A new construction industry survey has said that house building has been showing continued signs of revival.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), there was also a report of improved infrastructure work among its Scottish members.

More respondents said they expected to see an improvement in the sector this year, but voiced concerns over skill shortages as demand for workers increases.

Of the 25 Scottish firms and businesses that responded to the UK-wide survey, they said the lack of skills shortages was already causing problems. For example, more than a quarter of companies said a lack of quantity surveyors was an issue, as was falling numbers in the various building trades.


Commenting on the findings, Sarah Spiers, Director at RICS Scotland is quoted as saying: "With the economic outlook looking more positive in recent months, it would seem that the construction industry has followed suit and activity is up right across Scotland.

"More homes are being built, the investment in infrastructure is being recognised and workloads for the next year look positive.

"There is a long was to go for the industry to regain traction and concerns regarding skills need to be addressed, however, these figures show welcome progression."

(JP/IT)