Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Scotland Construction News Archive for November 2013
29/11/2013
Work is to commence on a £200m mixed-use development, The Haymarket, in Edinburgh, it has been reported. The scheme will see a mix of offices, hotel and retail space delivered in the city centre, according to the BBC. It is understood work will begin "within weeks". The four-acre site is locat
29/11/2013
Plans to construct a 134-bedroom hotel on Union Street, Aberdeen, have been approved by the Council. The application, submitted by Tip Top Properties, is for a nine-storey hotel with a rooftop restaurant, plus public entrances from both Union Street and Langstane Place. The building, which will
29/11/2013
Detailed plans for a £34m replacement for Inverness Royal Academy have been submitted by the Highland Council. Proposals for the new school, as well as the associated community and sporting facilities, are designed to accommodate 1,420 pupils and will be the largest in the Highlands. Included wi
29/11/2013
A new £100m distillery and visitor centre is being planned for The Macallan in Speyside. The development would be located on the current Macallan estate at Easter Elchies, near Craigellachie. Subject to planning permission, work could begin on the facility next year, with a completion target dat
29/11/2013
Edinburgh Council has been awarded £1.9m of funding to help transform Castlebrae Business Centre in Craigmillar. The premises is currently occupied by business incubator hub, Cre8te Opportunities Limited. The Centre in Peffer Place was built in 1936 as the Niddrie Marischal Secondary School, whi
29/11/2013
A new development in Aberdeen has been approved by Councillors. The housing scheme will see up to 100 homes built the West Huxterstone site on the edge of Kingswells. The recommendations for the application by Stewart Milne Homes, received widespread support from the members of the Council's Pla
29/11/2013
Homes For Scotland has described the increase in home registrations as "encouraging", but added that supply-side issues need to be addressed if output is to meet the housing need. The organisation was responding to figures released by the National House Building Council, which revealed a 27% rise
29/11/2013
Tenants in Angus who have had their housing benefit reduced due to the introduction of the 'bedroom tax', are being encouraged to apply for a discretionary housing payment. The local authority's finance spokesperson, Councillor Alex King, said: "Additional funds have been given to the council to h
28/11/2013
GRAHAM Construction has started work on a £20m extension at Glasgow's Silverburn Shopping Centre. The centre's owners, Hammerson, are creating a new 14-screen Cineworld cinema, nine new restaurants and improved bingo facilities, as well as further retail units at the site. As part of the contrac
28/11/2013
Foundations for a new £8.5m Museum and Archive at Lews Castle, Stornoway, have been laid. Works on the new facility, which is due to open in July 2015, also includes major repair and restoration works to the Castle. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have said the work is being carried out by Graham Cons
28/11/2013
Around 70 properties in Garve, located on the Black Water River in Ross-shire, are now benefiting from the completion of a £1.4m project by Scottish Water. The project involved the upgrading of the existing water supply and included the installation of a new 14.4km underground water pipe, which ru
28/11/2013
Members of the Highland Council's Finance, Housing and Resources Committee have given their support and approval for the regeneration of the former Fort William Secondary school site. The site, which is located at the south end of the town centre, will serve as the location for the Council's new m
28/11/2013
Residents in Fife are being given the opportunity to view proposed plans for a new housing development in Ostlers Way, Kirkcaldy. It has been said that the new development would complement Kirkcaldy's new care home. The proposals being suggested is for 26 affordable homes to be constructed along
28/11/2013
Aberdeenshire Council has said a number of projects in its £102m Capital Plan for 2013/14 are on schedule. Among the projects, are three new secondary schools, a new care village and major school improvement works. Advance work on the £37m Alford Community Campus began in October, with the main
28/11/2013
Changes to the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme will allow Stirling Council to help more residents, its Community Planning and Regeneration Committee is due to hear today. As a result of the changes, which include additional funding, the Council hopes to offer greater assistance to anyon
28/11/2013
A new report has claimed that Scotland's public sector is not taking enough action to cut its greenhouse gas emissions within the transport sector. The report, 'Doing their Duty?' by Transform Scotland, described the performance as "dismal", and said the sector needs to improve. In the report, i
27/11/2013
The official topping out ceremony has taken place at the site of The Kelpies, completing work on one of the UK's latest pieces of public art. The cultural landmark, which cost £5m, will be located in Falkirk. The completion of The Kelpies marks a significant stage in the £43m Helix project, whic
27/11/2013
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has approved plans for a 14-turbine wind farm in the Western Isles. The development will be located on a site 10 miles from Stornoway on Lewis, the BBC has reported. It is understood 2020 Renewables is behind the £70m scheme and plans to build on common grazing land at
27/11/2013
Scottish Water has completed a £1.7m upgrade to sewage treatment works in Forfar. The works will help protect the local community and environment, as well as complying the waste water treatment regulations. In addition, the project will play an important role in protecting the natural environment
27/11/2013
Fife Council has launched a new fund to help businesses in the town centre. The fund, which totals £150,000, will help fill vacant units, as well as encourage existing owners to improve their premises. Spokesperson for Business, Enterprise, Economy and Planning, Councillor Lesley Laird, said the
27/11/2013
The creation of a large new CarStore by Peter Vardy Limited is nearing completion. The facility is located at Braehead in south-west Glasgow and will house quality pre-owned cars. It will cover a total of six acres, stretching across 70,000 square feet. Due to open next month, this will be the G
27/11/2013
Plans to construct a £3m abattoir on the outskirts of Dalbattie have been put on hold, according to the BBC. It is understood a lack of financial support is the reason for the stalled plans. Consent for the facility was given to Dumfries and Galloway Food Co-operative (DGFC) during the summer. I
27/11/2013
Inverclyde Council is asking its residents to help rename its former library. There are currently plans to move the former library headquarters building at Clyde Square. The building was home to the library headquarters for the town from its creation in the 1960s, but the new headquarters will b
27/11/2013
A multi-million pound development in Lomondgate, near Dumbarton, has received a commendation award. The award was in the new public and private partnership category at the Scottish Government's 2013 Quality in Planning Awards. There was praise for West Dunbartonshire Council, Walker Group (Scotla
26/11/2013
Discussions have been held regarding a disputed contribution towards the construction of a new road in Inverness, the BBC has reported. It is understood the Highland Council and Tesco exchanged "frank and very robust" views following a meeting over payments. The supermarket giant is said to have
26/11/2013
Kier Construction is building a new science and technology teaching centre in Aberdeen at Robert Gordon's College. The £12.5m large city centre development, which will further increase the spaciousness of the college's existing accommodation on the Schoolhill Campus, is set to be the largest in th
26/11/2013
Renfrewshire Council has said it has secured £2m in funding to help restore one of Paisley's architectural landmarks. The Russell Institute is one of the key buildings in the town, but it has been lying empty since 2011. The property, which was formerly used as a health centre, needs work carrie
26/11/2013
Scottish Water has said it has completed three major projects at key waste water treatment works (WWTW) in Glasgow and Paisley. More than one million people will benefit from the upgrades at Shieldhall and Dalmarnock WWWT in Glasgow, and the Laighpark WWTW in Paisley. Together, the three schemes
26/11/2013
A new Shop Front Improvement Scheme has been launched in West Lothian. The project, organised by Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Town Centre management Group (LLBTMG), aims to help town centre businesses. Under the scheme, a fund of £20,000 is available for local businesses to apply for grants
26/11/2013
A £500,000 housing project, run by East Renfrewshire Council, has won a major national award. The mixed tenure improvement scheme aims to improve blocks of mixed occupation; that is, council tenants, owner occupiers and private lets. The project impressed judges and has been labelled "outstandin
26/11/2013
Lanark Memorial Hall has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment programme. The building has been transformed and now boasts modern facilities which are suitable for a wide range of activities and entertainment. The restoration, upgrade and extension were funded by the council w
26/11/2013
The Highland Council has submitted a bid for funding to run mini-Charrettes. The interactive facilitated workshops will focus on actions which will best deliver town centre regeneration in Fort William, Nairn and Tain. In a statement, the local authority said the bid is for £20,000, and if succe
25/11/2013
South Lanarkshire Council is to invest £55m on the construction of 500 new homes, Scottish Housing News has reported. Work on the homes, which will be made available for rent, is due to commence in 2015-16, with a final programme completion date of April 2020. The plans for the developments have
25/11/2013
The Highland Council has named a preferred site for its new office headquarters. It has named the former Fort William Secondary School site on Achintore Road as its preferred option. The local authority has been looking at its office needs in Fort William, and it said the school site would allow
25/11/2013
Scottish Borders Council has said plans for new train stations at Reston and East Linton has moved a step closer. The stations are planned as part of a new local rail service between Edinburgh and Bewwick-Upon-Tweed. The news follows an announcement by Transport Scotland that companies wishing t
25/11/2013
Inverclyde's urban regeneration company is to receive funds to help boost business in the area. The money is part of a Scottish Government £25m cash boost for the country. With regards to the Inverclyde investment, the money will be used as part of a £1.1m small business centre in Port Glasgow.
25/11/2013
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess and Councillor Stephen Hagan, COSLA Spokesperson for Development, Economy and Sustainability, have announced a £25m fund which will transform disadvantaged areas in Scotland. In total, 22 local projects will benefit from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).
25/11/2013
Draft legislation which aims to correct a legal issue in land tenancy law has been published. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 had to be amended as one sub-section breached the rights of landlords under the European Convention on Human R
25/11/2013
The Highland Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) has been successful in securing further funds to support coastal communities under the European Fisheries Fund Axis 4 programme. Currently, more than £200,000 is still available to assist projects which contribute to the sustainable development of fi
25/11/2013
A new all-weather pitch has been officially opened in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. The new pitch can accommodate a wide range of activities, such as hockey, multi-sports, football and athletics, and will be available for both community and school use throughout the year. In a statement, the local auth
22/11/2013
A Bill aimed at improving the quality of rented accommodation across the social and private sectors in Scotland has been introduced in Parliament. The Housing (Scotland) Bill are designed to enhance housing conditions, retain much-needed social housing for the people of Scotland, as well as to saf
22/11/2013
Healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has said it is to invest £25m in expanding its operations in Montrose. Some £2.7m had already been set aside by Angus Council for the project, but in addition to this, Scottish Enterprise has now also awarded the local authority £1.5m to improve access into
22/11/2013
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has opened a new glass processing plant in Midlothian. The £5m facility, which has been described as 'revolutionary', has the capacity to process a quarter of Scotland's recycled glass. The Dryden Aqua plant in Bonnyrigg uses recycled glass to create a grou
22/11/2013
Plans to redevelop and extend Aberdeen Art Gallery have been recommended for approval. The local authority's Planning Development Management Committee is expected to discuss the application next week. Proposals for the project include stripping-out spaces such as the entrance lobby and staircase
22/11/2013
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have announced a number of successful applications for the first round of its Community Capital Grant Fund. The funding awards to be offered are:
22/11/2013
Councillors in Aberdeen are to consider plans for a new housing development in Kingswells. The development of almost 100 homes will be discussed next week. The application, made by housebuilder Stewart Milne Homes, has been recommended for approval for the West Huxterstone site. There are plan
22/11/2013
The Campbeltown CHORD project has been nominated for best practice in the community regeneration at the 2013 SURF awards, in the category of town centre regeneration. Every year, SURF (Scotland's Independent Regeneration Network) and the Scottish Government work together to deliver the national SU
22/11/2013
Bennetts Associates have published fresh plans for a refurbishment of Glasgow's Citizens Theatre, Urban Realm has reported. The proposals include supplanting the drab 1970's frontage with the reinstatement of six statues depicting the four muses, William Shakespeare and Robert Burns, from the Vict
22/11/2013
Clydebank Housing Association has been awarded a total of £83,206 from the Big Lottery Fund's Community Spaces programme. The money will help transform a disused area of the Centre81 building into a multi-purpose gym and improve access to the outdoor sports pitches. Centre81, which is owned and
22/11/2013
NG Bailey has said its Engineering division has been awarded a £15m contract by Bowmer & Kirkland. The contract will see the firm provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing services for a major office development at the new Aberdeen International Business Park. The project, which is expected to
21/11/2013
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has issued a warning to firms that they face a ban from public contract bids if they have been involved in the practice of blacklisting. Minister Salmond made the comments in support of the Scottish Government's commitment to tackle 'blacklisting'. He also
21/11/2013
Dominvs Hospitality, the hospitality arm of the Dominvs Group, has successfully acquired a key hotel site in Aberdeen. The £30m acquisition and development is part of the Group's planned expansion of strategically-located branded hotels in key UK cities. The adjoining hotel sites, totaling 251-b
21/11/2013
Aberdeen-based housebuilder Stewart Milne has posted an annual pre-tax loss of £5.7m. For the year ending in June, the company had a turnover of £211m and an operating profit of £20.5m. However, in a statement, the firm said "exceptional one-off costs of £13.8m combined with interest charges".
21/11/2013
A new route through central Scotland could generate more than £2.9m for the local economy, Stirling Council's Environment and Housing Committee will hear today. The John Muir Way is a 130-mile path which links Dunbar to Helensburgh. It has been proposed that the route will be split into two sepa
21/11/2013
Cairngorms National Park has revealed 18 new orchard sites in Scotland. The announcement marks the tenth anniversary of the Park. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) in partnership with the Soil Association - through the Cairngorms Food for Life programme - invited community groups and
21/11/2013
Councillors on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Environment Committee have approved plans for two wind turbines, the BBC has reported. The turbines, which would create a community wind farm at Locheport in North Uist, had received opposition from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It argued that the turb
21/11/2013
Preparations for the second phase of the £13.2m Kessock Bridge improvement scheme are to start next week. As a result, BEAR Scotland has said some overnight off-peak traffic management will be required on the bridge between 25 November and 15 December. The work will involve the installation of bri
21/11/2013
The first phase of the £42m James Gillespie's campus project in Edinburgh has been officially opened. Work on the site started in January 2013 and the first phase has seen the existing nursery and gym at the primary school replaced, as well as two new primary classes within the existing school bui
21/11/2013
Argyll and Bute Council has said good progress is being made on its Helensburgh offices. The work, which is part of the local authority's Helensburgh Office Rationalisation Project, involves the refurbishment of the Grade B-listed former Clyde Street School in the town. When completed, the build
21/11/2013
Almost half of Edinburgh's council tenants, subject to the UK Government's 'bedroom tax', have not applied for additional help to pay their rent. This comes despite the news that tenants face growing arrears and debt, Housing Leader Councillor Cammy Day has said. Almost 3,000 Council tenants are
20/11/2013
The vision for the Seven Lochs Green Bridge has been unveiled with Glasgow-based landscape architect Euan Maharg being selected as the winner of the design competition. The competition invited design professionals and students to produce concept design proposals for a 'green bridge', which would c
20/11/2013
An open cast mine at Cauldhall Moor, Midlothian, has been granted planning permission. On Tuesday, it was agreed to approve the application from Hargreaves Surface Mining Ltd, subject to a number of strict legal and planning conditions. The mine, which is located around 2km south of Rosewell, is
20/11/2013
Transport Scotland has unveiled the shortlist for its Forth Bridges Operating Contract. Three organisations have pre-qualified for the next stage and include:
20/11/2013
The second phase of environmental improvements scheduled for Wishaw town centre are to commence on 6 January 2014, it has been confirmed. Phase One of the project saw carried out on Main Street, while this new phase will see work undertaken on the East Cross, Stewarton Street, Caledonian Road, Kir
20/11/2013
More than £1m of improvements is to be made to vacant and derelict land across Dundee, it has been reported. Dundee City Council has said the work could be undertaken before March 2014. The Scottish Government has earmarked £1.07m from the Vacant and Derelict Fund and draft proposals for project
20/11/2013
Additional overnight construction works are to be undertaken on the A82 Pulpit Rock Improvement Scheme. Last week, a road traffic accident stopped work from progressing on the £9.2m project. As a result, preparation work to allow a pile concreting operation to take place will have to be re-seque
20/11/2013
Progress is continuing to be made on Edinburgh's ambitious tram project, the Council has said. Yesterday (19 November), the overhead power lines between the Bankhead Tram Stop and York Place were switched on, meaning the entire airport to city centre route is now live. Transport Convener Lesley
20/11/2013
A major upgrade of Palnackie's waste water treatment system has been completed by Scottish Water. There were two small waste water treatment facilities in the area, but under the new scheme, they have been replaced by a single facility. The project, which cost £1.3m and took around nine months t
20/11/2013
A new school in Glasgow has won two design awards in the 2013 Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Awards. Notre Dame Primary School and Elie Street Early Years Centre, which are located in the west end of Glasgow, were triumphant in the conversation and education categories. The school is loc
20/11/2013
Housing chiefs in East Renfrewshire have launched a 'mutual exchange register' to help tenants wishing to move to a more affordable or appropriate property. The move will allow tenants in council houses or housing association properties to ask the local authority for a list of suitable matches. It
19/11/2013
Argyll and Bute Council have said its revised plans for Queens Hall, Dunoon, have been approved. The proposals, which were submitted by Malcolm Fraser Architects, include all the aspects of the previous design, plus a number of additional enhancements to the public realm areas around the building.
19/11/2013
Scottish Water has completed an environmental improvement scheme in Ayrshire. The £51m project was carried out in the Irvine and Kilmarnock areas. The storm water management scheme, which was completed on time and on budget, will substantially improve the water quality in the River Irvine and Ki
19/11/2013
Communities across Scotland are to benefit from the latest round of Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) funding. Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, made the announcement during her keynote speech at the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) Annual Congress
19/11/2013
Transport Minister Keith Brown has visited Gleneagles Station ahead of preparations for next year's Ryder cup tournament. During the visit, Minister Brown unveiled a Scottish Government contribution of £1m towards the new £3.8m link road which will improve both safety and access between Gleneagles
19/11/2013
Fife Council has confirmed it will increase tax for empty properties in the area. From April 2014, the tax will be applied to properties that have lain empty for 12 months or more. The changes will mean that a homeowner with a property that has been empty for 12 months or more, will see the coun
19/11/2013
Official statistics published today have revealed that fewer people in Scotland are becoming homeless. Between April and June 2013, the Scottish Government said 9,474 homelessness applications were received, an 11% decline from the same quarter in 2012; while, as of the end of June 2013, there wer
19/11/2013
Proposed works to regenerate Gourock town centre are "on track", it has been reported. Riverside Inverclyde's Interim Chair, Councillor David Wilson, welcomed the news, saying: "Following recent constructive negotiations with Network Rail, we are now able to move the project onto its next stage of
19/11/2013
Advanced works on the Kintyre Hunterston link, which will improve the electricity network in the area, has started. The project will see more than £200m invested to provide a more secure energy supply to the Kintyre peninsula by strengthening the transmission network, as well as providing signific
19/11/2013
A public consultation on a proposed design plan for Persley Den has been launched. The site has been identified as an Opportunity Site OP135 in the Aberdeen Local Development Plan (LDP) 2012. The masterplan aims to produce a new sustainable residential community with up to 400 homes located to t
19/11/2013
The quality of Dundee City Council's planning has been recognised at an awards ceremony. A Scottish Government Awards for Quality in Planning, was presented to a project which involved young people helping to transform the waterfront in Dundee. There was also a commendation to the creation of Dund
18/11/2013
A new-build home in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, has been awarded a commendation for best architecture for a single residence at the UK Property Awards. McKenzie Strickland Associates' No 1 Rosemount was part of a scheme that saw the demolition of an existing cottage to make way for a modern woodland h
18/11/2013
Scotland’s annual Empty Homes Conference is to focus on how to bring empty homes back into use. The event is due to take place on Tuesday 26 November at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. Currently, there are just over 23,000 long-term private sector empty homes in Scotland, according to homeless
18/11/2013
A project to build what will become Scotland's largest new town has begun work to connect the site to the national transport network. The Chapelton development will see 8,000 homes built just five miles south of Aberdeen. Elsick Development Company (EDC) said 40% of the town will be green space.
18/11/2013
Scotland’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse has stressed the importance of 'climate justice' to the international community. Mr Wheelhouse is highlighting the work of the Scottish government to international counterparts at UN Climate talks (UNFCCC) in Warsaw this week. The
18/11/2013
The public is being asked for its views on the proposed housing development for Lochgelly in Fife. The drop-in event for members of the public to view and comment on the planning application will take place at Lochgelly Centre in the Main Atrium on Wednesday 27 November 2013 between 16:30 and 19:00
18/11/2013
Argyll and Bute Council is encouraging Oban residents to put forward their views on the progress of a regeneration project currently underway. The Oban Bay regeneration project will see the enhancement of the waterfront stretching from Station Square to Stafford Street and North Pier. There will b
15/11/2013
Taylor Wimpey has said it has sold all the homes it is constructing this year, partly due to the Government's new Help to Buy scheme. All of the firm's houses due for completion in 2013 have sold, as well as 30% of those due to be built in 2014, the BBC has reported. Peter Redfern, Chief Executi
15/11/2013
One of Edinburgh's most ambitious affordable housing projects has been completed. The new Quartermile development, which is situated in the city centre, included 900 properties – 174 of which are affordable homes. They were delivered as part of Edinburgh Council's Affordable Housing Policy. Th
15/11/2013
Midlothian Council has warned a Trust that it cannot rely on authority funds to help restore a derelict mansion in the area. The Mavisbank Trust is applying to a number of organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, for £5m funding to restore the historic 1720's Mavisbank house and gardens
15/11/2013
Aberdeen Council has said the junction of Crown Street, Springbank Terrace and Wellington Place will close this weekend due to resurfacing works. The junction will close at 7pm today (15 November) and will reopen at 6am on Monday. No vehicles will be permitted within 15 metres of the junction.
15/11/2013
Transport Scotland is to invest £130,000 in upgrading the A87 in Uig Village. The works will be focused in the village from Rha Bank Junction to the Ferry Terminal Car Park. The Highland Council has said the project ill be delivered by BEAR Scotland. Commencing on 18 November, the works will t
15/11/2013
It has been confirmed that the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been made for the Inverness West Link project. The development will provide a new transport link from the Southern Distributor Road at Dores Road, to the A82 trunk road via a fixed link across the River Ness and the Caledonian Cana
15/11/2013
Motorists in Perth have been warned to expect delays to their journeys as major roadworks are carried out on the A85 Crieff Road overbridge. The bridge runs over the A9 dual carriageway on the Perth Western bypass. The council has said the works will be undertaken by BEAR Scotland, and the main
15/11/2013
Councillors in Aberdeenshire are being asked to approve the next stage of the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme. Next week, members of Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee will hear feedback from a recent consultation event on engineering proposals. A public event allowed residents to see what en
14/11/2013
Work is set to commence on two multi-million pound developments in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire. The local authority has said the regeneration projects will "change the face" of the town's Main Street. From Monday 18 November, the first project will see the council start work on the £3.8m Barrhea
14/11/2013
Glasgow Airport has commenced its second phase of its £17m investment programme. The work is being carried out ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games. Earlier this year, the airport unveiled details of its £17m investment programme, which will see large areas of the main terminal building under
14/11/2013
E.On has admitted it is "increasingly likely" to increase its prices for customers. The energy firm is the only one of the 'big six' companies in the UK that has not yet announced it is to increase its tariffs. The announcement comes as the firm announced a 17% increase in its profits for the fi
14/11/2013
A formal opposition has been submitted by Dumfries and Galloway Council to plans for new wind turbines in Solway Firth. According to the BBC, the opposition comes as the deadline for the Marine Scotland consultation is reached. The different options being considered are understood to include ext
14/11/2013
Residents in East Renfrewshire have praised a new £500,000 housing project. The project aims to address the issue of eyesore properties. The mixed tenure improvement scheme targets blocks that have mixed ownership, that is, council tenants, owner occupiers and private lets, and since its launch
14/11/2013
Fife Council has said it has started work on a new Business Park extension in Glenrothes. The site, located at Osprey Road, will accommodate the planned new Glenrothes distillery. The 13.59-acre extension site forms an extension to Whitehill Industrial Estate, and an area of the land will welcom
14/11/2013
A new coastal masterplan has identified the Firth of Clyde as a potential economic opportunity for North Ayrshire. According to a report prepared for the National Marine Plan, the future investment in the area will be centred on the seas around the area, as well as on the land. North Ayrshire Co
14/11/2013
An eight-week consultation period on a Proposed Local Development Plan (LDP) for Clackmannanshire is to begin on Friday (15 November). The proposed LDP sets out the Council's position in terms of the policies it wishes to adopt, as well as the different sites and projects it wishes to support and
14/11/2013
Scotland's Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has issued a statement to the UK Government regarding its reform of the electricity market. In his correspondence, he voiced his concerns about the UK Government's plans to restrict Scotland's powers over the Renewables Obligation, and claims the Electricity
14/11/2013
CALA has opened its highly-anticipated showhomes at its development of family homes in Fairmilehead, Edinburgh. The development will allow prospective buyers the opportunity to view two showhomes, which are both five bedroom properties. The Lowther housetype has 2,289 sq ft of luxurious living s
13/11/2013
A new state-of-the-art £15.3m sports and leisure centre at Kirkcaldy in Fife has been officially opened by the Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman. GRAHAM Construction was the main contractor on the project, as well as on the recently-completed Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre in Glenrothes. The
13/11/2013
SSE has said it will adjust its prices if the government cuts green levies. It is the latest of the large energy companies to make the pledge, following EDF and Npower earlier this week. Speaking to BBC Radio 5, Alan Young from SSE said if the levies were to be cut, "we will adjust our bills acc
13/11/2013
Councillors in Aberdeen have agreed to a funding request for an options appraisal for Grey Mill. The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust had submitted a request towards the cost of an options appraisal for the oldest iron-framed mill in Scotland. Yesterday (12 November), the Council's Enterprise,
13/11/2013
Ten thousand new energy efficient and eco-friendly street lamps are to be installed in Glasgow. The lights, which will help to cut carbon emissions, will replace the city's current outdated sodium lights. Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Sustainable Glasgow,
13/11/2013
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has sent a message of support to Dundee in its UK City of Culture 2017 bid. Dundee is one of four shortlisted cities competing to be the UK City of Culture 2017, alongside Leicester, Hull and Swansea Bay, and the bid team is due to make its final case for the city la
13/11/2013
Perth and Kinross Council's Lifelong Learning School Estate Sub-Committee is due to hear about progress made to a number of school-related projects in the area. The capital projects aim to upgrade and enhance schools within Perth and Kinross. On Thursday (14 November), Councillors will hear of a
13/11/2013
Dumfries and Galloway Council has confirmed it has submitted a bid to the Scottish Government's Town Centre Housing Fund. It has applied for a £460,000 bid. If successful, the cash would see the transformation of seven empty flats and four shops being brought back into use in Dumfries Town Centr
13/11/2013
A statement released by South Lanarkshire Council has said the Dollan Aqua Centre is to close for routine maintenance work. The closure, which has been timed to minimise inconvenience for customers, will be closed from Monday 25 November, with a scheduled re-opening for January 2014. Gerry Campbe
13/11/2013
A Steering Group in Newmilns, East Ayrshire, has been working over the last five months on a community action plan for the town. Residents and businesses have been engaging with the local community to hear their thoughts on the town, as well as what can be done to improve the area over the next fi
13/11/2013
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have been awarded First Prize for the level of Combined Heat and Power installed (CHP) at this year's Scottish Renewable Energy Awards. Comhairle Leader, Angus Campbell commented: "I am pleased that the work being done by the Comhairle in the area of Community Renewables
12/11/2013
Plans by Donald Trump to challenge plans for a proposed offshore wind farm in Aberdeenshire are due to begin. In a four-day hearing at the Court of Session, the BBC has reported that the US billionaire will attempt to overturn a Scottish Government decision to build the development near his Aberde
12/11/2013
It has been announced that a new £18m hotel is to be constructed in Glasgow. Located on the city's Oswald Street, work is expected to begin on site early next year, STV has reported. It is understood German hotel chain, Motel One, has purchased the site between Central Station and the Radisson B
12/11/2013
A series of exhibitions on the Scottish Government's plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen are set to go on display. The events will give local communities the opportunity to view and comment on the proposals. The public will also be able to see the route options under consideratio
12/11/2013
A new report has claimed house prices have increased again, with interest from potential buyers overtaking the number of properties available on the market. The imbalance between supply and demand in the market caused house prices to rise, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (R
12/11/2013
First Minister Alex Salmond has announced grants to repair and conserve Scotland's war memorials. The first grants, from the Centenary Memorial Restoration Fund, will help repair and conserve the country's war memorials. Under the funding, Elderslie, Bridge of Weir and Bearsden will each receive
12/11/2013
A sod-cutting ceremony has marked the commencement of a new construction project in Aberdeen. The £5m development will see new homelessness accommodation and a support facility built in the area. Working along Kier Construction, Aberdeen City Council has said the development will be located on t
12/11/2013
Scotland's largest choice-based letting system for social housing, EdIndex, has celebrated its 10 year anniversary. The innovative system was first introduced in 2003 by Edinburgh Council to allow people the chance to bid for social housing, while providing greater choice when applying for homes.
12/11/2013
East Dunbartonshire Council is encouraging residents to share their views on a proposed travel hub for Kessington. It plans to create the hub at Kessington, Milngavie Road, Bearsden as part of the A81 Travel Corridor Project, and wants to hear ideas on how it should look and function. A Travel H
12/11/2013
The Highland Council has said work on a £1.75m project to upgrade the A890 Strathcarron-Balnacra Road is to commence on Monday 18 November. The local authority has secured funding of £250,000 from the European Regional Development Fund to assist with the funding of the widening of the road to a tw
12/11/2013
The Building Safety Group (BSG) has expanded into Scotland with the appointment of George Bunch as safety adviser, covering Scotland and Carlisle. BSG is the leading health, safety and environmental consultancy to the UK construction industry, with more than 30 health and safety advisers covering
11/11/2013
A new report has revealed that the gap between what Scottish homeowners hope to sell their properties for and what they actually sell for, has narrowed. According to S1homes, the report found that for the third quarter of the year, the "reality gap" in Scotland has narrowed dramatically, from 9% t
11/11/2013
The Hebridean island of Rum is to get a new children's play park. Thanks to a grant of more than £9,500, the Isle of Rum Community Trust will put the funds towards creating a safe and enclosed play area for its children. It will replace an existing play park which features out-of-date play equip
11/11/2013
Councillors in Aberdeen are to discuss a request from the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust in relation to Grey Mill. Grey Mill is Scotland's oldest iron-framed mill and forms part of the Broadford Works site. It is considered to be the most important building on the site, which is made up of th
11/11/2013
Aberdeen Council has said a number of traffic restrictions will be in place on its west end roads from today (11 November). The roads, which include Great Western Road, are closed due to mains clearing works by Scottish Water. The restrictions commence at 9.30am and will remain in place until mi
11/11/2013
A land deal, which could see more than 100 homes delivered, is to be brought before Councillors in Dundee. The Council's Housing Committee will be asked to support plans that will create a Sale Agreement on a stretch of land at Summerfield Avenue, Whitfield. The report is due to go before Counci
11/11/2013
Scottish Borders Council is to hold a consultation on plans to create a 'Park Gallery' at Wilton Lodge. The proposals are part of a wider regeneration project at Wilton Lodge Park, and Hawick Museum wishes to create a gallery that will interpret the history of the park, and help explore the area's
11/11/2013
An affordable housing initiative in East Renfrewshire has helped eight homeowners get on the property ladder. The initiative by East Renfrewshire housing chiefs and CALA Homes delivered eight two-bedroom cottage flats at a developed in Waterfoot. They were sold to purchasers at 60% of their market
11/11/2013
Fife Council has issued a statement in response to the Scottish Government's Town Centre Action Plan. Last week, following a review, the Government published an action plan to revive town centres throughout the country. The report aimed to discover potential solutions to the issues faced by the to
08/11/2013
One of the three final bidders to construct the new general hospital in Dumfries has dropped out, it has been reported. NHS Dumfries and Galloway confirmed that Skanska had withdrawn its interest in the £200m project, according to the BBC. Their decision means Balfour Beatty and High Wood Health
08/11/2013
A renovated building in Glasgow's Merchant City has been named the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) named the South Block studio complex as the winner. Nord Architecture, which designed the project, was presented with a gold medal
08/11/2013
More than 300 affordable homes for rent could be built in Dundee, it has been revealed. The homes could also include more council houses. The news follows a recent announcement by the Scottish Government that confirmed a further £3.6m had been made available to construct affordable housing in 20
08/11/2013
A series of exhibitions are to be held this month to allow the public an opportunity to view the Scottish Government's plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen. Transport Scotland has said the displays will include information on the Preliminary Engineering Assessment and Strategic Env
08/11/2013
Tenants in Haldane have received the keys to their new council homes. The properties, which are built on Miller Road, are the latest to be completed under West Dunbartonshire Council's new build housing programme. The 15-home development comprises of two apartment cottage flats and larger four a
08/11/2013
BAM Construction Scotland has appointed Steven Brady as its new Preconstruction Director. Mr Brady has worked for the company for more than 18 years, and since 2010, was the Commercial Manager for East Scotland. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing all PQQs (pre-qualification que
07/11/2013
The Stewart Milne Group has secured a credit facility worth £225m to support the building of more than 5,000 new homes, it has been reported. According to the BBC, the homes will be constructed in Scotland and the north west of England over the next five years. The company, which is based in Abe
07/11/2013
Plans to revitalise Scotland's town centres have been unveiled by Local Government Minister Derek Mackay. The Town Centre Action Plan is a cross-government response to the independent National Review of Town Centres report which was published in July. The Action Plan has addressed the recommenda
07/11/2013
Work is due to commence this week aimed at transforming Sauchie Main Street in Clackmannanshire. A consultation programme with local residents and businesses on the proposed plans was held earlier this year and has helped to shape the final design. The works will include:
07/11/2013
The final designs for a new leisure and community facility at Girvan Harbour have been unveiled by South Ayrshire Council and South Carrick Community Leisure. The unveiling comes as the planning process for the £8m development officially begins. The external designs, which have been created by P
07/11/2013
Aberdeenshire Council has said it is to hold a public information evening regarding a development in Ballater. The project is a small development of two-bedroom properties available for rent. The proposal is to construct the homes on the site of the play park on Sir Patrick Geddes Way, with the
07/11/2013
A new £45,000 play park has been completed in the village of Haughhead, East Dunbartonshire. The new services include a range of play equipment such as basket swings, climbing platforms and springees. New fencing has also been erected at the park, along with new turf, improved landscaping and the
07/11/2013
A new primary school in Kilmarnock is to be officially opened tomorrow (Friday 8 November) by East Ayrshire Council Leader Councillor Douglas Reid. The £11.5m Willowbank School is a state-of-the-art special school which can accommodate up to 50 pupils. It boasts high-quality modern facilities incl
07/11/2013
New paths have been constructed at Lanark Lodge in Duns as part of Scottish Water's volunteering programme. Run by the Scottish Borders Council, Lanark Lodge is a day care centre for adults with learning difficulties, and the recent work has meant the garden area at the facility is more accessible
06/11/2013
Plans to develop a 20-turbine wind farm have been submitted for a site between Nairn and Grantown-on-Spey. Renewable Energy Developer RES has submitted an application for Cairn Duhie Wind Farm, on land south-east of Ferness. If approved, the project would have an installed capacity of around 50-
06/11/2013
Glasgow Science Centre has said its Glasgow Tower will reopen in summer 2014. The structure is the only building in the world capable of turning 360° to allow visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The tower, which stands at 127m, initially opened in 2001 but has had
06/11/2013
A multi-million pound investment is underway at Inverness Airport, it has been revealed. On Tuesday, the airport confirmed regional airport operator HIAL is to invest £1.4m on a project to resurface the airport's mile-long runway. In addition, work is also commencing on a £1.2m taxiway extension a
06/11/2013
A major new development, located on the western edge of Sauchie, has been granted planning permission in principle. The Council's Planning Committee has approved proposals for around 800 new homes, a primary school, open space, play provision and associated roads, paths and other infrastructure on
06/11/2013
Work is expected to commence later this week on the smaller scale elements of the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme. Concerns were raised regarding the Mill Lade Soakaway when it was discovered it was not functioning to its full capacity. The local authority, Aberdeenshire Council, has now employ
06/11/2013
Work has commenced to demolish the former Camus House residential care home. The move is the first step in the development of creating new affordable housing in Carnoustie, Angus. The demolition will allow for five new homes to be delivered for ex-service personnel with special needs, plus 11 ne
06/11/2013
Councillors in Dundee have unveiled a proposed £100,000 investment to improve public open spaces in the city. The local authority's Environment Committee is being asked to approve a number of projects that would enhance the area, as well as reduce long-term maintenance needs. The committee will
06/11/2013
Argyll and Bute Council has launched a consultation in relation to a preferred site for a new high school in Oban. Following a meeting by Councillors last week, five sites have been shortlisted, with one being named as a preferred site. The Council are now seeking the opinions of local residents
05/11/2013
Angus Council has welcomed the recent news of a funding commitment by the Scottish Government to help build new affordable housing. The £9.39m fund, which will be available from 2015 to 2019, will provide grants of around £46,000 per home for Angus Council, and approximately £58,000 per house for
05/11/2013
Proposals for a wind farm, located near the Devil's Beef Tub in southern Scotland, have been rejected for the third time, the BBC has reported. The amended proposals from Wind Energy Ltd at Earlshaugh were discussed by Councillors from the Scottish Borders Council. In 2007, the firm submitted pl
05/11/2013
An important phase in the £17.1m Dunragit bypass has been successfully completed, Transport Scotland has said. The work involved the final beams, which will support the new road bridge over the Glasgow-Stranraer railway line, being lifted into place. Over the course of the past two weekends, eig
05/11/2013
Scottish company, Applegreen Homes, has been invited to showcase its model 'home for the future' in China. The announcement comes after the firm launched its innovative modular home solution on the BRE Innovation Park at Ravenscraig. On Monday (4 November), during his trade mission to China, Scotl
05/11/2013
Aberdeenshire Council is to commence work on a low energy affordable housing development in Fraserburgh. The project, which will get underway later this month, secured £1.4m of Scottish Government funding. The local council worked alongside experts at Robert Gordon University's (RGU) Scott Suthe
05/11/2013
Work has started on the new Johnstone Town Hall. The £14.5m project represents a significant investment in the regeneration of the town. Workers are now on site and will prepare groundworks on the scheme before the new facility is built and fitted-out. According to Renfrewshire Council, when c
05/11/2013
Neilston Leisure Centre is now officially opened, East Renfrewshire Council has said. The facility recently underwent a refurbishment project worth £350,000. Last year, the centre was forced to close due to concerns over the swimming pool's circulation systems, plus a general maintenance of the
05/11/2013
Scothaus, which provides advanced off-site manufactured (OSM) housing systems, has launched its new website. The move reflects the further development of the company's systems, as well as the increasing interest being shown in the build system by the self-build customer. In a joint venture co-op
04/11/2013
Aberdeenshire Council has invested more than £45m in building new council homes over the past five years. The investment, which has been made possible with funding from the Scottish Government, has meant 335 new homes have been delivered for the region, as well as an increased boost to local emplo
04/11/2013
One of Scotland's most iconic castles is to undergo major conversation, archaeological and interpretation work, Historic Scotland has said. The project is part of an agreement between Historic Scotland and Macneil of Barra. Kismuil Castle, which is located on the Isle of Barra, is regarded as on
04/11/2013
The proposed design of the first section of the A9 to be dualled as part of a £3bn project to upgrade the road are to be unveiled to the public. The Scottish Government plans to make the A9 a dual carriageway from Inverness to Perth, but the first section is a stretch of the road from Kincraig to
04/11/2013
The City of Edinburgh has published designs for new build accommodation for five primary schools across the capital. The accommodation may be needed as the city tackles the issue of increasing school numbers. In total, 17 new classrooms, as well as an extra give general purpose spaces, are being
04/11/2013
A new state-of-the-art £3.7m museum collections centre at Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore has been officially handed over, according to High Life Highland the local authority. 'Am Fasgadh', which means 'shelter' in Gaelic and was the name given to the original Folk Museum, will now house more t
04/11/2013
Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed the news that individuals struggling to get onto the property market will have access to a government-led scheme which will provide help for home buyers. At a council meeting last week, it was revealed that the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme (LAMS), which is a
04/11/2013
Scottish Water has welcomed the official opening of the Fetlar Water Treatment Works. The pupils of Fetlar Primary School opened the plant, which is located off the Isle of Yell in the Shetland Isles. Chris Wallace, Director of Communications at Scottish Water, also attended the ceremony and sai
04/11/2013
TAS Building Supplies have welcomed its newest member of staff. The firm, which is based in Castle Douglas, welcomed Malcolm Smith on board and he will be responsible for running the firms Cladding Department from its premises at Station Yard Industrial Estate. Mr Smith has been involved with th
01/11/2013
Developers behind the proposed Brunta Hill wind farm have lodged an appeal against a ruling from the local authority, the BBC has reported. Scottish Borders Council had blocked the proposed development in Berwickshire, arguing that it would have a "significant and unacceptable" impact on the area.
01/11/2013
Aberdeen City Council has named the preferred bidder for a new multi-million pound Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC). On Thursday, the Council selected Henry Boot Developments as the preferred development partner for the joint venture project. The AECC is a key element of the busi
01/11/2013
Work is to begin next year to remove a notorious bottleneck on the main Aberdeen-Inverness route. The contract ward for the project will be announced next year, subject to the successful completion of the statutory process, Transport Scotland has said. The authority made the announcement on Thur
01/11/2013
A hotel operator has been selected as the preferred tenant for the Marischal Square hotel development. Aberdeen Council, along with support from the Marischal Square Working Group, have named the Marriott Residence Inn as the operator for the four-star hotel. It will be operated under the franchis
01/11/2013
Plans have been put forward to develop and enhance the public space around Motherwell Cathedral in North Lanarkshire. The local authority confirmed it has been working on a design with the Diocese of Motherwell to open up the Cathedral forecourt into the street, thus creating a public space. This
01/11/2013
A £1.1m heritage project is underway to restore and regenerate Kirriemuir's historic town centre. Earlier this week, the Kirriemuir Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) steering group met where they were updated on the transformation of Glengate Hall into affordable housing. There was also
01/11/2013
Scottish Water is to begin improvement works at the Dalmuir Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in Clydebank. The £20m project will enhance the operability and all-round performance of the WWTW as well as reduce the potential for odours. Work on the scheme is expected to commence on site from 11
01/11/2013
Councillor Ian Perry, Convener of Edinburgh's Planning Committee has responded to representations made to the city's Local Development Plan (LDP). Councillor Perry said: "I welcome the 2,226 individual and organisations who have submitted comments in response to the proposals and they will all be
