Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Scotland Construction News Archive for May 2014
30/05/2014
Developer Dandara has broken ground at its 40-acre international commercial property development, City South Office Park. Roads, services and infrastructure are almost complete at City South Office Park, which is located south of Aberdeen City alongside the proposed new park and ride, and within a
30/05/2014
An experienced design team has been appointed to work on the Bearsden Community Hub project. The network of community hubs, including Bearsden, is a key aspect of the Council’s programme to continue to deliver accessible customer services locally throughout East Dunbartonshire. The first Hub facili
30/05/2014
Clackmannan Primary School pupils have shown their commitment to the environment by gaining an impressive third Green Flag from Eco Schools Scotland. They were awarded with their first Green Flag in 2009 which was followed by a second in 2011 and their continuing efforts have now been rewarded with
30/05/2014
Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed Transport Scotland's announcement of the preferred route for future upgrade work on the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan. On Thursday, Transport Scotland confirmed that any future upgrade of the strategically-important route will be carried out within the exist
30/05/2014
The first stage of the public consultation process for the new multi-million pound Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre at Bucksburn gets under way this week. Henry Boot Developments Limited, one of the UK's leading property development companies, will host three public consultation events to
30/05/2014
Balfour Beatty's construction business raised the profile of apprentices during Scottish Apprenticeship Week. It began by taking a leading part in the Scottish Council for Development and Industry's Skills Summit that launched the campaign week and went on to include behavioural based safety trai
30/05/2014
A very unique greenhouse made out of 2,000 plastic bottles now sits in the playgrounds of Cuiken Primary School in Penicuik. The greenhouse was made from hundreds of plastic bottles – which would normally be thrown out into landfill sites. However, after the school's Eco-Committee got together the
30/05/2014
Parking restrictions and temporary traffic lights will be in place this weekend as work to resurface Cloch Road in Gourock gets underway. Scheduled to last five days, drivers are being warned to take care as all manhole covers and associated street furniture will be set at the new surface level. N
29/05/2014
East Dunbartonshire Council is to demolish two outdated housing complexes, to make way for much-needed modern affordable housing. At a meeting of the Neighbourhood Services Committee councillors voted that 24 flats in Twechar, as well as six prefabricated units at Keystone Avenue, Milngavie, should
29/05/2014
The planning application for Elgin's proposed western link road will be determined by Moray Council's planning and regulatory services committee rather than all 26 members of the full council. Councillor John Cowe, who chairs the economic development and infrastructure services committee, put forwa
29/05/2014
Turf cutting ceremonies are being held today, Thursday 29 May, in Fort William to mark the start of construction on two new schools for The Highland Council. Works have commenced on a new school at Lundavra Road to replace the existing Fort William and Upper Achintore Primary Schools; and on a dedi
29/05/2014
Loudoun Leisure Centre has been officially opened by Councillor Alan Brown, and young people from the school were eager to show off the new facilities to their invited guests. Built by East Ayrshire Council and managed by East Ayrshire Leisure, the new leisure centre provides modern sporting facili
29/05/2014
Calckmannanshire Council's ongoing commitment to the regeneration of Alloa Town Centre is reaching an important phase later this summer, with the completion of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Speirs Centre. The redeveloped historic Speirs Centre, which is a category 'A' listed building
29/05/2014
Aberdeenshire Council is to hold a series of events giving advice to home owners and private tenants on carrying out repairs, maintenance, improvements or adaptations to their homes. Scheme of Assistance run by Aberdeenshire Council aims to: • Adapt houses to make them suitable to meet the needs o
29/05/2014
The introduction of carrier bag charges in Scotland has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle. The Scottish Parliament has approved the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014, meaning the 5 pence minimum charge will commence on October 20 this year. Scotland currently uses 750
29/05/2014
A scheme to develop climate friendly farming methods that can save farmers money and help reduce their carbon footprint is to benefit from additional Government funding. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced another £100,000 for the Scottish Government's Farming for a Better Climat
28/05/2014
Work on a new medical centre in Ardrossan has been completed by Morrison Construction. Allan Lyttle, Project Manager for Morrison Construction, handed over the keys for the new facility to Michael Ross, Construction Manager for hub South West Scotland and Omar Elmi, Commercial Director for Irvine
28/05/2014
Aberdeen City Council is disappointed that the All-Energy conference is moving out of the city, but remains confident that the Granite City continues to be the home of the renewables and broader energy industry. The council, working in partnership with the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) pla
28/05/2014
More than 100 business leaders from around West Lothian attended the annual Economic Conference, which put the spotlight on growth and development in the area. The conference focused on key developments in West Lothian which have contributed to growth and the economic recovery. In supporting econo
28/05/2014
NHS Ayrshire & Arran's Chief Executive John Burns and Doug Keillor, Regional Director of contractors BAM Construction, have met to sign the construction contract for the pioneering Building for Better Care programme. The formal signing session was a major milestone in the programme, which will see a
28/05/2014
Communities in Rutherglen and Dalmarnock are to benefit from a £4.48 million funding boost which will extend the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, First Minister Alex Salmond has announced. Projects funded are based near 2014 Commonwealth Games venues and Athletes' Village and include a £4 million
28/05/2014
Industry body Homes For Scotland (HFS) has renewed calls to extend the Help to Buy (Scotland) shared equity scheme. The call comes after official statistics revealed a sixth consecutive annual fall in total housing completions. Commenting on the figures, Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of Homes For
28/05/2014
Stewart Milne Timber Systems has helped to deliver the latest phase of the University of Stirling's new sustainable and energy efficient student accommodation. The work was carried out over a period of 11 weeks and was delivered in time for students returning for their second semester of the 2013/
28/05/2014
A specialist asbestos removal company has been fined after exposing workers to dangerous fibres during the demolition of a former school building. On Tuesday (27 May), Lincoln Magistrates' Court heard that in March 2012, Angus Group Ltd did not properly manage the removal of asbestos-containing ma
27/05/2014
Graham Construction has completed work on a new £2.9m Day Centre and Medical Practice at Hamilton Road, Gullane. The purpose-built facility will house a new day centre and the local GP practice. The project was delivered under a partnership by Graham Construction and Hub South East Scotland Limite
27/05/2014
New statistics published today (27 May) show that the Scottish Government remains on track to deliver 30,000 new affordable homes by 2016. The figures, which have been released by Scotland's Chief Statistician, found 7,012 affordable homes have been delivered over the last year, while 19,900 homes
27/05/2014
Plans have been unveiled by the Scottish Government which would see all of the country's land registered for the first time. The move will provide a clear understanding of who owns land in Scotland. It is understood the Government has asked the Registers of Scotland to prepare to complete Scotla
27/05/2014
SSE contractor RJ McLeod has signed a deal with John Gunn & Sons, the operator of Melvich Quarry, it has been reported. It is understood the deal is worth seven figures. Under the agreement, the quarry will provide concrete for the turbine bases at SSE's Strathy North wind farm, while also allow
27/05/2014
A £1.5m project to address sewer flooding in the Steel Street area of Gourock is to begin, Scottish Water has confirmed. The work will also help to improve the environment in the area and will involve improvements made to the waste water infrastructure, which will reduce the risk of internal flood
27/05/2014
Remedial works for Ormiston Bowling Club are being proposed by East Lothian Council. In a statement, the local authority confirmed it had agreed to purchase the club from its private owner. The move will secure the future of the sport for the local area. There are now plans to restore bowling wi
27/05/2014
A new report by Halifax has found that house prices in a number of seaside towns in Aberdeenshire have doubled in the last 10 years. In Fraserburgh, property prices have increased by 141%, from an average of £53,600 in 2004 to more than £129,000 in 2014. Cove Bay (119%), Peterhead (118%), Inverb
27/05/2014
More than 70 people have attended the WJA Annual Conference and AGM at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. The event was held on 16 May. Among those in attendance, was Tom Wallace of N.E.T. Waterjet Ltd, a WJA Registered Contractor and Registered Training Provider. Some of the issues covered at th
23/05/2014
A new survey has revealed that almost seven in 10 construction firms are planning to take on apprentices as confidence within the industry grows. According to the latest Scottish Construction Monitor, 69% of companies said they expected to recruit apprentices within the next 12 months. This is a
23/05/2014
Work to improve pedestrian access around Waverley Station is to commence next week. On Monday 26 May, the first phase of the project will begin on Market Street, Edinburgh. The scheme, which will cost in the region of £1m, will include upgrading and widening the footways as well as the carriagew
23/05/2014
A new final report has been published by the Land Reform Review Group that aims to improve Scotland's relationship with its land. The independent organisation was announced by the First Minister in 2012 and is responsible for looking at Land Reform in the country with the remit to: • Enable more
23/05/2014
A campaign has been launched to try and restore a historic monument in Angus. The Airlie Monument, which is located in the Angus hills, has been left in a poor condition due to water damage and erosion, the BBC has reported. Restoration work is needed on the structure in order to stop further da
23/05/2014
Sustainable Energy Scotland (SES) has moved to its new premises in the Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate. The Dundee-based energy firm now has a team of more than 40 staff and a turnover of £1.1m. Launched in 2012, SES was established to deliver energy efficiency to ordinary people and organisati
23/05/2014
Work is to start on two new schools and community facilities in Fort William next week. The sites are at Lundavra Road and Ardgour Road in the area. To mark the commencement of the projects, turf cutting ceremonies will be held. Plans for the four key school building projects include: • A jo
23/05/2014
A world-class sports complex has officially opened at Peebles High. The new facilities contain: • An indoor four-court games hall • General purpose hall • Fitness suite and classroom • Associated changing facilities. They are complemented by a new 2G synthetic pitch, sprint track and long jump
23/05/2014
Consultation on additional guidance for developers looking to build in Dundee has been launched by the city council. Since the new Dundee Local Development Plan was created, two new pieces of supplementary guidance have been drafted covering air quality and developer contributions. The air quality
23/05/2014
Europe's largest fleet of hydrogen buses will be revealed to the public for the first time during the UK's biggest renewable energy event, which is underway in Aberdeen. The £20m Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project will be in the spotlight during All-Energy, when part of the new fleet will be on display
23/05/2014
Eco Insulate has enjoyed one of their busiest shows since first taking part in the Scottish Homebuilding and Renovating Show five years ago. This year, the firm's new range of BASF WALLTITE products, which are suitable for both retrofit and new build applications, were well received. The display
22/05/2014
A total of £3.5m of new investment is to be made in Scotland's renewable energy sector, it has been announced. The funding is being made possible by the Scottish Enterprise. Four projects will be supported by the agency's Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIF) and include: • Islay Energy Comm
22/05/2014
Inverclyde Council has issued a statement announcing it is to release a number of new self-build plots in the Kilmacolm area. The move is part of a £1m re-population plan by the local authority which aims to encourage more people to move into the area. The area, which is highly sought-after, is lo
22/05/2014
The Highland Council is to seek the views of the local community regarding plans to construct a new school campus in Tain. The facility would be a replacement for the existing Tain Royal Academy, Craighill and Knockbreck Primary Schools, as well as St Duthus Special School. On Wednesday, it was
22/05/2014
Fyne Homes has officially opened its new housing development in Lochgilphead, Argyll. Built on the site of the former Lochgilphead High School and Mid Argyll Hospital, the development consists of 101 units, including 24 extra care units for the elderly and 18 shared equity units. The homes are e
22/05/2014
Aberdeen City Council has said it is to spend almost £17m on "major repairs" to a number of tower blocks. The improvements, worth £16.7m, will be carried out on seven tower blocks in the Seaton area of the city. In a report, inspectors said if the work was not carried out, the 725 flats concerne
22/05/2014
Plans for the construction of Dean Bridge, Kilmarnock, in East Ayrshire, have been approved by the local authority. Throughout the year, the Dean Ford floods on a number of occasions, but it is hoped with the new proposals, this will remove the inconvenience it causes to the local community. The
22/05/2014
A planning application has been approved for a new 26-turbine wind farm in South Lanarkshire. The development, located 5km south of Strathaven, will power the equivalent of up to 49,000 homes in the area. In addition, over the lifetime of the wind farm, it will generate around £4m to the local com
22/05/2014
Two of Scotland's local authorities have submitted a joint funding bid to help open rail stations on the East Coast line. Scottish Borders Council and East Lothian Council, alongside the South East Scotland Transport Network (SEStran), have applied for the Government's Rail Station Fund. The cou
22/05/2014
Subsea 7 has been awarded a £270m contract to construct a 37-mile pipeline and its associated facilities. The North Sea oil and gas services company said the work will involve its sites in Aberdeen, Leith and Wick. It is understood the engineering and project management elements of the multi-milli
22/05/2014
Funding worth £5m has been announced by the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) for a number of energy efficiency projects at distilleries throughout Scotland. Aberfeldy Distillery has secured £1.2m in green funding which will go towards the installation of biomass boilers to replace the existing, inef
21/05/2014
A community-owned tidal power turbine has started exporting electricity to the local grid in what has been called a world first. The turbine, which is located in Shetland, will power up to 30 homes, a locally-owned ice plant and the Cullivoe Harbour Industrial Estate. The turbine is situated at
21/05/2014
A study by the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has revealed that a timber drying facility in the region would be economically viable. The local authority said the study sought to collate the facts needed for private sector developers with the aim of attracting inward investment for the region. It l
21/05/2014
Work is to commence on a new housing development in Banff, Aberdeenshire, the local authority has announced. The site in question has been derelict for 25 years, but will now be transformed under the 44-week programme. As a result of the work, the council has said that Carmelite Street needs to
21/05/2014
Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women's Employment, Angela Constance, is to launch two demonstration projects at the BRE Innovation Park @ Ravenscraig today. The Park, located on the former steel works site, is a mini-demonstration of homes and buildings that tap into the coun
21/05/2014
The South Montrose regeneration programme has been boosted by the news that an international company is to expand its business operations in the area. Certex UK, a supplier of lifting equipment and steel wire rope, has said it is to move into a new 36,000 sq ft production and warehousing facility.
21/05/2014
SSE has reported a 9.6% increase in its pre-tax profits to £1.55bn for the year to 31 March. This compares to £1.4bn a year previously. It said its results had been boosted by a strong performance in its electricity transmission operations, but added that it was a "very challenging" time for the
21/05/2014
Plans for a new primary school in Kintore have been delayed after it was revealed the developers are not able to release the site. In a statement on Tuesday, Aberdeenshire Council said approvals for the school were in place and work was due to commence on site shortly. In preparation for the proje
21/05/2014
A total of 100 new jobs have been created as a major new phase of work on the Queensferry Crossing begins. The first of four shipments of steel has now arrived on site. This will allow a majority of deck preparations to be undertaken on site before they are lifted into position on the bridge. Vis
21/05/2014
Traffic restrictions on the Kessock Bridge during peak times have been lifted, Transport Scotland has said. The restrictions have been removed as major roadworks on the ambitious project near completion. Under the investment, the bridge has been completely refurbished with a new resilient, state
21/05/2014
A £250,000 project to improve roads in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire are to commence. The resurfacing works will take place on Machan Road/Strutherhill, between John Street and Middleton Avenue – Stutherhill Industrial Estate. The local authority has said the scheme will start from today (21 May)
20/05/2014
SSE and the National Grid have signed a one-year deal for SSE's Peterhead Power Station to provide ancillary support services to the electricity system in the north of Scotland. The agreement will allow the National Grid to use up to 780MW of Peterhead's 1180MW capacity in order to provide these s
20/05/2014
Plans for a new urban community on the outskirts of Edinburgh have been submitted by developers. According to reports, the £200m Shawfair development will be the "largest urban expansion project" ever to take place in the area and will include a commercial and residential quarter, with around 4,000
20/05/2014
Graham Construction has handed over two underground vaults on the site of the former Dounreay nuclear power station. Cavendish Dounreay Partnership has taken possession of the two new facilities where much of the radioactive waste generated during the clean-out and dismantling of the nuclear react
20/05/2014
The Minoan Group has moved a step closer to creating a hotel and leisure development in Crete. In a statement, the Glasgow-based firm has said it had received approval from the Greek Ministry of Culture regarding its strategic environmental assessment for the €250m scheme. It is understood Minoa
20/05/2014
More than £29m has been paid out by local authorities in 2013/14 under the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) scheme, new figures have revealed. The statistics, which have been released by Scotland's Chief Statistician, found that just over 87,000 awards were made under the scheme in the 12 mont
20/05/2014
Plans to build a new brewery and visitor attraction in Inverness have been put forward for proposal, it has been reported. According to reports, the project would be constructed on a riverside site in the city, between 8 and 10 Ness Bank. The plans have been submitted by Jon and Victoria Erasmus.
20/05/2014
A public drop-in session is to be held next week regarding the Dunfermline Flood Prevention Scheme. Fife Council has said anyone affected by the scheme is welcome to attend as it will provide residents with an opportunity to discuss the project with council officers and site staff. Work on the i
20/05/2014
Falkirk Council is to host two drop-in events to showcase proposals for the new Denny town square later this month. The sessions will allow the local community to hear updates about the delivery of Phase 1 of the programme, and be able to see the plans for: • A new town square showing event spac
20/05/2014
Balfour Beatty has said it is supporting the launch of Scottish Apprenticeship Week as part of its commitment to recruiting and developing civil engineers, electricians, skilled trades and the project leaders of tomorrow. Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 19 to 23 May, has been organis
20/05/2014
The Planning Committee from Orkney Islands Council (OIC) is to meet next month in relation to a planning application for a wind turbine. The Committee will meet on Monday 2 June where Councillors will conduct a visit to Burness to the site where the wind turbine has been proposed. They will then c
19/05/2014
An additional £40m is to be invested in a scheme to help people onto the housing ladder for the first time, or to move to a new property, it has been announced. Since it's launch in September 2013, the Scottish Government's Help to Buy (Scotland) initiative has helped more than 1,100 people to buy
19/05/2014
Plans for a floating offshore wind project off the Aberdeenshire coast have been submitted by developers, it is understood. In a joint project by Pilot Offshore Renewables and Atkins, Kincardine Offshore Windfarm Ltd, want to construct eight turbines around 10 miles off the coast, south of Aberdee
19/05/2014
A total of £16m has been set aside to build two new primary schools in Bearsden and Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire. The decision means that St Joseph's Primary School in Milngavie and St Andrew's in Bearsden will close, with a new school constructed on the St Andrew's Primary School site. St
19/05/2014
Kingdom Housing Association has said it is to submit plans for a new affordable housing development in Tullibody. Located on Alloa Road in the town, the proposals would include 27 homes for affordable rent. The site was formerly home to a Tannery which has since been demolished. Kingdom HA add
19/05/2014
Some 19km of shared use cycle paths have been completed around Peterhead, Aberdeenshire Council has said. The finishing touches on a 500m link path has now completed the 19km shared use facility which will provide cyclists, walkers and runners with a valuable recreational facility, while also conn
19/05/2014
Roads maintenance firm Amey has announced it is to take on at least 120 new apprentices over the next two years. The announcement comes as as Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2014 commences, and follows on from a separate announcement last month where the Scottish Government aims to increase its annua
19/05/2014
Revised plans to construct a major housing development in Nairn have been recommended for approval by the Highland Council. It is understood that Springfield Properties has submitted proposals to build 178 homes at the town's Lochloy some of which will be on land previously earmarked for a new pri
19/05/2014
A £450,000 project to reduce the risk of flooding in two of Edinburgh's streets, has been completed by contractor George Leslie on behalf of Scottish Water. In a statement, the utility provider said it had increased almost 300m of sewer pipes in the Kingsknowe Crescent and Peatville Terrace areas.
19/05/2014
There has been an increase in visitor numbers to this year's Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show. The Show was held at the SECC in Glasgow from 17-18 May and saw its visitor numbers rise by 7% to 7,573. The event is Scotland's largest consumer exhibition for self-builders,
19/05/2014
A new all-purpose commercial innovation centre for energy efficient building designs, products and services has been launched. The CMS Innovation Hub, located in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, will showcase the latest energy saving products and devices for the building of homes and workplaces, wh
16/05/2014
Planning permission has been granted for a wind farm to be constructed in Dumfries and Galloway. A 22-turbine wind farm will be built at Ewe Hill, of which six turbines already had permission from the local authority. The £65m investment by ScottishPower Renewables will have a generating capacit
16/05/2014
A number of streetscape areas in towns throughout South Lanarkshire are to benefit from restoration work, it has been confirmed. The work will commence in East Kilbride Village on Monday 19 May. This will be followed by other streetscapes in Biggar, Carluke, Hamilton, Lanark, Rutherglen, Stonehous
16/05/2014
A new hotel is to be built in Edinburgh after Consensus Capital Property and Premier Inn struck an agreement. The £17m deal will see an office block on York Place, formally used by HM Revenue & Customs, turned into a 127-bedroom hotel. The hotel will be located in the heart of the capital and is
16/05/2014
Millport's Marine Biological Research Station has officially reopened, it has been announced. The facility is now under new management by Field Studies Council Scotland following a partnered investment of more than £4m. Now known as FSC Millport, the station had been threatened with closure in 2
16/05/2014
Scottish Borders Council has confirmed the new sports facilities at Peebles High School will officially open next week. The £4.8m state-of-the-art complex will open on 21 May. It is understood that local sporting stars, as well as pupils and staff of the school and dignitaries will attend a cere
16/05/2014
Members of The Highland Council's Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee have met to discuss issues raised during a consultation period for Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan. The Plan, which outlines the Council's proposed policies and site allocations to shape development in th
16/05/2014
An extension to a community facility in Boghall, West Lothian, has been officially opened. The £2m project has been extended onto the existing Boghall Primary School, which has also provided the school with additional classrooms. The new community centre includes changing facilities, additional
16/05/2014
The Highland Council is to launch a public consultation for the Inshes and Raigmore areas of the city of Inverness. It is understood the consultation will focus on future land use opportunities as well as local infrastructure improvements. The feedback received will then be used to help create a
16/05/2014
An apprentice bricklayer from Birsay has won a prestigious award with his company Morrison Construction. Jamie Bruce, 19, was named the annual Apprentice of the Year and was presented with a cheque and an engraved trophy at a recent ceremony at Orkney college UHI. More than 30 of his colleagues th
16/05/2014
ScottishPower is encouraging students to apply for this year's Engineering Foundation Programme. Some 50 places are available for the initiative, for those aged between 16 and 19 and who are enrolled on courses at Glasgow Clyde College (Cardonald Campus), Edinburgh College (Dalkeith Campus) and We
15/05/2014
Muse Developments has lodged a detailed planning application with Aberdeen City Council for the £107m Marischal Square development. The proposals for the former St Nicholas House site include a mix of commercial and civic space, as well as full pedestrianisation of a section of Broad Street. Offic
15/05/2014
Persimmon Homes East Scotland has submitted plans for a new housing development in Kinross. The properties would be constructed on a brownfield site in the town. It is understood the plans will be discussed at a council committee meeting this week. Proposals for the £15m initiative could see t
15/05/2014
A site for a new prison in the Highlands is still to be decided, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has said. It is thought the organisation is looking at a number of sites for the new facility – six years after plans to replace HMP Inverness were first announced. Earlier this week, HM Chief Insp
15/05/2014
The Highland Council has confirmed more council houses are to be built following a meeting of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday. The Committee has agreed to amend a programme of new build housing in the area which will now see an increase in the number of council
15/05/2014
Scottish Water has released a statement regarding a pollution incident on the River Farg and the River Earn. It said that the pollution is located immediately downstream of the Glenfarg Reservoir and it is currently in talks with SEPA and other stakeholders to investigate the issue. The utility
15/05/2014
Ineos has confirmed it has received planning permission to build a £125m ethane storage tank at its petrochemical site in Grangemouth. Falkirk Council are understood to have supported the proposals. The proposals include the construction of a 60,000 cubic metre ethane storage tank, plus the asso
15/05/2014
A total of £157m worth of subcontracts and supply orders for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) project have been awarded to companies in Scotland, it has been revealed. The figure accounts for 92% of the bridge's supply orders. Transport Minister Keith Brown made the announcement as he visite
15/05/2014
Tennis courts at Dawson Park in Dundee could be set to benefit from a six-figure investment. The Council's Environment Committee is expected to discuss the proposals next week to upgrade the facilities. The Fairmuir and South Road tennis courts have already been targeted as part of an action pla
15/05/2014
LHC Scotland is encouraging companies involved in the design, manufacture supply and erection of off-site building systems for social housing development to tender for its New Homes framework arrangement (NH1). The organisation has said those who fall under that sector will be able to tender for t
15/05/2014
South Lanarkshire Council has said almost £19m has been invested on its roads in the past year. First established in 2008, the local authority's innovative £126m Roads Investment Programme aims to improve 80% of the council-controlled roads network. The council is responsible for 2,287km of road
14/05/2014
Work to refurbish 15 homes in Old Mill Road are set to be completed within the next few weeks, Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed. The council homes, once finished, will provide modern accommodation for families in the area. The properties include 11 two-bedroom flats, two two-bedroom house
14/05/2014
NHS Highland has confirmed that extensive work to refurbish the Dingwall Health Centre is now complete. To mark the end of the £1.5m upgrade, an open day will be held for the local community to see how the new centre looks. The project will allow the health centre to continue to support the prov
14/05/2014
Councillors discussing the future of the derelict Perth City Hall have been asked to reverse plans to demolish the building. According to reports, there are proposals to transform the premises into a hotel. In December 2013, it was agreed to demolish the B-listed Edwardian building in order to a
14/05/2014
Fife Council has confirmed the Limekilns Road in Dunfermline is to close for approximately two weeks to allow essential roadworks to take place. The closure will be in place from Monday 19 May. The move comes after the local authority received a number of complaints from residents regarding the
14/05/2014
Councillor Jim McClung has been nominated to join the Dumfries and Galloway Renewable Energy Partnership Group. The aim of the partnership is to maximise the economic and employment opportunities within the renewable energy sector for both businesses and communities, as well as providing a coordin
14/05/2014
The Kessock Bridge could fully reopen ahead of schedule, it has been reported. One lane of the bridge at Inverness has been closed since February and initially it was thought they would not reopen until the end of June. According to Bear Scotland however, it is hoped the lanes will now open within
14/05/2014
Dumfries and Galloway Council has said improvement works around the Burns statue will not interfere with the Guid Nychburris festival next month. According to the BBC, the Council has said it is "confident" that the planned works will not "adversely affect" the annual event. A £1m upgrade projec
14/05/2014
Councillors in Dundee will be asked next week to agree to move to the next stage of planning regarding a new £27m building for Baldragon Academy. The committee will be asked to agree to progress with the detailed design element of the project, which would include meeting with staff of the school t
14/05/2014
A number of ancient artefacts have been discovered during the construction of a £17m bypass project in the south of Scotland. The find has been described as "remarkable" by Transport Minister Keith Brown. It is understood he will share the details of the discovery shortly. The discovery includ
14/05/2014
Atlas Copco has said it will exhibit its range of construction and quarrying equipment at this year's Hillhead Show. The biennial exhibition will take place at a Derbyshire quarry from 24 to 26 June 2014, and visitors will be able to company's stand – Stand t1 – will be able to get to grips with e
13/05/2014
Work has commenced on a new housing development, east of Arbroath in Angus. According to Scottish Housing News, the plans will see 10 homes constructed on the Great Michael Road, a former site of Ministry of Defence housing. Muirfield Contracts will be responsible for building the properties whi
13/05/2014
Three pupils have been injured after a ceiling partially collapsed at a school in East Ayrshire. The incident occurred at the New Cumnock Primary School on Monday morning. The three children, who were in the classroom at the time, were checked by the school's first aider before being taken to ho
13/05/2014
A new bridge has been lifted into place in Galashiels. Network Rail has said the structure will play a "vital role" in the Borders Railway project. Last weekend, some 15 people were involved in the work at Wheatlands Road to install the 90-tonne structure. Commenting on the scheme, Hugh Wark,
13/05/2014
An Ecopod has been installed on to the roof of a block of flats in Woodside by the Queens Cross Housing Association (QCHA). The project, which is the first of its kind in Scotland, saw the Ecopod green energy system installed and will see more than 500 households in the area benefit from warmer ho
13/05/2014
Perth and Kinross Council is looking to hear from the local community regarding their views on the area's landscapes. The move is part of a Review of Local Landscape Designations which is being undertaken by the local authority. It has said the review will help to identify those landscapes that ju
13/05/2014
A road maintenance programme is to be undertaken across Moray over the next seven weeks. The local authority has said the sections of road which are being dressed will be marked with signs, and warned motorists to take care when driving. In a statement, Mike O'Brien, Senior Roads Technician, exp
13/05/2014
The Highland Council has said that a 300m section of the Loch Tarff Road, that originally required closure in order to allow essential works to be carried out, is still under review. It is understood the local authority is continuing to work on design plans for the stretch of road where significant
13/05/2014
Morrison Construction has won two awards for its considerate approach to two projects for Orkney Islands Council, it has been reported. The firm was awarded a silver Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Award for its work on the Kirkwall Grammar School, plus a bronze award for its input a
13/05/2014
Argyll and Bute Council has issued an update regarding the proposed installation of a new 3G pitch at Lochgilphead joint campus. The pitch would replace the existing 2G surface and the local authority has said it is intended to be a 40mm Tiger Turf surface, which can accommodate a number of sports
13/05/2014
SSE has assisted with the refurbishment of a key woodland footpath in Perthshire. Nine volunteers from the firm's Head Office worked alongside Perth and Kinross Council's Community Greenspace team to upgrade the path network. Greenspace Rangers work with volunteers to improve and develop public
12/05/2014
The first payment in a scheme designed to speed up payments to contractors working on public sector construction projects has been made, the Scottish Government has confirmed. Project Bank Accounts (PBAs) are ring-fenced accounts from which payments can be made directly from a client to contractors
12/05/2014
Forty empty homes have been brought back into use across West Dunbartonshire, the local authority has announced. Of those properties, 17 are in Dumbarton, 15 in Clydebank and eight in Alexandria. The homes, which will help to address the local housing shortage, were either upgraded and rented to
12/05/2014
Planning permission for a new £16m housing development at Cherrybank, Perth, has received approval. This will now enable housebuilder Persimmon Homes East Scotland to start work on the site. A total of 98 homes will be constructed on the 9.7-acre site of the former Bell's Whiskey headquarters an
12/05/2014
Plans to redevelop the Kingussie Courthouse Building have taken a step forward after planning permission, subject to conditions, was approved by the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (CNPA) Planning Committee. The Highland Council welcomed the news and has said that, once completed, the develop
12/05/2014
A joint venture by Amey and Carillion has been selected by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for two Next Generation Estates contracts. The contracts, which include additional services and extensions, are worth up to £1.7bn, Amey has said. The venture has secured the Scotland and Nor
12/05/2014
Homeowners in Scotland will be able to apply for up to £7,300 through a new phase of the Scottish Government's Green Homes Cashback scheme. The £15m scheme will provide funds to households towards the cost of installing energy efficiency measures, such as home insulation and boiler upgrades, that
12/05/2014
A new hotel, located in Glasgow city, is to create 65 new jobs. According to the BBC, the Premier Inn hotel will open in June, in time for this year's Commonwealth Games which are being held in the city. The hotel, worth £11m and consisting of 180 bedrooms plus a restaurant, has been constructed
12/05/2014
The Mill Road footbridge in Newmilns, East Ayrshire, is to be refurbished. The local authority said the project will be delivered after a contractor was appointed by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance for the scheme. IH Borland from Crookedholm will undertake the works and will involve structural steel
12/05/2014
A turf-cutting ceremony has taken place for Oakbank Primary School in Perth. As part of a £9.5m project, the school will benefit from new facilities through the replacement of the existing school building and the improvement of educational facilities at the site. The scheme is part of Perth & Ki
12/05/2014
Aberdeenshire Council is encouraging the local community to share their views on the play park provision available at Aden Country Park, Mintlaw. The site is currently being reviewed by the local authority, in partnership with the Buchan Development Partnership (BDP), along with the potential to d
09/05/2014
Plans to construct the new £7.6m Blackburn Partnership Centre have been approved by West Lothian Council. The green light means that Graham Construction can now commence with the design and build of the project. The new facility, which would be located next to the existing Mill Centre, will incl
09/05/2014
Network Rail has said "crucial" bridge works are set to get underway as part of the Borders to Edinburgh railway project. As a result, road closures are to be put in place in Galashiels. According to reports, the Wheatlands Road in the area will be closed until midnight on Monday as a large cran
09/05/2014
West Dunbartonshire Council has agreed a revised approach to demolish 248 multi-storey flats in Bellsmyre after unexpectedly high levels of asbestos was discovered in the properties. The new method, which has received approval from the Health and Safety Executive, will see platforms – known as "ma
09/05/2014
Two new aluminium bridges are to be installed on the mountain Ben Nevis. According to the Highland Council, the bridges will be located on the main path up the mountain from the visitor centre to the summit. Work to replace the two footbridges will commence on Monday 19 May and the project will
09/05/2014
New affordable homes are to be constructed in Edinburgh as part of the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative. In a statement, the Council, working in partnership with the Scottish Government, developers and Scottish Futures Trust, has approved up to 516 new affordable homes through the NHT and t
09/05/2014
Hundreds of new affordable homes could be constructed in West Dunbartonshire if the local authority forms a partnership with Cube Housing Association and its parent organisation, Wheatley Group. Discussions are set to commence over an arrangement that could see affordable homes built at the site o
09/05/2014
A new hub for Selkirk town centre, which would provide information on a number of regeneration activities in the area, has moved a step closer to completion. The announcement comes as Scottish Borders Council (SBC) confirms it has submitted a planning application for the change of use of the forme
09/05/2014
Moray Council has said that a deadline to respond to a planning application for the proposed Elgin western link road has been extended due to a technical glitch. The original deadline for comments had been set for today, but a technical issue on the local authority's website has the date showing a
09/05/2014
Designs featuring the regeneration of The Square, Kirriemuir, are to go on display tomorrow (10 May) between noon and 4pm, Angus Council has said. The plans will be available for the local community to view at a pop-up stand at The Square. The rejuvenation of the space in the heart of the town c
09/05/2014
Councillors in Aberdeenshire are to be asked to recommend the approval of plans to progress with the Huntly Flood Protection Scheme, despite objections from local landowners. It is understood that members of the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) are recommended, in accordance with legislatio
08/05/2014
More than 170 new affordable homes are to be built across Scotland as part of the National Housing Trust initiative (NHT). Housing Minister Margaret Burgess is expected to make the announcement today during a visit to a planned residential and commercial development in Rosyth, where 62 homes are b
08/05/2014
A new survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has found that the housing market in Scotland remains "constrained". It added that the sector is "marred" by weak supply and high demand. The latest Residential Market Survey found that, for April, demand for homes remained stea
08/05/2014
The site of the former Victoria Road School in Aberdeen is for sale, the local authority has said. The school buildings and grounds, as well as the nearby workshops are being put on the market and are being marketed as an opportunity site for a potential residential development. Property consult
08/05/2014
Almost £2m is to be set aside to build new council homes in Turriff, Aberdeenshire. It is understood that three apartment buildings will be constructed on the site of the current Erroll Court Sheltered Housing complex, after Formartine Area Committee approved the plans last week. Erroll Court, w
08/05/2014
More time has been given to Scottish Ministers to come to a decision regarding the new Madras College at Pipeline, Fife. Unable to come to an agreement regarding the plans, the period for deliberation has been extended by 28 days, the Council has said. A planning application for the project was
08/05/2014
Tenants in Scotland who have been affected by the so-called 'Bedroom Tax' are being encouraged to apply for financial support. Speaking in Parliament, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged households that have lost out on housing benefit because of the tax, to seek compensation through Discr
08/05/2014
Designs for a proposed community Hub in Lennoxtown, East Dunbartonshire, are to be put out to public consultation next week. In March, the local authority approved an alternative feasibility option for Lennoxtown. A much larger Hub facility had been initially suggested, but plans for this were sca
08/05/2014
A 'Meet the Buyer' event is to be held in Midlothian later this month by Morrison Construction, on behalf of Hub South East Scotland Ltd. The contractor is responsible for building the replacement for Newbattle Community High School in Midlothian and the event will allow local companies as well as
08/05/2014
Moray Council is to hold a meeting to discuss the future of Grant Lodge in Elgin. The event will bring together key stakeholders and those individuals with an interest in the future of the site. The former library, which is located in Cooper Park, has lain empty since July 2003 following a fire.
08/05/2014
Oil and gas companies in Scotland could secure contracts worth £100m over the next three years, following their attendance at the world's top oil and and gas show, it has been claimed. According to Scottish Enterprise, firms who took part in the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston in 2013 re
07/05/2014
A ceremony to mark the construction progress of the James Gillespie's High School in Edinburgh has taken place. Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education, laid the final section of concrete on the first floor of the main teaching block. He was joined at the ceremony by Councillor Paul God
07/05/2014
Flood prevention work is to be carried out in Dumbarton. As a result, the Round Riding Road in the area has been closed to traffic. The road is closed at its junctions with the A82 and Netherbog Road, with traffic being diverted via Bonhill Road and Townend Road. The closure will remain in place
07/05/2014
The Full Council of Perth & Kinross Council are to meet today (7 May) to consider a report on Phase 1 of the Perth Transport Futures Project. This is the A9/A85 junction and the link road to Bertha Park, as well as the resource implications associated with it, and it is thought that Councillors wi
07/05/2014
Plans for new care villages in Glenrothes and Lumphinnans have been approved by Fife Council. It is understood members of the Council's Executive Committee were asked to agree on projected costs and timescales for the developments. In Glenrothes, the new care village would comprise of a 60-bed c
07/05/2014
Scottish Ministers have written to the Highland Council, saying that two planning applications – regarding sites located near the historic Culloden Battlefield – should be notified to them. In a statement, the Government said that in the event that the Highland Council wishes to approve the propos
07/05/2014
Members of the Aberdeenshire community will be able to share their views on the findings of a recent regeneration study. The study is part of a wider initiative which aims to increase the popularity of four towns in the area – Banff and Macduff, Fraserburgh, and Peterhead. In May 2013, a consort
07/05/2014
A date has been set for an appeal hearing that will decide if a housing development in Nairn should go ahead, it has been reported. Concerns have been raised about the proposals having an impact on local infrastructure due to the size of the development. Initially, the local authority approved p
07/05/2014
Midlothian Council's Cowan Court has been nominated for a top prize from the Scottish Home Awards 2014. The flagship extra care housing complex opened in September 2013, and has now been shortlisted as a finalist for 'Senior Living Development of the Year'. The building in Penicuik was construct
07/05/2014
Fife Council has been fined for serious safety failings after workers struck and ruptured an underground gas pipe releasing almost four tonnes of gas, the HSE has said. Some 100 homes and businesses, as well as a primary school, were evacuated following the incident at the council's Milesmark Depo
07/05/2014
Solar and Wind Applications have been installing bespoke renewable energy systems since its establishment in 2002. The company, which is based in Ayrshire, removes the guess work of finding the right energy saving solution for individuals. The firm not only assists with generation or heat pump ins
06/05/2014
The Scottish Government has said that powers over the Westminster cap that is stopping them from helping people with the 'Bedroom Tax' will be transferred to Scotland. The move will allow the cap to be lifted by the Scottish Government. Housing help for those on benefits – known as Discretionary
06/05/2014
Carriageway surfacing works, using state-of-the-art material, have started on the Kessock Bridge, the Highland Council has confirmed. The £13.2m improvement programme, now entering into its 13th week, will see both layers of the surface laid this week. Following weeks of work, including preparati
06/05/2014
SP Energy Networks has opened its newly refurbished depot in Galashiels. The facility, made possible with an investment of just under £1m, will serve as the firm's main operational hub in the Borders region. The state-of-the-art centre will be the main hub for managing all maintenance and invest
06/05/2014
A new quayside is to be developed at Nigg, it has been announced. News of the 36.5m project came as First Minister Alex Salmond witnessed the signing of an agreement by Global Energy Group and Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd (MORL) to explore the potential of Nigg Energy Park to be used in the const
06/05/2014
Orkney Islands Council (OIC) is encouraging the local community to share their views on the draft Open Space Strategy. The document seeks to highlight potential areas where new, or improved, provision would benefit the county's five main settlements. The settlements are Dounby, Finstown, Kirkwal
06/05/2014
Tackling work-related ill health among construction apprentices could save the Scottish economy more than £30m over the next decade, a new study has found. The figures have been released by Constructing Better Health Scotland (CBH Scotland), which is now launching a campaign to improve occupationa
06/05/2014
A number of community projects across the Highlands have been given £1m from a charity that is funded by onshore wind farms. The SSE's Sustainable Development Fund aims to help charity and non-profit organisations across the Highlands. According to reports, more than 100 applications were submitte
06/05/2014
Two tower blocks in North Lanarkshire, have been proposed to become communities for people over the age of 60. According to the local authority, Milton Court in Airdrie, and Whamond Tower in Motherwell, already have more than half of their residents in the over 60s age group, and it is understood
06/05/2014
Wood Group PSN has said it is to cut the rate it pays UK-based onshore contractors. It has been reported that the oil services provider will cut rates by 10%. The move by the company is said to be needed to "control costs for clients". It will come into effect from 1 June 2014. It is underst
06/05/2014
Turner & Townsend has announced its appointment by National Grid to provide professional management services across the firm's gas, electricity and non-regulated businesses. The consultancy firm has been awarded a three- to five-year framework, giving it the opportunity to tender for work across t
02/05/2014
A new housing development has been proposed for Falkland in Fife. The Council is now asking for the local community to share their views on the plans. The application would see the homes built on land to the south of Back Dykes in Falkland. A total of 32 affordable homes have been put forward an
02/05/2014
Plans for a new cancer treatment centre in Lanarkshire have been approved, it has been reported. According to the BBC, the £22m Lanarkshire Beatson centre will be situated at Monklands General Hospital in Airdrie. The radiotherapy facility will have up to 80 patients a day who will receive treat
02/05/2014
A £2.5m investment has been completed at Kirkcaldy waste water treatment works (WWTW). The work was carried out by the Scottish Water's delivery arm, Scottish Water Solutions. The WWTW, located at Pathhead Sands, was constructed in the 1980s before undergoing an upgrade in 2001 and again in 2010
02/05/2014
Construction works are to continue on the A82 Pulpit Road improvement scheme, Transport Scotland has said. The work will see a series of overnight closures put in place from 10 to 22 May 2014. The road is set to close at Pulpit Rock, South of Ardlui, at 10pm with a schedule reopening at 6am each
02/05/2014
A new £4.8m sports centre has opened at Peebles High School. The state-of-the-art facility, located in the Scottish Borders, boasts an indoor four-court games hall, a general purpose hall, fitness suite and classroom, associated changing facilities, a 2G synthetic pitch, sprint track and a long ju
02/05/2014
Aberdeenshire Council has said the first phase of work to repair a partial collapse of Huntly Castle Bridge has been completed. As a result, the bridge has reopened for non-vechicular use. An initiative by the local authority and the local community will now be launched to secure funds to delive
02/05/2014
The final stages of work being undertaken on the String Road, Arran, the local authority has said. Due to the work being carried out, the road will open each day – under convey – from 12.30pm to 1pm, and 7pm to 9pm, as well as overnight from 9pm to 7am under traffic lights until 7 May. From this
02/05/2014
East Renfrewshire Council has said the Court of Session has asked for further details on the plans for the new Barrhead High School. In a statement, the local authority said the Court has asked for a report to be prepared. A QC has been appointed for this request, which will then be presented and
01/05/2014
A year-long refurbishment project is due to commence at Alyth Museum, according to Perth & Kinross Council. The museum, which is set to re-open for the 2014 season today, will be transformed under the programme. In a statement, the local authority said the refurbishment project will be undertake
01/05/2014
Angus Council has said it is looking to hear from the local community on a document which outlines significant planning issues for the area over the next two decades. The TAYplan Main Issues Report (MIR) provides an opportunity to inform and shape the strategy and content of the development plan.
01/05/2014
Donald Trump has confirmed he has bought the Turnberry golf resort. This is the second major golf resort acquired by the property tycoon in the last three months. He has purchased the South Ayrshire complex from Dubai-based group Leisurecorp for an undisclosed sum. Located on more than 800 acre
01/05/2014
A three-year cycling-based action plan has been published for Irvine in North Ayrshire. In a statement, the local authority says it aims to extend and upgrade its current network of cycle paths and facilities in the town. Included in the programme of improvements would be the widening, resurfaci
01/05/2014
Work has started on essential ground investigations for the A96 Inveramsey Bridge project. The works will provide companies currently bidding on the scheme with the necessary detailed information on ground conditions which will help shape their designs. In a statement, Transport Minister Keith B
01/05/2014
The Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has confirmed it has increased its financial commitment to the opening of a new train station at Reston. The funding has now increased from £300,000 to £1.28m. The initial amount was previously confirmed as part of its capital budget earlier this year, but the
01/05/2014
Protection for Scotland's environment could be included in the written constitution of an independent Scotland, it has been announced. The move would be one of five green gains of independence that Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead outlined in his speech at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
01/05/2014
A £1.3m investment will see four new industrial units constructed at Abbotsford Business Park, Falkirk, this year. The units are being delivered through external funding, as well as money from Falkirk Council's Portfolio Management Plan (PMP). The PMP is being used to expand a property portfolio
