in the Scottish Borders. Millers Homes developed the 13 two-bedroom homes at Standalane Way in Peebles. Bridges Homes, a council organisation established with Scottish Futures Trust to provide affordable
08/01/2016
Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has announced it is pulling funding from a project to build the UK's first deep offshore underground coal gasification (UCG) plant in Fife. In a statement, the company said it will now focus on projects outside of Scotland. Plans for the UCG facility at Kincardine wer
08/01/2016
Angus Council is to consider proposals on creating a new housing model for older people, it has been announced. The plans involve reducing the local authority's sheltered housing provision by a third and converting them into homes for elderly people. If approved, around 210 of the council's 626 sh
08/01/2016
Dundee City Council is due to host a consultation discussing the shape of future development in the city, it has been announced. Residents, businesses and landowners are being invited to help shape the next Dundee Local Development Plan (LDP). The document will guide the development of housing, bu
08/01/2016
Scottish Borders Council (SBC) is progressing with plans to repair a primary school hall after recent storms caused structural damage. The assembly hall of Howdenburn Primary School in Jedburgh was badly damaged during Storm Desmond in December. Work is now underway to come up with a design soluti
08/01/2016
Work to repair a burst water main in Inverclyde is due to get underway next week. Scottish Water engineers will carry out repairs to the burst pipe on Kempock Street in Gourock from 12 January. The company said it estimates works to fix the fault will be finished on the same day. A stretch of the
08/01/2016
Bridge beams for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project are due to be delivered this weekend, Transport Scotland has announced. A total of 28 beams will help form a new bridge over the Aberdeen to Inverness railway line as part of the scheme. Each of the 20 m
08/01/2016
Clyde Windows and Construction has received an accolade at the Scottish Home Improvement Awards 2015. The company were chosen as winners of the Best Window and Conservatory category. Managing Director Dax Duckett received the award from Scottish home improvements TV star John Amabile. Clyde was p
07/01/2016
Construction work is underway to build Scotland's largest ever solar farm. The 14MW scheme will be developed on 70 acres of land at the Errol Estate in Tayside. The 55,000 solar panel site has been designed by Elgin Energy and is being built by Canadian Solar, who will initially operate the facili
07/01/2016
US Tycoon Donald Trump has threatened to abandon plans of investing £700 million in Scotland if he is refused entry to the UK. An online petition calling for the Presidential candidate to be excluded from the UK due to his comments on Muslims has gathered more than 570,000 signatures. MPs will now
07/01/2016
A joint venture (JV) between Breedon Aggregates and Whitemountain has secured a £55 million contract to carry out a road surfacing project in Scotland. The JV will supply and lay over 500,000 tonnes of asphalt material for the £745m Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie–Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) pro
07/01/2016
Construction work is underway on a new £8.9 million primary school and nursery campus in West Dunbartonshire. The school is being built by Morgan Sindall for hub West Scotland in Dumbarton. The new Bellsmyre Primary School will replace the existing Aitkenbar and St Peter's Primary Schools. In addi
07/01/2016
Over 700 households in Glasgow are to have their fuel bills reduced via a £10.6 million heating scheme, it has been announced. Plans are in place to build a new energy centre which will facilitate 702 properties in Broomhill. The centre will provide heating and hot water through the Cube Housing A
07/01/2016
Dundee City Council are to discuss proposals about building 120 new homes at the site of former multi-storey blocks in the city. It is understood councillors will be asked to approve a contract under the Scape Framework which will see Robertson Group lead the redevelopment at Derby Street. Kevin C
06/01/2016
Scottish Water is to carry out a £500,000 water modernising project in the Shetland Isles, it has been announced. The investment involves introducing an additional process to the Isle of Fetlar's water treatment, known as chloramination. The process eliminates the need for additional chlorine to b
06/01/2016
East Dunbartonshire Council is inviting residents to attend a drop-in event over plans to develop a new community facility in the region. Representatives from the council and the architect will be at the meeting to discuss details of the proposed purpose-built development in Auchinairn. The public
06/01/2016
The Scottish Govt has announced it will provide £56 million in funding to improve deprived communities across the country. The additional investment in local regeneration projects brings the total amount invested to £428m since 2007. It is understood the money aims to attract private investors and
06/01/2016
West Dunbartonshire Council has revealed plans to develop a lighting scheme for a historic bridge in the region. A design for 16,000 LED street lights on the Dumbarton Bridge which spans the River Leven has already been developed. The council is now seeking approvals to go ahead with the project f
06/01/2016
Approximately £1 million is to be spent on improving the high street of a town in Fife, it has been announced. Contractor Land Engineering is currently on site and beginning preparatory works at the High Street in Kirkcaldy. Work to begin redeveloping the west end of the street will begin on Monda
06/01/2016
Road resurfacing works are to take place in South Lanarkshire this weekend, it has been announced. Almost £127,000 is to be invested in upgrading the A725/A726 between the Murray and Whitemoss roundabouts. Scotland TranServ will carry out the works on behalf of Transport Scotland. The eastbound c
05/01/2016
Renewable energy is now Scotland's main source of electricity, new figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have revealed. A total of 49.7% of electricity was generated by the sector in 2014. Industry body Scottish Renewables said the data was a "clear sign of how important
05/01/2016
WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff and HOK Architects have been selected to design a £40 million research hub for the University of Glasgow. The new facility is to be built at the University's Gilmorehill Campus in the West End. The £40m hub forms the second part of the University's overall plan for the W
05/01/2016
Work is due to begin to connect a historic castle and museum to Scotland's sewer network, it has been announced. The £500,000 project at Broughty Ferry Castle Museum in Dundee will get underway today, 05 January and will last for approximately 12 weeks. The works will be carried out by contractors
05/01/2016
Demolition works at a development site in East Renfrewshire are expected to start at the end of January, it has been announced. The remaining building at Auchenback Primary in Barrhead is to be levelled to make way for a new multimillion pound community hub. The new Arthurlie Family Centre facilit
05/01/2016
Alternate designs to a proposed road link project in Moray have been published online, it has been announced. A total of 32 requests for changes to the Western Link Road scheme in Elgin were raised during a workshop earlier this year. Overall, 21 alterations have been made to the current design.
05/01/2016
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) and SP Energy Networks have completed a project to develop a 220km power line between the Highlands and the Central Belt. The 400 kilovolt overhead Beauly-Denny line is supported by 615 steel towers and replaces over 800 pre-existing 132 kilov
04/01/2016
The Scottish Government has announced it will invest approximately £690 million in housing between 2016 and 2017. The 2016-17 Draft Budget proposes to build between 8,000 and 9,000 new homes across the country. The announcement is part of the government's pledge to deliver 50,000 new homes over th
04/01/2016
An invitation to tender for a £112 million redevelopment project in Glasgow has been published by Network Rail. Plans are in place to expand and upgrade the Glasgow Queen Street station by 2019. The stations platforms and concourse will be extended to accommodate the faster, longer, greener electr
04/01/2016
Turner & Townsend (T&T) has been selected as project manager for a new £333 million Exhibition and Conference Centre in Aberdeen (AECC). The 105,000m2 complex will be built by Henry Boot Developments near Aberdeen International Airport in time for the Offshore Europe Conference in 2019. It include
04/01/2016
Hub North Scotland has appointed Andrew Richmond as its new chairman. Currently a lay member of the court of the University of Dundee, Mr Richmond has significant experience of the healthcare, stockbroking and private equity sectors. In addition, he is a non-executive chairman of Frontier IP, a un
04/01/2016
Carriageway resurfacing works are to take place next week in Fife, it has been announced. The B917 Old Perth Road will undergo resurfacing work from Monday, 11 January. The roadworks will take place between the junctions at Cuddyhouse Road and Woodend Place. A phase road closure will be in place
04/01/2016
SPIE UK has secured an £80 million contract with Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), it has been announced. The company's newly created Distribution & Transmission business will provide overhead line services during a four-year period across Scotland. SPIE's responsibilities includes Extra High
