Building Scotland v12n2

Dalkeith Heritage Regeneration PAGE 46

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V12 N02

NEWS, REPORTS, COMMENTS, PROFILES AND SITE PROJECTS FORESTRY COMMISSION SCOTLAND Advising on and implementing forestry policy p16

TAY ROAD BRIDGE Structurally secured future p29

MUIR CONSTRUCTION At the forefront of Scottish building p33

HISTORIC SCOTLAND Committed to restoration p40

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NEWS

26 6 COMMENTS 12 Turley Associates – Katy Neaves 13 Forticrete – John Lambert 14 NHBC – Rod MacEachrane

PROFILE

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15 16 21 30 33 36 38 40 46 49 54

Springfield Properties PLC Forestry Commission Scotland Forth Housing Association Tulloch Developments Muir Construction Project Management Scotland Ltd Robertson Homes Historic Scotland Dalkeith Heritage Centre Orkney Islands Council The Battle of Bannockburn Project

EDUCATION 24 University of Aberdeen

CIVIL 20 Aberdeen Airport 26 Meadowhead & Stevenston Storm Water Network 29 Tay Road Bridge 34 Laggan- Tormore Project 39 Edinburgh Airport

LEISURE 22 Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre 37 The Caledonian

HOUSING 34 Marchburn Road Children’s Centre

COMMERCIAL 28 Knight Property Group

COMMUNITY 27 Highlands Museum 53 HMP Grampian

54 Editors Gareth Trevor-Jones Victoria Lee Staff Writer John Train Editorial Raimy Greenland Robert Atherton Copy Laura Anderson

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Validated by

Back to Square One? The preparation of another set of Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 was always going to be a tricky process given that there have already been two such attempts to persuade a reluctant construction industry to take health and safety seriously. So, it is not surprising to hear that the HSE is now unlikely to present a package to its Board until March this year, at the earliest. In this article, James Ritchie, Head of Corporate Affairs for the Association for Project Safety, looks at the likely impact of the impending changes to the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

With the delay in presenting the proposals to the HSE Board, the finalised regulation package is unlikely to be implemented until 2014 - the year in which, coincidentally, the EU is to start reviewing the Temporary Mobile Construction Sites Directive (TMCS).

Can we expect the industry to take on-board, retrain and invest in a new set of regulations and then immediately afterwards have to deal with the, as yet, unknown consequences of a Directive review or Government change of direction when survival is dominating our thinking and all that we are doing? Some would say that this is all, very simply, just common sense, but as a former HSE inspector said when he was talking about the first set of CDM Regulations: "Common sense is as common as rocking horse droppings".

In a recent interview with “Construction Manager” magazine Philip White, HSE Chief Inspector of Construction, repeated his assertion (also made at the last APS Convention) that the role of CDM Co-ordinator (CDM-C) could be rolled into the job of lead designer, or project manager, rather than it being a stand-alone professional. The real problem with the current notion that we should go back to ‘discharge of co-ordination duties by other existing duty-holders’ is that it flies in the face of industry experience since 1995 and ignores the carefully researched views of, for example, Löftstedt and the HSE’s own evaluation.

The HSE’s own published evaluation of the 2007 Regulations also indicated that CDM 2007 had “gone a long way to meeting its objectives, but that some concerns remained within the industry. Construction design, management and site practices had improved between 2006 and 2010 but some industry practices were found to have a significant influence on how CDM2007 has been implemented and the evaluation indicated that there is still work to be done”.

Initial indications were that it was thought ‘unlikely’ that the regulations would be changed as a result of the evaluation but that it could influence amendment of the

ACoP. Instead of which, we now have the prospect of wholesale change – including loss of a guiding ACoP (and replacement with less ‘compelling’, separate guidance), loss of the CDM-C and loss of competence requirements - as a response to concerns over competency assessments, excessive paperwork that does not add value, the governments idea of “copying out” Directives, simplification of the regulations so that small and micro contractors / designers can understand what to do, as well as resolving an apparent under-implementation of the EC Directive.

Where is the hard evidence that CDM Co-ordinators have been so demonstrably poor and ‘bureaucratic’ that they need to be eliminated? In reality the much lauded Olympic programme showed that CDM Co-ordinators and CDM Co-ordination could be highly effective in delivering not only high standards of risk management but also in contributing positively to other key performance indicators.

What evidence is there that the mindset of design practices has changed sufficiently to suggest they are now willing to take on co-ordination duties? Will lead designers not do what they did in 1995 and employ someone (either from within their organisation, or from an outside consultancy) to deal with CDM Co-ordination duties on their behalf? Does the HSE not understand how much lead designers and project managers have to deal with and the host of issues they are juggling in construction projects? Do they not know that this limits effective attention to CDM Co-ordination at the design stages by the same people – just as much now as it did in 1995? What is the point of giving lead designers the health and safety co-ordination duty only for them to employ someone else to do what CDM

Co-ordinators currently do? How will that change the ball game?

What evidence is there that those working on smaller projects – designers and contractors - will respond better to new regulations – is that not just wishful thinking? Would it not be better to produce simplified guidance for them, based on the current, known, system but with tweaks to effect improvements in the weaker areas?

Why is it that the HSE drives forward training, competence, certification and licensing requirements for the asbestos sector yet backs away from such benefits for the whole of construction? Why shy away from what clearly works?

And lastly why, why, why – if the new regulations are to significantly up the risk management game – is ‘ill-health risk management’ not a stated major target for improved regulations? How can we believe that health and safety is the real focus of this re-write when the ‘health’ bit is hardly mentioned?

The way things look at the moment is that ‘the tail is wagging the dog” – and if we go back to a Directive ‘copy out’ (and the basic principles of CDM1995), we are likely to begin a repetition of the cycle of change that led us to the CDM2007 regulations and we will have been made to throw away the best part of 17 years of thinking, learning and development of best practice in construction risk management. Why not simply take notice of what the industry has said, and the HSE reported in their own review, and refine what we already have and let us all get on with making a difference to health and safety in construction, rather than having to learn, again, to do it all differently! www.aps.org.uk

Fed u Hea p of co m l Pre- th & Sa pleting fe Q Que ualific ty s a Des tionnai tion r ign Prac es as a tice ?

ed APS Register bership Practice mem matic gives you auto CDM recognition of compliance

Find out more at www.aps.org.uk

NEWS BS

Engineers on track with station contract win Shepherd Engineering Services (SES), one of the UK’s leading building engineering services companies, has recently announced it has secured a prestigious contract win to work on a £25M landmark scheme at Edinburgh’s Haymarket station.

SES will work alongside Main Contractor Morgan Sindall, on behalf of Network Rail and Scot Rail, to transform the existing station and create a fully integrated transport hub for the city, linking train, tram, bus and taxi services.

SES’s role will be challenging, particularly as the project combines refurbishment of the original listed building and an extension to create a new concourse and platform improvements, whilst ensuring that the

station remains fully operational with disruption to passengers kept to a minimum.

Since opening its Scotland office in 2010, SES has enjoyed steady sustainable growth, winning work across the country in a diverse range of sectors.

The Company has worked on a number of high profile schemes, most recently completing work on the refurbishment of the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms.

Speaking about this latest win and SES’s suitability to deliver the contract, Regional Director, Colin Walker said: “I am delighted to announce our appointment to such a landmark scheme. We will be providing a complete range of building services and installation expertise including lighting,

heating and ventilation, IT, security and fire alarm systems to name a few.

“There are a number of challenges that we must overcome, not least the fact that the station must remain live at all times. I am confident in this case that our unique in-house prefabrication and modularisation capability, PRISM, will come to the fore. In addition to this our off site approach will allow us to not only reduce the number of site deliveries and reduce site waste, it also means that we can fully test the building services modules before they are installed, ensuring we get it right first time.”

It is anticipated that the project will be complete by 2014.

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First logs processed at BSW Timber’s new Fort William site BSW Timber has begun the commissioning phase of the £37M expansion of its Fort William sawmill site, creating one of the largest and most advanced sawmill sites operating anywhere in the UK. The first logs have now been processed at the state-of-the-art mill, designed for an annual production of 300,000cu m when the site becomes fully operational later on in the year. The expansion is a major part of BSW’s £50M company-wide investment programme over a five-year period to 2015.

To complete the current investment phase at the site, the latest in global saw line technology - a Hewsaw SL250 3.4 Trio line integrated with Kallfass sorting and stacking equipment - was installed last year and has since been extended to include an automated horizontal saw, allowing for maximum flexibility.

Marking the commissioning of the new mill after almost four years of development, Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW Timber, said: “These are exciting times for BSW Timber and everyone involved in creating a sawmill of genuine world class standing at Fort William. Great credit must be given to the management team at the mill who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.

“Going for growth is a theme that has driven the strategy for BSW Timber since the 1990s. The development of flexible and high capacity mills with the latest technology to provide first class home grown products is an essential part of the company plans.

“Strategic investments, such as Fort William, are a sign of the confidence in

the medium term that BSW has in the UK market. We are committed to being a highly competitive manufacturer of sawn timber and associated products and are expanding our portfolio of products and capacity to better serve the demands of our customers, as well as strengthening our partnerships with our chosen key suppliers.”

The global programme management and construction consultancy Turner & Townsend is delighted to announce its role in the renovation of Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin enclosure, the largest of its kind in Europe.

Following its successful delivery of the Budongo Chimpanzee House, Turner & Townsend was appointed as project, cost managers and CDM coordinators by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) to manage the essential maintenance and upgrade works.

The project brought with it unique challenges. As well as avoiding disruption to both zoo staff, animals and visitors, the works needed to be completed within a tight deadline ahead of the early 2013 penguin breeding season and keep noise to a minimum given the enclosure’s proximity to the pandas. And with no works undertaken during the Zoo’s peak summer school holiday period this put added pressure on the team.

Nevertheless, thanks to the careful coordination of on site contractors and a close working relationship with the dedicated staff of zoo keepers, the iconic kings, gentoos and rockhopper penguins can now enjoy a unique facility, including diving boards, waterfalls, crèche pool and a flume – and all in as natural an environment as possible.

Commenting on the project, Turner & Townsend Senior Project Manager Mark Bruce, said: “The penguins have long been the signature and most prestigious animal within Edinburgh Zoo, featuring celebrity king penguin and Colonel-inChief of the Norwegian Royal Guard, Sir Nils Olav, and it has been an immense professional privilege to build on our earlier work with the chimpanzees and be involved in these technically and logistically challenging renovations.”

BS NEWS

Edinburgh Zoo p-p-p picks up a project manager for penguin enclosure

Only one home remaining at CALA’s Buckstone Grove Unprecedented pre-launch demand has led to all but one of CALA’s detached homes at its new Buckstone Grove development being sold off plan.

CALA was due to launch the south Edinburgh development in late February but high interest resulted in £2.2M worth of homes being sold ahead of the official sales release and before a single brick has been laid.

Only one home is still available at the sought after development - a detached, 1977sq ft, four-bed Dewar house type which is available for £590,000.

Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac, Buckstone Grove offers spacious family living in naturally beautiful surroundings.

Sarah Stanger, Sales and Marketing Director at CALA Homes (East), said: “Interest in Buckstone Grove has been high in recent weeks, but to convert that

interest into sales of all but one home on the development, before the official release of homes, is unprecedented.

“The success at Buckstone Grove is down to several factors. Firstly, CALA’s reputation and recent award for Housebuilder of The Year at the What House awards makes CALA’s properties more desirable than ever before. Location is also key and there’s a great deal of demand for quality family homes in the EH10 postcode. We don’t expect the final home at Buckstone Grove to be on the market for long.”

For homeseekers looking to purchase a home in the area, CALA is due to launch a development in nearby Fairmilehead this spring. On completion, the development at Fairmilehead will feature 97 homes, ranging from detached four- and five-bedroom properties, to terraces and apartments.

Morgan Sindall appointed to build £24M waterfront office in Glasgow key to the future prosperity of the east end of the city and neighbouring South Lanarkshire. There is a desire for high quality and well connected office space in the area and the new development, with its riverside location, will no doubt attract further investment to the business district. Morgan Sindall has an excellent reputation for creating quality, sustainable office space and we’re delighted to be working on this high profile project.”

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Leading construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall has been awarded a contract to build a new £24M office facility in Dalmarnock, Glasgow, as part of the Clyde Gateway regeneration project.

The project will see vacant land on the banks of the River Clyde redeveloped into 120,000sq ft of Grade ‘A’ office accommodation spread across a new five-storey building. The new development will provide space for approximately 900 people and will also create 200 car parking spaces. The project is due to complete in October 2014.

Receiving £16M of ‘shovel-ready’ funding from the Scottish Government, it is hoped that the office will act as a catalyst for further regeneration of land surrounding the site and help grow the newly created National Business District within Clyde Gateway.

Clyde Gateway is Scotland’s largest regeneration scheme and involves a 20-year programme in advance of and beyond the 2014 Commonwealth Games which take place in Glasgow.

Eddie Carr, Area Director at Morgan Sindall, said: “The Clyde Gateway regeneration scheme is an ambitious project and

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TEMPERATURE CONTROL & POWER GENERATION

Flowcrete Uses The Power Of Silver To Deliver A Hygienic Floor Finish For McVities A prestigious new production facility at McVities in Glasgow has started out on a firm footing with the installation of a range of hygienic floor finishes from Flowcrete, including Flowfresh, which utilises the natural power of silver to deliver the level best in advanced protection.

ease of maintenance. In total, 1,628 square metres of Flowfresh RT and MF were applied within this Line.

Lines 14 and 19 at the Tollcross-based plant have been developed to include the latest in food production technology.

The silver-ion based antimicrobial treatment Polygiene® is locked within Flowfresh’s resinous flooring material.

In-keeping with the high tech nature of the refurbishment, McVities’ project engineering team specified a range of Flowcrete products across a total floor area of almost 3,000 square metres at the site.

The project included the application of Flowcrete Flowfresh RT, which was chosen for the main thoroughfares of Line 14, in an ochre and cream colour scheme - providing McVities with the balance of both a textured finish for slip resistance and a surface capable of easy maintenance and cleanability.

This additive controls up to 99.9 per cent of bacterial microbes including salmonella, E-coli and many other types of bacteria and yeast on contact – and the process remains active for the lifetime of the floor.

For Line 19, Hydraseal and Flowcrete HF were applied across 1,200 square metres. Installed in four weeks under two phases, the textured Flowcrete HF was applied in a ‘live’ working environment and involved the sheeting up of the area to ensure the smooth running of the site.

At McVities, the Flowfresh floor on Line 14 is supported

by Flowcrete’s high strength screed, Isocrete Isopol.

The old floor was excavated with various levels of existing floor finishes and screed being removed

Both lines also used Flowcrete’s Hydraseal damp proof membrane as part of the application process.

Flowcrete’s approved contractors XL Industrial Resins and Glenalmond Contracts, completed the flooring installation on Line 14, with XL Industrial Resins applying the Flowfresh RT and MF and Glenalmond Contracts installing the Isopol floor screed. The application at Line 19 was carried out by Veitchi Industrial Flooring (Scotland) Ltd. Robert Gray, Flowcrete’s Regional Manager in Scotland and the North East of England, said: “This project reflects the flexibility and choice of hygienic flooring available for the food sector from Flowcrete.

“Their high performance hygienic qualities, coupled with tremendous abrasion resistance, durability – and the ability to balance slip-resistance with cleanability – ensure that these systems measure up to the tough and uncompromising demands of the sector.”

To find out more log on to www.flowcrete.co.uk

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The smoother finished Flowcrete Flowfresh MF was also applied in the areas immediately below Line 14, to allow

Flowfresh offers a state-of-the art system for food and drink production areas, based on the natural power of silver to protect surfaces from germs.

before the floor was rebuilt and levelled using Isopol SBR. This was applied to provide a sound base for the Flowfresh RT and MF to anchor to.

NEWS BS

New product line aids fit-out firm’s expansion Office partition and ceilings contractor, Modul8, hails the introduction of a ‘3D fit-out’ product as the icing on the cake to a successful start to the year.

Best known for providing modular partition wall systems and suspended ceilings, client demand drove the introduction of the new raised access flooring product to its line of services in late 2012, which the firm anticipate will lead to a 10% increase in turnover this year.

The launch of the new product has enabled the Aberdeen headquartered firm to secure a number of significant project wins, leading the firm to believe

that 2013 will be a record year.

The move to offer 3D fit-out comes after the completion of a number of significant projects at in the energy sector including CAN Group, ABB, Stena Drilling and Plant Integrity Management.

The new product has already helped the firm secure fit-out contracts outside the oil industry including global paper packaging firm Smith Anderson’s new manufacturing facility in Kirkcaldy.

Andy Davie, Managing Director of Modul8 commented: “Last year saw Modul8 operating at a run rate in excess of £330,000 a month. This year we anticipate boosting

these figures significantly as more clients make use of our new 3D fit-out service. We have established a solid reputation in the marketplace for providing a high standard of demountable and glazed partitioning, doors, ceilings and interiors fit-out products and are already seeing a strong pick up for our new raised flooring line.”

Following expansion into the Central Belt in mid 2012, Modul8 has also swollen staff numbers in its Aberdeen office to meet supplier demands to cope with the surge in demand for its full ‘3D fit-out’ product.

Modul8 expect to report on 2012 trading figures in July.

City developer gains support for capital redevelopments

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The Chris Stewart Group (CSG), a property development and investment business, was recently granted planning by City of Edinburgh Council for the redevelopment of Baxter’s Place to turn it into a hotel.

No’s 1-5 Baxter’s Place is a row of former townhouses dating back to 1798. The proposed redevelopment will create a 239-bed four star hotel with restaurant and bar open to the public.

The Chris Stewart Group has grown its reputation for complex transformational developments in city centre locations over the last 16 years. In granting planning permission, the Council acknowledged that the redevelopment ‘will enhance

the character and appearance of the New Town Conservation Area and the Edinburgh World Heritage Site’.

Commenting on the decision on Baxter’s Place, Chris Stewart, CEO of CSG said: “We are delighted that our proposal for Baxter’s Place has received support from the Council.

“Edinburgh has a need for further quality hotel accommodation and the site at Baxter’s Place offers an ideal central location.

“We can now press ahead with the work scheduled to renovate this prime site and attract further investment into the capital.

“The Group is looking forward to restoring this iconic terrace back to its former glory.”

CSG is in talks with potential operators

interested in taking over the hotel.

The Council also supported an application for a change of use at a second CSG development project on Hamilton Place, where the Company is creating six luxury flats and bringing a former theatre back into use as a restaurant or retail space.

Commenting on the Hamilton Place decision, Chris Stewart added: “Hamilton Place offers a fantastic opportunity to renovate the existing flats into luxury apartments.

Stockbridge remains a thriving centre within Edinburgh and the flexibility to create retail space or a restaurant on the site of the former theatre will ensure that the space is put to best use for the local community.”

BS NEWS

Seddon announces new apprentice recruitment drive in Scotland Painting and maintenance specialist Seddon Property Services is launching a recruitment drive for new apprentices in Scotland.

The painting and maintenance business, which has local offices at the Whitehill Industrial Estate, Inchmuir Road, Bathgate, will give trainees the opportunity to gain NVQ qualifications in painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery and plumbing.

The apprenticeship programme is open to 16-19 year olds. More information and an online application form is available at www.seddon.co.uk.

National Training Manager Melinda Dickinson says: “Seddon has trained more than 3,000 apprentices since 1937 and we are committed to investing in young people by providing apprenticeships.

“Our trainees have individual development plans and are supported by our new entrant training advisor and our inhouse assessor who mentors all our trainees throughout their training and supports their college based learning.

On site they work alongside qualified tradespeople under close supervision.

“Many former apprentices have gone on to senior positions with the Company and are now helping us take the business forward – a great example of the way apprenticeships benefit trainees, the communities where we work and the industry as a whole.”

Last year, the Seddon Group as a whole took on 88 apprentices to mark the Company’s 75th anniversary of apprentice recruitment.

Hanson Structherm wins Sustain Award Hanson Structherm has won the Sustain Award for refurbishment for its work on two high-rise blocks in West Bridgend, Dumbarton.

Structherm’s Structural External Wall Insulation (SEWI) and Fastbrick systems were used to upgrade Clyde and Lomond Courts for West Dunbartonshire Council.

SEWI is a cost effective method of extending the life of defective properties and improving their appearance and thermal efficiency. The system is based on a unique, two way spanning, prefabricated panel that also provides structural integrity to a building. Its use has stabilised the buildings and extended their life by at least 30 years. It has also improved thermal performance with the U-value of the walls

dropping from 2.83W/m2K to 0.27W/m2K. Fastbrick, an insulated real brick cladding system, was used at ground floor level because of its robustness and impact resistant properties.

Hanson Structherm’s Marketing Manager, Yvonne Coldwell, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised in this category and for this project.

“The refurbishment is part of West Dunbartonshire Council’s programme of upgrading its social housing to help bring them up to Scottish Quality Housing Standards by 2015. The carbon footprint of the high-rise blocks has reduced and less fuel is required to heat each flat. The blocks’ appearance has also been greatly improved.”

Construction underway for new GDF SUEZ E&P UK Aberdeen premises Continental Shelf. We are focused on growing our business in the UK North Sea and committed to building on our Aberdeen presence since establishing our UK operations base in Union Plaza just three years ago. This new facility will bring all of our teams under one roof and provide the ideal hub to drive forward our operations from Aberdeen.”

The office will be built to achieve the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) “Excellent” rating. It will be one of the first buildings in Aberdeen to achieve this rating under the 2011 scheme.

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Construction of a new Aberdeen office for the fast growing North Sea operator GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is underway. A groundbreaking ceremony recently took place with developer Miller Cromdale at the North Esplanade West site.

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Cllr.

George Adam, along with GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd Managing Director Jean-Claude Perdigues and Miller Developments Chief Executive Phil Miller, made the ceremonial cut of the first sod to signal the start of building work on the five-storey office.

GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is taking a 15-year lease on the new building which will provide capacity for up to 200 people and will allow the Company space to grow as it ramps up activity in the UK North Sea. The Company is currently split across three sites in Aberdeen, Union Plaza, Holburn House and City Wharf, and the new office will consolidate all the teams in one location from 2014 and provide 40,000 square feet of office space.

Jean-Claude Perdigues, Managing Director at GDF SUEZ E&P UK, said: “We are rapidly becoming one of the leading operators in exploration and production in the UK

COMMENT BS

Changes to Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment best practice

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Katy Neaves, Turley Associates Guidance on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment best practice is to be revised. Katy Neaves explains how the updated guidance is likely to impact Scottish development.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) seek to identify and quantify the effect of new development on the character of existing land and townscapes and to consider the effect of development on a community’s existing visual amenity.

Assessments address two different, but interlinked, areas: character and visual amenity. An assessment looks to identify any potential adverse effects in proposed development so they can be avoided, reduced or mitigated. They are often used to accompany proposed housebuilding, infrastructure retail or energy generation, such as wind energy schemes. LVIAs can help create a smooth planning application process for the development proposed.

LVIAs provide an opportunity to ensure that new developments respond to the existing land or townscape character and consider the visual amenity of the people that move through adjacent areas. They typically sit within the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process, but can be produced as a standalone report for a sensitive site where, although an EIA may not be required, a carefully considered response and assessment is necessary to avoid or minimise harmful effects.

The key guidance for producing LVIAs is provided by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management under their ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’. The current guidance, produced in 2002, is currently being revised with the third edition being released in April 2013. This new revision takes into consideration the UK signing and ratifying the European Landscape Convention, which places new obligations on Scotland Natural Heritage’s (SNH) framework on dealing with landscape

matters. The Convention defines landscape as “an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors”.

Early drafts of the new guidance suggest that there will be more emphasis on professional judgment rather than a formulaic approach. The proposed approach and methodology within the draft guidelines are broadly the same, with clear and updated advice on the assessment process and clarification on vocabulary. The guidelines set out the integration of townscape and seascape character assessments within the broad and embracing definition of landscape. They also stress the importance of engagement with local stakeholders to resolve issues and clarify emerging objections. This engagement again provides the best framework for a smooth planning application process for the proposed development.

The draft guidelines also expand on the approach to dealing with cumulative effects, which have increased in importance in recent years. It references and draws upon the considerable work that has been done

by SNH on addressing definitions and interpretations of cumulative landscape and visual effects, specifically in relation to wind turbines. Cumulative effects can mean the interaction between the proposals and any further proposed developments within the area. The latter are agreed with the Local Planning Authority as part of the consultation process.

The updated guidance provides information on presentation techniques and the use of appropriate visualisations to suit a particular level of assessment. This area has changed greatly since the second edition of the guidance and it is assumed that the final third edition document will be illustrated with a number of good practice techniques.

With its release, the Landscape Institute has produced guidance on the transition

between the second to third editions of the guidelines. It has confirmed that any assessments commenced under the old guidelines should be completed under the new. All assessments started after the publication of the third edition should be applying the new approach.

Katy Neaves is Head of Visual Impact Assessments at Turley Associates. She can be contacted via email: kneaves@turleyassociates. co.uk. Visit www.turleyassociates. co.uk for further information.

Katy Neaves

With the challenging economic climate continuing to shadow over the construction landscape, the industry is facing some of its most difficult times to date. However, it has never been more important that the issue of sustainability is not overlooked, particularly when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and meeting new, stricter standards. John Lambert, General Manager at Forticrete, explains how the latest developments in roof tile technology not only offer a practical solution for sustainable construction, but one which is also extremely cost effective.

Encouragingly, the construction industry has remained committed to the ‘green’ agenda despite the economic downturn. All levels of the supply chain are recognising the necessity to act and build in a way that protects the surrounding environment and futureproofs homes and buildings, as standard.

Making a dramatic difference to the overall appearance of a building, the selection of roof tiles can have a bearing on the overall carbon footprint, and as such, housebuilders and developers have benefited from some measurable improvements by re-assessing their choice of tile.

This has resulted in roof tile manufacturers seeing a noticeable increase in uptake from housebuilders and developers looking for cost-effective, sustainable solutions that can also enable them to meet any required standards.

Sustainable Development

These new standards, along with end-user demand, has spurred on the increase of the development of roof tiles which have less CO2 emissions per sq m roof and improved coverage, using less tiles per sq m making a much more cost effective solution.

As well as being extremely energy efficient, these roofs tiles are aesthetically pleasing, easy to install and high quality.

They have been specifically designed as interlocking tiles which are just 270mm x

337mm overall, yet because of a carefully judged central groove and innovative ‘double cambered’ design, they have the appearance of two traditional plain tiles side by side when laid, effectively laying two traditional plain tiles at a time.

These next generation tiles offer significant cost and environmental benefits for clients, with the cost to lay them also considerably reduced. They also offer more flexibility; whereas most traditional plain tiles can only be lay to pitches of 35° and use up to 60 tiles per sq m, these interlocking tile solutions are fixed with only a single nail and clip, and are able to be laid to pitches as low as 22.5° and only require 16.3 tiles per sq m, a significant reduction.

A Perfect Fit

While cost efficiency and sustainability are obviously key drivers when it comes to selecting the right tile solution for a project, it is important not to forget the look of the product. Housebuilders and developers have to not only ensure that a house is built or refurbished to blend in with the local vernacular, but that it stands out from the crowd.

As such, leading manufacturers have enhanced these next generation tile solutions to include new riven textured collections. Providing a unique and cost effective tile which boasts a weathered appearance, these new ranges blend perfectly into rural areas, enabling buildings to sit comfortably within established environments.

Keeping all of the same eco credentials, leading ranges are available in two new colours, the Ember Blend and the Mercia Blend.

A Solar Solution

For those looking to further boost their projects eco-credentials, solar panels are a great way to make properties more energy efficient, as well as saving homeowners

BS COMMENT

A sustainable solution for roofing money on their electricity bills.

However, while solar panel installations have become more commonplace, they need careful consideration to select the right solution; they are often expensive, tricky to install and cannot always be installed onto existing rooftops without the need for additional work.

When installing solar panels there are many elements which need to be taken into consideration before panels can be specified, such as pitch, elevation and roof shape.

As such, in a bid to make solar panels more accessible for the homeowner, leading manufacturers are now working with PV suppliers to develop new ranges of integrated PV roofing panels which are specifically designed to work along sustainable concrete tiles.

They are made with interlocks that prevent the need to cut tiles on site, making it quick and easy to fit; systems can be installed by just one person, enabling reduced labour costs. There is also no interruption of the roof tile lines and colours are seamlessly integrated.

These systems also require much less space than many other solutions and replace just six standard tiles. This highly efficient solution has a high output of 43 peak watts, which means that 24 panels are required to give 1KwP to a household.

Green Thinking

The selection of roof tiles can not only make a dramatic difference to the overall appearance of a building, but also to the carbon footprint, and as such, builders and developers have benefited from some measurable improvements in areas such as cost, durability and eco-credentials by re-assessing their choice of tile. With the challenging economy continuing to set the scene for the construction industry, such decisions have never been more important.

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COMMENT BS

Building sustainable homes at speed Rod MacEachrane, Director at NHBC Foundation Even with the current annual housing output at one of its lowest levels in recorded history, it is an important time to consider the building of sustainable homes at speed.

There is growing need for more homes to be built but, at the same time, pressure to build homes that are more sustainable means there are a number of potential issues the industry needs to consider.

Increasingly, new construction techniques have allowed the house-building industry to combine the benefits of building both quickly and sustainably, however house builders are still faced with the judgement about whether such systems can deliver their objectives to the same standard.

Building sustainable homes at speed: risks and rewards, the latest report from the NHBC Foundation, provides guidance on this for contractors, design teams and clients interested in innovative and sustainable forms of construction.

The Challenge The speed at which homes can be built may be a factor in both private and public sector developments, whether due to site or cost constraints. This is not a new phenomenon but may be about to be a greater one; particularly as the pressure on housing supply begins to increase – in those circumstances production will need to be swift.

Helpfully, today’s Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) systems have been developed to meet specific needs – such as improved environmental performance – but a frequent by-product is that they also enable speedy construction. MMC is not flawless though and cases of systemic failure due to the implementation of MMC has generated criticism of these measures.

Therefore clients, design teams and contractors must balance the potential risks – from fire safety to Building Regulations compliance – of such systems with their benefits – such as increased thermal or acoustic performance, or reduced community impact. Doing so effectively will help teams ensure they present durable, low-maintenance solutions which will provide a healthy internal environment for occupants over the lifetime of the building.

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The Risks In Building sustainable homes at speed, the NHBC Foundation analyses a range of case studies using MMC. The report considers some of the key rewards and risks of building homes quickly and

sustainably, from the design phase, through procurement and into construction.

The CASPAR II project in Leeds, for example, was an attempt to develop an apartment block for the private rented sector which could be available for below market rent and still make an attractive return on investment without any subsidy. It was based on volumetric and panelised construction, which was intended to achieve greater efficiencies. While the project received critical acclaim and positive feedback from residents, defects emerged – such as to its stability and flooring – which led to a series of investigations into the construction of the building. Ultimately it was felt that the time pressures under which the scheme was developed, may have contributed to its problems.

A further example is the Castlefields Estate Regeneration Project in Runcorn which is a development that uses timber frame construction. This long-term, multi-phase project was not without issue; one of which was that, due to its scale and size, the project needed to accommodate ongoing adaptation and design changes, yet an adaptable product was not easy to find for a reasonable price in the market. However over the lifetime of the project, many issues were overcome and the various phases of construction showed an increasingly sophisticated approach to closed panel timber frame construction. This was in part

due to effective long-term relationships and collaborative working between contractor, client and design team, which enabled the transfer of lessons learned from one phase of construction to the next. As a result, the last phase was largely defect free.

Recommendations The NHBC Foundation advises that much can be gained from the sharing of best practice learnt over many years of speed building and MMC, both within and among project teams. It is critical that at all stages of the construction, all parties employed in the project are fully integrated and the appropriate skill needs are met.

In particular, thorough planning is important from the outset, in order to take due account of potential longterm risks and maintenance issues.

All component interfaces must be considered carefully at design stage to ensure correct interface solutions are devised and incorporated into the design.

Finally, there must be a full review of the whole plan before pressing ‘GO’.

NHBC Foundation’s Building sustainable homes at speed: risks and rewards is available to download at www.nhbcfoundation.org/ buildinghomesatspeed

BS PROFILE

Springfield Highest standards of service, workmanship and materials Springfield homes from competitors Another development has seen new homes and adds value for customers. at Middleton of Canmore in Braemar.

Springfield delivers homes for a variety Situated at the heart of Royal Deeside, of tenures and works in partnership Middleton of Canmore is nestled within with registered social landlords and local a leafy site at the edge of the village, authorities, building new homes on contract. the perfect location from which to enjoy Currently operating at over 20 all the outdoor activities and natural developments, the Company continues beauty the area has to offer. This select to grow steadily. Looking to the future, development of just 25 three- and fourSpringfield has a number of developments bedroom homes that offer comfortable at various stages in the planning process living close to village amenities. and is the lead developer on a major Springfield also has its commercial development in Perth zoned for 3,500 construction division, delivering an homes. Springfield is also a development increasing range of projects across the partner at An Camas Mor, Aviemore, commercial, healthcare, education and a major sustainable development in defence sectors, offering a full range of the Cairngorms National Park. bespoke construction project services.

Springfield has provided housing at Letterfourie on Barhill Road in Buckie, which is a bustling Moray coastal town situated 61 miles north west of Aberdeen, 17 miles east of Elgin and 56 miles east of Inverness.

The Letterfourie development lies to the south west of We are pleased to be associated with the town on Barhill Springfield Properties and wish them Road just off the A98.

The development continued success for the future offers two-bedroom apartments, threeand four-bedroom Littlelaught Cottage, Saltcoats, Ayrshire KA21 6NG family homes, and Tel: 07887 767893 a new range of two- and threeEmail: rossmclelland@btinternet.com bedroom homes.

RM CONSTRUCTION

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Springfield Properties Plc is a family owned and run housebuilder, building new homes on sites across Scotland.

Established 1956, property development became a key activity in the early 1990s under the leadership of Sandy Adam.

The move into construction came in 1998, triggering the first significant growth phase of the Company.

Through the next decade, the Company grew steadily, building more homes each year in the north east of Scotland from its Elgin base. The negotiation through planning of Elgin South, which has provided Elgin with over 1,100 new homes, private and affordable, and a mixed-use community park was a major milestone.

By 2008 it was clear growth could only be sustained through geographic expansion and Springfield began buying land in central Scotland in the thick of the downturn. The Company’s second significant growth phase was signalled in 2011 with the deal to take over the Scottish operations of Redrow comprising 831 plots over eight sites in central Scotland.

Today, the Company operates from its head office in Elgin and its central Scotland office in Larbert. Springfield retains a directly employed workforce in the north and operates more widely with subcontractors in the central region. Around 400 people are employed on its projects at any one time and the Company will build 400 homes this year.

With a down to earth, customer oriented approach, the Company builds each high quality home to suit the individual customer, a factor that strongly differentiates

PROFILE BS

Forestry Commission Scotland

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Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) was created in April 2003 as a result of the Forestry Devolution Review and serves as part of the Scottish Government’s Environment and Forestry directorate, responsible to Scottish ministers, advising on and implementing forestry policy and managing the national forest estate.

FCS conserves and improves the biodiversity of its forests and woods by promoting good environmental practice in the management of production forests.

In the past ten years, Scotland’s forest resource has become increasingly diverse and more natural looking through the use of

open space and increased use of native and broadleaved trees, often planted in mosaics along with more productive conifers.

This brings further environmental benefits, as well as providing a haven for wildlife. In addition, the forests provide a variety of wonderful opportunities for recreation and education.

Scotland’s native forests, principally Scots pine and birch in the eastern highlands, oak, ash and elm in the western seaboard (Atlantic Oakwoods) and mixed broadleaves, pine and oak in the lowlands, are important for the wider environmental benefits they provide.

As a Scotland-wide initiative, the vast majority of FCS people are based in offices around the country, resulting in good local connections and a reputation for delivering.

Throughout day-to-day work, FCS contributes to sustainable economic growth and transition to a low carbon economy by supporting the development of its timber industries and other businesses such as forest-based tourism. The Commission also promotes renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, with work supporting many innovative businesses that contribute continued page 18 >

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to growth in the Scottish economy.

FCS is instrumental in improving access to woodlands and greenspace, which in turn has a positive effect on the nation’s health and wellbeing and encourages all communities and people to flourish and grow.

The work carried out helps to boost the quality of the environment and its biodiversity. A high quality, robust and adaptable environment is a central aim of FCS’s work. In striving for this, the Commission seeks to deliver sustainable benefits for people, plants and trees and wildlife as well as the soil, air and water courses.

The work encompasses a wide variety of programmes, and recently this includes thinning work in a Fife woodland in order to remove diseased trees and enhance local habitats.

Work at Ladybank will remove trees affected by Dothistroma Needle Blight (DNB). The thinning operation aims to stop the disease from spreading but will also give remaining trees room to grow and encourage the existing eco-system to thrive.

Beat Forester Robin Lofthouse, said: “These works are very important as the infected stands in Ladybank are looking very poor and if we get them thinned now we may be able to save the rest of the trees.

“Once the work is complete the stands will appear much more open and attractive to walk through. Ground vegetation will begin to grow as light levels will be greater so the woods will become more diverse in terms of flora and fauna.”

Timber removed from the site will be put to use locally and taken to the new Tullis Russell bio fuel energy plant in Glenrothes.

The Commission’s harvesting team will also be removing any windblown timber.

Work started at Eden Muir and has moved around the site, with harvesters aiming to save as many trees as possible during the eight-week project. Although the site is remaining fully operational during the felling, visitors are urged to pay attention to safety signage and information about diversions where machinery is operating.

FCS has also tackled youth unemployment in Scotland and is giving around 440 young unemployed people a helping hand to find a job through a range of woodland-based skills training.

The training is part of the Scottish Government’s national drive and is being delivered in the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) area.

The training is run in partnership with a number of training providers from social enterprise and third sector organisations.

Participants are taught forestry and employability skills while they carry out forest maintenance tasks that are helpful to the Commission’s teams and local communities. Tasks include chainsaw training, scrub cutting, high pruning and landscaping.

Welcoming the skills training at the start of Scottish Environment Week, Paul Wheelhouse, Environment & Climate Change Minister, said: “Young people are our future and can have a lot to

offer in terms of creativity, ambition and drive. Quite often, all they need is some practical support to help build their confidence and skills so that they can take the first step towards finding a job.

“The Commission’s training is helping open up opportunities and is giving youngsters a better chance in life. The fact that this environmental work is also helping local communities is very welcome too.”

The skills programme was first established via a pilot in 2011 to tackle unemployment among 16-24-year-oldds. Over half of those completing the pilot continued on to further training, volunteer roles or employment with 36% in a job six months after finishing.

The project has been extended to 2015 and by then FCS will have trained up around 650 young people in total.

Joneen Clarke, Employment Skills Manager at FCS, said: “Participants work on either land managed by the Commission or publicly owned land within the CSGN area for between ten and 26 weeks. Often beginning with low self-esteem, little structure and motivation in their lives, by the end of the programme, many have gained the confidence to progress to the next step.

This could involve exploring new avenues from volunteering to further training and, in many cases, full-time employment.”

One of the training providers working with FCS is Living Solutions based in Cowdenbeath. The provider is running two Fife based courses covering Callendar and Blairadam woodlands.

Paul Cruise, Executive Director and Development Manager for Living Solutions

said: “Our participants receive both soft and certified training. Soft skills development includes employability, teamworking, social skills and confidence building.

“They also gain certified training in the use of a chainsaw, emergency first aid, manual handling, Lantra woodchipping, use of high pole powered saw, a foundation certificate in the use of chemicals and knapsack spraying.

“Over and above these courses, they will get experience of extracting timber, transporting it and seeing the timber processed into products ranging from housing and graded timber through to construction and craft products.”

Participants work in groups ranging from vulnerable young adults with learning difficulties to those who have served a custodial sentence.

This year, several all-female groups will help to encourage more women into forestry careers while asylum seekers will be trained in partnership with the Scottish Refuge Council.

Training is currently being offered via six training providers in the following areas:••Glasgow and North Lanarkshire (Action for Children) ••Renfrewshire (Barnardos) ••North and South Ayrshire (East Ayrshire Woodlands) ••Fife (Living Solutions) ••Falkirk and North Lanarkshire (Scottish Waterways Trust) ••Johnstone (Phoenix Futures)

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CIVIL BS

Aberdeen Airport

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Car hire building providing another facility to this fast developing airport Aberdeen International Airport is revamping one of its facilities by creating a new car hire building.

Previously, existing customer service desks were in the terminal building with all the cars parked a short distance away.

When completed, the new facility will be a consolidated building with the desks at the same location as the cars so that it is a one-stop-shop for passengers.

Located just a short walk from the terminal, this is being built on a greenfield site and the passengers will be protected under a covered walkway.

The existing car hire desks occupy prime terminal building space that is required for the future development of the arrivals area, and this will be freed up by the project, enabling future development of the terminal building to increase passenger and retail space.

The project forms part of the Dyce Drive land development strategy that will consolidate the car hire back up areas alongside this development.

Aberdeen International Airport opened in 1934 and with the discovery of North Sea oil in 1967, soon became a major centre for helicopter activities, linking oil rigs to the mainland, as well as business and leisure flights.

The airport is the north east of Scotland’s principal transport gateway and it performs a critical function in Aberdeen’s role as Europe’s energy capital. Supporting this thriving industry has turned Aberdeen into the busiest commercial heliport in Europe.

Because of this, it is an important gateway to the north of Scotland, with 20 airlines providing links to over 40 destinations.

It is the third busiest airport in Scotland, with passenger numbers increasing year-on-year since 2010.

Operated by LHR Airports Ltd, Aberdeen International Airport has, on average, 8,500 passengers each day and over three million a year. It is open every day, and has one fixed-wing and three helicopter runways. There is one passenger terminal, one offshore fixed-wing terminal, and three helicopter terminals.

The last 30 years in particular has seen the airport grow. In 1992, £2.5M was spent to build a common departure lounge, and only six years later, the Broomfield terminal was opened.

The airport unveiled a third helicopter base in 2004 and Phase I of the new security search development also opened. The importance of the airport and its popularity was confirmed in March 2005 when it was granted permission for 24-hour opening.

The airport’s vision for the future was unveiled in 2006, including the runway extension and a landmark occurred the year after when Scotland’s First Minister opened the newly refurbished

£10M departure lounge.

Continuing its trend of development, work began in July 2008 on a forecourt project to improve passenger access, with a new dedicated access lane for taxis and a dropoff area for passengers, and in early 2009, the runway resurfacing project commenced, adding 15 years to the life of the surface.

Later that year the new international walkway was opened, which was a £5M investment.

A major milestone arrived in July 2010 when an economic impact study was released

by Aberdeen International Airport and Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF) that confirmed development plans at the airport over a 30-year period could contribute a net benefit to Scotland’s economy of as much as £620M. Later that year, an official announcement was made that work on the 124-metre runway extension would start in 2011. This runway extension was opened in October 2011, a full eight months ahead of schedule.

In the past ten years, there has been a £52M investment in the airport, which also unveiled a war memorial in November 2009 at the front of the terminal in honour of the men who served at the airport when it was home to the RAF 612 squadron.

Aberdeen International Airport was named the ‘UK’s Fastest Growing Airport’ for 2011 by CAA and in the next ten years, another £57M will be spent on improving the airport and its facilities.

The car hire development will comprise of a singlestorey, steel frame building constructed in a low, pavilion style with a shallow pitched roof. It is a pentagon shape to fit in with the four operators and gives them each a sensible space alongside the lobby.

The building will contain customer facing and back office areas for each of the car hire companies, with the space allocation based on market share.

An allowance will also be made for a passenger growth in line with the Airport Masterplan forecasts.

This new development will also contain a small kitchen and

rest room for the car hire staff, along with male, female and accessible toilets.

The individual hire companies, who will also install telecoms at their individual buildings, will fit out the care hire areas.

External walls are being clad in grey Fyfestone and steel wall cladding panels coloured to match. The roof is clad in composite steel cladding panels.

Existing car hire firms to be accommodated in the new development include Hertz, National Europcar, Avis and Enterprise.

This new development will allow these firms to consolidate their presence under one roof, and enable the existing small individual cabins to be removed.

Car hire facilities at the airport will therefore be improved as a result of the construction of this modern, purpose-built replacement building.

Work hasn’t been without its challenges, as unknown underground services were discovered on site. Even though all the historical information gathered and the area photographs from before the war show it to be fields, cables and other things were found that nobody knew were there. Fortunately, they were found to be redundant.

The Architect for the project is Davidson Smith Partnership and the Main Contractor is Mansell. Work completed at the end of March, costing £850,000.

BS PROFILE

Forth Housing Association New affordable homes Providing good quality and well managed housing for rent and low cost home ownership in the Stirling area since 1988, Forth Housing Association now has more than 660 homes for rent.

There is also an active development programme including the likes of Raploch and Dunblane. Working in partnership with Stirling Council, the Association actively promotes community regeneration areas and environmental projects.

Forth Housing Association is a not-for-profit organisation that provides rented housing and low cost home ownership for people who need it. The Association is registered as a social landlord with The Scottish Housing Regulator and a charity with the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator.

This involves meeting high standards, which these organisations set down for Housing Associations with charitable status.

Like other registered social landlords, the Association has members who hold a £1 share and a voluntary Management Committee elected from among the members. The Committee is responsible for the overall affairs, but the Association’s team of professional staff carry out the dayto-day work who make sure the customers’ business is kept entirely confidential.

The Anchorscross housing development in Dunblane is well on the way to completion. It involves 14 homes for sale under shared equity and 15 homes for social rent via the Association.

These homes are part of a larger development by Mansell Homes, who were required to provide affordable housing units under a Section 75 planning requirement.

Built on a greenfield site, Anchorscross is situated in a residential suburb of Dunblane and of the 15 properties for rent, six are three-bed cottage flats, two are two-bed

cottage flats, three are four-bed houses, Association purchased the cleared site. three are three-bed houses and there is one Craighall Court is located in Raploch, three-bed bungalow for wheelchair users. which is undergoing an urban The tenant for the wheelchair accessible regeneration under the control of property has had some input into the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company. design and finish to ensure maximum The flats are being built on difficult benefit is given to their particular needs. ground conditions with clay soil and The shared equity homes at Anchorscross drainage issues. As a result, it required comprise of four three-bed cottage flats, six extensive piling for foundations. three-bed houses and four four-bed houses.

They comprise of timber frame All are built to the housing for various needs construction with traditional tiled standard, with the rented bungalow being roof and timber windows. wheelchair accessible with kitchen and Of the 13 flats, there are five two-bed, bathroom installed to meet specific needs. four three-bed, two four-bed, and one It has been built to the Secured by Design two-bed apartment that is wheelchair standard and will benefit from landscaping accessible, and a three-bed apartment with work to the immediate environment. the same accessibility for the disabled.

Work started on the project in May Stirling Council Social Work department 2012 and will be completed in May has been involved in the design to ensure this year, at a cost of over £2.2M. that individual properties meet the Forth Housing Association is also providing particular needs of eventual residents.

13 apartments for rent in Raploch. Craighall This project is worth just less than £1.5M. Court is situated on the northern edge of It commenced in April 2012, and is Stirling city and the apartments will be let to also scheduled to complete in May. adults with learning disabilities by Stirling Council, who will lease the development from Forth Housing Association. The development also Civil Engineering incorporates a staff flat to be used as ‘For surfaces that are second to none’ a base for support staff, including We are pleased to be associated with Forth Housing Association sleepover staff. and wish them continued success for the future.

There was a small local authority nursery www.ggkcontractsscotland.co.uk school previously Tel: 0131 453 2119 Mobile: 07545 707 630 on the site, which Fax: 0131 453 2121 Email: enquiries@ggkcontracts.co.uk was demolished in East Hermiston Farm, Currie, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH14 4AJ 2008 by the local authority, and the

GGK Contracts (Scotland) Ltd

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LEISURE BS

Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre

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A multi-purpose, world class facility The scale of the new sports facility being built in Aberdeen is clear to see now that the steel frame is in place.

Aberdeen’s £18M aquatics centre is the latest addition to Aberdeen Sports Village and is on track to open its doors in early 2014.

This centre will include some of the finest facilities in the area, such as a 50-metre, ten-lane, competition standard pool and a 25-metre international standard diving pool.

There will be a diving boom, allowing the pool to be split into two separate rooms, floating floor technology in the whole of the diving pool and a quarter of the swimming pool, competitor seating and spectator seating for 600, a health suite, land conditioning area, complete timing, a video analysis lab, and bridge connection to Aberdeen Sports Village.

Ever popular, Aberdeen Sports Village welcomed its two millionth visitor at the end of last year, signifying the impressive 2012 enjoyed.

The floating floor will allow beginners and other users of restricted ability to participate, and the provision of the diving boom in the main pool means that it can be separated, allowing lessons in one pool, with aqua aerobics for example, in the other.

It provides some of the highest tech facilities in the UK, with the capacity to support elite athletes. But this isn’t the only use for the centre. An extensive programme of community facilities will be available and it will be fully accessible for those with disabilities, so everybody will be able to use this world class facility.

Alongside the ongoing steelwork at King Street, the Main Contractor, Graham Construction, is laying pre-cast flooring to create the first floor of the building and is also fitting the external cladding around the completed sections of the steel frame.

The aquatics centre is a joint project between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland.

Michael Hodgson, a Development Executive at the University of Aberdeen, is leading a fundraising drive, which has already secured an anonymous donation of £1M, as well as £100,000 from First Group.

He said: “We hope to factor into the construction process fixed under and above water cameras, which will provide invaluable and seamless playback of technique from the moment a swimmer leaves the block. No other facility in the

UK is equipped with such a system.” in Scotland, it will be a real asset to the David Beattie, Chief Executive at Aberdeen people of Aberdeen and the north east.

Sports Village, said: “Establishing the Nick Dalgarno, ASV Board Member and steel frame for the facility is a major Chair of the Aquatics Centre Sub Group, development in the building phase as the said: “The building at the aquatics centre centre starts to take shape. With creation opens up a wealth of sporting opportunities of the structure underway, we are now at a that have not before existed in the region stage where the aquatics centre will begin – with the nearest ten-metre diving board to have a visual impact in the community. two-and-a-half hours away in Edinburgh.

“There is a lot of anticipation about “At present, no university in the UK the centre opening, as it will be a possesses an Olympic standard pool. hub of activity for the people of Once the centre has opened everyone will Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.” benefit from what Aberdeen can offer This year has already been a productive and the level of talent it will attract.” one, with the arrival of the Olympic Designed by FaulknerBrowns standard diving boards back in February.

Architects, the aquatics centre will The delivery of the 40-tonne three, five, play a full role in 2014 Commonwealth seven-and-a-half, and ten-metre boards, Games and other future events. with the weight equivalent of four double Work on the scheme started in decker buses, means the centre is still on 2011 and is scheduled to open at schedule for its planned opening date. the beginning of next year.

David Beattie said: “The arrival of the boards marks a significant development to the interior of the building and highlights the progress being made at the centre.

“At Aberdeen Sports Village, we are dedicated to ensuring everyone is free to Nu-Style Products Ltd are delighted to have enjoy sport at every worked with Graham Construction and A&B level so we are thrilled Buchan on the new Aquatics Centre at Aberdeen to be able to provide a facility that will offer Sports Village in supplying the following: high quality swimming and diving facilities to both members of the local community and top quality athletes.

“The boards will mean everyone from world class divers, training for future Olympic and Commonwealth We wish the Aquatics Centre every success for the future events, to children from local schools learning to dive for the first time will be able to use and benefit from the facilities.”

Nu-Style Products Ltd Because of its 25 Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don Industrial Estate, Aberdeen AB23 8EW status as one of Tel: 01224 823000 Fax: 01224 823111 Email: info@nu-styleproducts.com only two Olympic www.nu-styleproducts.com standard facilities

· Aluminium Roof Flashings · Roof Fixings · Site Toilet Cubicles and Wall Panelling

Fowler McKenzie Limited, Aberdeen’s Specialist Roofing and Cladding Contractor, is delighted to have been selected for the installation of the Kingspan Benchmark Cladding System to what is the building currently making the “BIGGEST SPLASH” to the skyline of Aberdeen.

In developing future sports stars to follow in the wake of our local heroes, Hannah Miley and David Carry, this new facility will be the envy of many.

As a local Specialist Sub Contractor, we are pleased to further our working relationship with Aberdeen University and Aberdeen Sports Village and Graham Construction.

Fowler McKenzie Limited Grove Lodge, Mugiemoss Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9NP T: 01224 687302

EDUCATION BS

University of Aberdeen Burnett and Esslemont student accommodation

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Brand new student accommodation is being developed at the University of Aberdeen, which is part of a major investment in the student campus to enhance the student experience.

The refurbishment of the eight blocks at Burnett and Esslemont will provide HMO compliant, modern and affordable student accommodation.

Currently into Phase I of a six-phase project, the blocks were originally built in the 1960s and 1970s, and therefore a full refurbishment was required.

Accommodation has been reduced from six-bedroom flats to provide each flat with a social space. There will also be new kitchens, bathrooms and shower rooms, along with fully refurbished bedrooms, carpets, decoration and furniture. Each flat will also be fitted out with interior light saving sensors, water saving push button showers, and a more homely finish.

Kitchens will have individual lockable storage units for residents, and will be fitted with new AA-rated white goods including full sized cookers, full sized fridge freezers and microwave ovens. A breakfast bar will also be installed.

The original building is a traditional concrete block/brick wall construction with concrete floors and a timber flat roof.

Designed by the University of Aberdeen, the building benefits from drydash, has a new cavity wall insulation, new double glazed uPVC windows, insulated infill panels and new Kalzip hipped roofs, with 300mm loft insulation.

Each block has had 40 photovoltaic panels added to the new pitched roof, totalling 320 panels, which helps to make the building more sustainable along with the cavity wall, uPVC windows, and water-saving showers.

The flat roof will have additional insulation laid on it, and the roof finish will be a grey finished standing seam aluminium lightweight roof, which will incorporate the photovoltaic cells on one side.

All bedrooms will be fitted out with new furniture such as beds, wardrobe, desk and computer chair, and security access to both houses will be installed, providing flexible control over access. Enhanced CCTV will be installed for added security to residents.

Disruption to students has been kept to a minimum by being carried out in phases, each containing four blocks. The first four blocks have not yet been let, and the students residing in the four occupied blocks will move into the refurbished blocks this month, allowing work on the rest to be completed. These moves are being organised by the university.

The university also imposed working hours on the Main Contractor, Mansell Plc, to minimise early morning disturbance. Regular meetings with the student representatives also take place, along with information being displayed on screens within the central administration building at the site.

The next phase of redevelopment will include 11 similar blocks at Hector Boece House, three blocks at Keith House, six blocks at Johnston Halls, the main central building at Hillhead Halls site, and student flats at Crombie Halls.

Work on the project started in early October 2012, with the first four blocks completed this month, and the remaining blocks for the end of August 2013.

All of this development will bring the total investment to approximately £24M over a three-year period.

Founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university, and the fifth most ancient in the whole United Kingdom.

Much of the original King’s College still stands today, a famous historic landmark beloved of generations of students, academics, and local people who are, inspired by the finest examples of medieval and Renaissance craftwork remaining anywhere in Scotland.

Over the centuries, graduates and scholars have changed the world in many fields of human endeavour. Their legacy and inspiration lives on today in the university’s wide-ranging museum collections and in the uniquely rich historic collections and archives.

FastframeUK was started to supply British assembled pvc windows and doors to the trade using the renowned decunick profile.

Whether you are a large or a small company , we will give all the assistance and help required to enable you to provide a quality product and to make a profit. Show me a company that does not want to make a profit and I will show you one that will go bust.

At FastframeUK, Two of the directors Mark Coppin (Managing Director) and Paul Moody (Sales Director), between them have over 45 years experience in the trade.

Between them and all their loyal staff , they have the experience to help when requested and the knowledge of many time served years in the trade.

When you phone up for advice , you can be sure you will get to speak to someone who has been trained or has done the job themselves, which is a rare commodity these days.

FastframeUK is controlled by Directors with over forty five years experience in manufacturing of double glazing.

Doors - Windows - French Doors - Patio Doors - Bi-Fold Doors

Fastframeuk Amber Drive, Bailey Brook Ind Estate, Langley Mill, Nottingham NG16 4BE Tel: 01773 714777 Fax No 01773 534181 www.fastframeuk.com

CIVIL BS

Meadowhead & Stevenston Storm Water Network Delivering environment improvement

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Scottish Water’s multi-million pound investment in environmental improvements to rivers and coastal waters in Ayrshire, one of the biggest projects of its kind ever undertaken in Scotland, is entering the final phase of work in Kilmarnock.

Expected to finish this summer, this will see the completion of a 500-metre stretch of waste water pipeline after work on this halted last October due to the weather and the salmon spawning season on the river, which runs from October to March.

Work has already started on the installation of the last 200-metre stretch of sewer pipeline along the river bed of the Kilmarnock Water from Howard Park to Cheapside Street as part of a new storm water network between Kilmarnock and Meadowhead Waste Water Treatment Works in Irvine.

The sewer pipeline will take storm water to the Meadowhead Waste Water Treatment Works via the North Lodge Pumping Station.

Alastair Graham, Scottish Water’s Senior Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to be starting the final phase of our work on this hugely important project.

“We completed our investment in the Irvine area as part of this project in October and the new infrastructure there is fully operational and protecting the natural environment by minimising discharges of storm water to the River Irvine.

“When complete, our new storm sewer network in Irvine and Kilmarnock will reduce the overflows of storm sewage in times of high rainfall and protect the natural environment of Kilmarnock Water, River Irvine and the coastal waters of Irvine Bay. It’s great news for the Irvine and Kilmarnock area.”

The development and delivery of this project has at each step, taken into consideration the concerns of residents, landowners and businesses, letting them know that Scottish Water can be trusted to deliver value without compromising on safety or on care for its customers.

From children to councillors, from fishermen to farmers, Scottish Water has shown its commitment to customers and the shared environment, undertaking extensive site investigation and early consultation with approximately 1,300 customers.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers has been fundamental to the project’s success.

Complaints were almost non-existent, and any were quickly addressed. Scottish Water is proud of the many congratulatory messages received from stakeholders.

Trust has been built with these stakeholders by listening, adapting where necessary, and by doing what was promised. In Kilmarnock, the original pipe route in the historic town centre was revised,

avoiding serious disruption to businesses.

To allow the work on Kilmarnock Water to continue, the Main Contractor, Morrison Black and Veatch (MBV), will re-establish a roadway made of hardcore stone from the river bank into the river at Howard Park.

This enables machinery used in the pipe-laying to access the river bed to evacuate and lay new plastic pipe and then surround it with concrete.

The Main Contractor will use sheet piling and pumping equipment to reduce the flow of water to a level that allows the work to progress.

MBV has completed most of the work in Howard Park and is now continuing the work on the new storm storage and pumping station facility at North Lodge near the A71. In addition, work continues to lay new storm water pipes below Barbadoes Road using tunnelling techniques.

MBV has also helped Ayrshire Rivers Trust to protect fish on the Kilmarnock Water by moving from a stretch of the river before the start of this phase of Scottish Water’s work.

Last year, MBV planted three trees in Howard Park to replace trees that had to be felled to allow access for work. More will be planted when the final reinstatement work is undertaken at the compound area near Douglas Street Bridge.

Work is scheduled to complete in November 2013.

CLAYMORE SECURITY (SCOTLAND - LTD) SIA TRAINED OFFICERS MOBILE PATROLS STATIC GUARDS RAPID ALARM RESPONSE KEY HOLDING DOOR SUPERVISORS

OFFICE TEL / FAX: 01563 544483 or 07548 474 606 Supervisor: 07429 561395 EMAIL: claymoresecurity@live.co.uk info@pipelinedrillers.co.uk

Taking the museum to new levels of excellence The museum holds a rich and varied collection of 12,000 objects extending over three floors, and the redevelopment has provided a new genealogical research and archive centre, corporate entertainment suite, family facilities and a retail/gift shop.

Despite having one of the largest collections of artefacts that are useful to teach young people about the heritage of the region as well as the two world wars, the museum has no dedicated education space.

This will be remedied with the library and study centre, contained within a wing that has been leased to the Ministry of Defence.

New educational resources will be created to link with the collection as closely as possible with the national school curriculum.

A climate control system is being fitted, and new glass display cases are incorporated to help control the environmental conditions of the building, which will also be fully accessible to the disabled.

Designed by Edinburgh based Studio SP, the Main Contractor is Mansell Plc. The museum will reopen in Easter 2013.

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Based within Fort George, the Highlanders’ Museum is being transformed into a facility where visitors will be inspired by the history of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland as told through the Region’s Army regiments.

The project tells the moving story of the Highlands as it has developed over the past 300 years, in a way that will rouse locals and visitors alike.

The development project has focused on four areas: interpretation, care, access and education.

Fort George itself receives over 66,000 visitors per year and the museum is the main attraction. The comprehensive development cost in the region of £3M and has transformed the museum into a state-of-the-art interactive education and learning facility with full disabled access.

It received a grant of £750,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund before construction commenced and an independent economic impact assessment outlined that once the project was complete, the museum will contribute an additional £400,000 into the regional economy each year, as well as supporting the equivalent of eight full-time jobs.

BS COMMUNITY

Highlanders Museum

COMMERCIAL BS

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Knight Property Group New offices at Prospect Park

Located at Westhill in Aberdeen, Knight Property Group has three brand new office developments at Prospect Park with a fourth well on the way to completion.

Approximately 20 years ago, the land was a greenfield site that was sold off in individual plots to various occupiers and developers. But with a lack of office space in Aberdeen, the site is ideal for the development of commercial space.

Work is being undertaken on behalf of Knight Property Group, a proactive developer of high quality commercial property.

Established in the north east of Scotland in 1987, the Company has built a solid reputation for the development of properties in unrivalled locations throughout the UK, created to suit a diverse range of markets.

Knight Property Group provides the complete range of property investment and development services. Its approach towards joint ventures, partnerships and other investment funding packages enables the Company to maximise growth through careful acquisition, sale and leaseback, as well as speculative developments.

Westhill is one of Aberdeen’s satellite towns with a population in excess of 10,000 situated approximately ten kilometres west of the city centre on the A944.

It offers a full range of outstanding amenities for both the residential and working population. Shopping facilities include a Tesco superstore, Marks and Spencer Simply Food store, Aldi supermarket, Costo Wholesale, along with a number of smaller shops located within the central shopping centre.

Westhill also houses one of the top secondary schools in Aberdeenshire, along with three primary schools and a number

of nurseries. Close by is a new state-ofcomprise of 24,000sq ft and is under offer. the-art medical centre with chemist. A It will be three-storeys, with the ground selection of hotels, bars and restaurants floor approximately 7,987sq ft, the first floor can also be found within the town.

7,427sq ft and the second floor 7,943sq Equidistant to the north, south and ft. All office space is open plan, and there centre of Aberdeen, Westhill provides will be energy efficient, daylight-saving the optimum location for business and lighting. A feature double height entrance for travelling to and from work. reception area will welcome employees The first three buildings are already and guests into the building, and 93 completed and occupied. Building number car parking spaces will be available. one is pre-let to a company called Bibby Construction will comprise of concrete Offshore, with 55,000sq ft of office space. pad foundations, structural steel Knight Property Group is committed to frame, and insitu concrete poured developing high quality accommodation floors, while the external envelope will and the typical space provides open plan be a mixture of curtain walling, high office space, 150mm raised access floor, an performance composite cladding and eight-person passenger lift, 78 car parking integrated aluminium windows. spaces and feature reception areas.

The Main Contractor for the first The second office building is pre-let to three offices was Andrew Cowie Bluesky Building Space and comprises Construction and for the fourth of 22,000sq ft. BlueSky has three suites property it is Muir Construction. Work within the building at Prospect Park. will be complete in August 2013.

Available since February, the suites are available on a flexible basis, and Bluesky is willing to offer short-term leases that include furniture, data cabling, rates and electricity as well as a range of additional options that occupiers “Working to exceed our customers’ expectations” may have incorporated as part of the terms Veitchi Flooring can supply: upon request.

A Full Range of Decorative Finishes ● Raised Access Flooring The third building Surface Preparation ● Barrier Matting Systems ● Wall Protection has been let to Teekay Petrojarl and boasts 19,000sq ft of Unit 4, Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen AB12 3JG office space, whilst Tel: 01224 896333 Fax: 01224 890354 the final property, Email: aberdeen@veitchi.com which is currently www.veitchi.com underway, will

Jim Walton Plumbing and Heating Ltd 660 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 7JQ

Tel: 01224 596464 Fax: 01224 573377 Email: info@jimwaltonltd.co.uk

Crest Glazing Ltd was established in 1987 with the goal of providing a local source for the fabrication and installation of high quality window and door products in the North East of Scotland.

As a family business, we pride ourselves with our well established solid reputation for offering cost effective, innovative glazing solutions to our clients. All of our staff are fully employed with industry leading levels of experience and ability.

Over the years, the company has successfully grown and expanded to become the largest aluminium system fabricator and installer in the North East of Scotland.

We offer a range of services from the design, fabrication and installation of Upvc and aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and glazed atriums. We also offer the most comprehensive local solution for all window and door related maintenance and repair services and supplies.

Crest Glazing Ltd, Unit 1, 35 Fraser Place, Aberdeen AB25 3TY

Tel: 01224 640930 Fax: 01224 638199

BS CIVIL

Tay Road Bridge Structurally secured future in close proximity to the bridge and environment and the local community. highly visible to users. The road bridge The Main Contractor for the project was VolkerStevin Marine, who completed remained open and safe to traffic and the work within noise limits set out pedestrians throughout the project. by the adjacent local authorities.

During construction, opportunities were available to the community through the project team’s partnership with the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board, Dundee City Council, Fife Council, Angus Council and the Discover Opportunities Employability Partnership. It helped to secure community benefit ESTABLISHED 40 YEARS in the form of employment and training opportunities for local people.

The site was registered with ● PLYWOOD - MDO / FILM / GIS the Considerate MAIN DISTRIBUTOR OF Constructors ● TIMBER - SAWN / PAR / LONG LENGTHS U LT R A F O R M M D O Scheme, showing ● ON SITE SAWMILL & TREATMENT TANK the commitment to operating with consideration for the

“FIRST FOR FORMWORK ”

Tel: 01704 894969

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Work was completed in November 2012 on the Tay Road Bridge, which has benefited from structural improvements.

During its life span of more than 45 years, the bridge has been hit three times by shipping, each time causing superficial damage. The new work protects against a full on impact that could result in a long-term bridge closure, costing the local economy an estimated £680M. Work started on site in March 2012 and comprised of the installation of 60m long steel tubular driven piles and the installation of scour protection to the riverbed in the area of the pier protection works. This was carried out by placing a concrete mattress on the riverbed.

The fabrication and installation of precast concrete shell units weighing between 250 and 300 tonnes each from the soffit and outer perimeter of the pier protection fendering structure. These were placed onto the piled foundations, which were then connected together structurally using concrete, which was then placed in several stages.

Work was carried out from a substantial floating marine plant, which was located

PROFILE BS

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Tulloch Developments With a history spanning three generations and almost 40 years, Tulloch Developments is a market leader in civil engineering, marine engineering and the plant hire sector.

Projects of all sizes are undertaken, ranging from residential driveways to major pier construction. This is done with the latest machinery, which is continually invested in to keep the Company at the forefront of the industry. This includes the use of the Ditch Witch machine, used for fast, efficient micro-trenching in connection with the laying of fibre-optic cables.

The Company was set up by Peter Tulloch, father of current directors Alistair and Frank Tulloch. Back then, it specialised in the building industry, constructing many private homes and housing schemes for the local council.

Eventually becoming Tulloch Construction, the Company grew and began undertaking major building projects such as the Whalsay Leisure Centre, Brae Swimming Pool, and Mid Yell Care Centre.

When Peter retired, the Company became Tulloch Developments and focused on the civil engineering sector.

Major contracts awarded include the reflagging of Commercial Street in Lerwick, the development of the Cullivoe Pier and the Symbister Slipway, as well as improvements to the Aith road.

George Smith became a director in 2004/05 and the Company moved from old premises in Bixter to a new site at Gremista in Lerwick.

Over the years, Tulloch Developments has

built an enviable track record in completing many kinds of civil engineering tasks on time and within budget. The Company can cater for all needs, and although some very large and demanding projects have been undertaken, no development is too small.

The Company is experienced in undertaking earthworks, site clearance and rock breaking, drainage, major roadworks such as kerbing and surfacing, residential driveway surfacing, demolition works, the movement of bulk material, house foundations and landscaping, reinforced concrete slabs, plinths, walls and other structures, and a whole range of utilities work.

With customers such as Scottish Water, projects are prestigious and in the last decade, Tulloch Developments has completed numerous projects including laying new water pipes, bulk storage tanks, emergency sewer repairs and pipe bursts. Work has also been undertaken for Scottish & Southern Energy, BT and Shetland Telecom.

Tulloch Developments has already started work on a scheme to reclaim the 1.45 hectares of land at Mair’s Yard next to the Holmsgarth ferry terminal where a new white fish market is to be built.

The development, which includes a 151-metre long quay with a water depth of six metres, is costing £3.17M, will be completed by July.

Lerwick Port Authority obtained a £965,283 grant from the European Fisheries Fund to help pay for the work.

Design work on the new fish market commenced last autumn, with construction scheduled to begin in 2014.

Port Chief Executive Sandra Laurenson said the existing fish market, which had a £160,000 extension built in 2009, is too shallow for berthing fishing boats and has extremely poor road access for trucks.

The new energy efficient facility will make it easier to handle fish once they have been landed and hopefully attract more fishing boats. She added that the land reclamation will also provide more space in an area congested with net and gear handling.

Tulloch Developments has a proud record of working successfully on a broad range of projects, all with varying contract lengths.

This included the two-phase project at Small Boat Harbour in Lerwick, Shetland.

Completed a couple of years ago, Phase I saw the construction of the new sea defence wall for Lerwick Port Authority.

The previously existing wall had been in place for 100 years and the main challenges of the job were to minimise traffic disruption and supporting the road after the old road was removed.

Phase II was a six-month contract that saw the new sea wall in Phase I continued through to the lifeboat pier and the construction of a new timber boat deck.

Previously, the Company has been sought out to undertake remedial work of mooring dolphin at Holmsgarth, after it had been damaged by a ship during a storm.

Tulloch Developments encased the existing

Services: We provide engineering and architectural services including design, draughting, contract documentation, project management and CDM Co-ordinator services.

We are delighted to have worked with Tulloch Developments Ltd on many interesting marine projects throughout Shetland.

Greenhead Berth 7 and Heavy Lift Project

New Mooring Dolphin, Lerwick Harbour

Arch Henderson LLP, Stewart Building, Lerwick, ZE1 0LL Tel: 01595 695512 lerwick@arch-henderson.co.uk www.arch-henderson.co.uk

• Daily Routes to Aberdeen, Inverness, Scrabster, Orkney and Shetland • First-rate parcel delivery service • General cargo and parcels – throughout the UK and beyond • Direct connections into Scandinavia and Europe • Temperature controlled transportation • Specialise in hazardous waste • Full loads • Abnormal loads • Ships agents • Crane Lorries • Plant and machinery movements • Skip hire • Livestock haulage • HGV workshops services

Anderson Base, Gremista, LERWICK, ZE1 0PX

Tel: 01595 694452 Fax: 01595 694920

www.northwardsltd.co.uk

SKYE CROSSING - Fully refurbished in 2012, single hull landing craft available for long term charter. Ideal for Marine Renewables and Marine Construction.

• • • •

Dive Support vessel 4 point winch system 80 tonne deck load Ramp on bow can be removed for anchor handling purposes • Various sizes of chains and anchors available for hire

Currie Brothers Ltd 31

6 Crowness Rd, Hatston Ind Estate, Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland KW15 1RG Phone: 01856 877770 Mob: 07702 942951 Email: info@curriebro.co.uk Web: www.curriebro.co.uk

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dolphin, constructing a mass concrete structure supported by tubular piles driven into the seabed. The piles were pre-stressed using an anchor fixed in the rock.

The piles were then pulled against the rock by tightening the securing nut on the anchor. Work required a substantial volume of concrete – more than 770cu m in one structure. All was mixed in the Company’s trucks.

This successful development cost £1.8M. Although the port of Lerwick has substantial wharfage, demand for space has continued to grow, so Tulloch Developments was required for the project at Berths seven and eight at Greenhead.

This project involved a large area of land reclamation between Shetland Transport and Shetland Catch and the forming of a new dockside using a tubular pile structure with a suspended concrete deck. This contract value was approximately £5.2M. Tulloch Developments is also working on the Laggan-Tormore project, which will see construction in environmentally sensitive areas, both onshore and offshore.

Located approximately 125km north west of the Shetland Islands, the Laggan and Tormore fields represent the future of the UK oil and gas industry. The subsea production system offshore will consist of two six-slot production template manifolds.

The commingled, multi-phase fluid stream will be known as the Shetland Gas Plant.

A new road will be built to access the new plant, and there will be one Flare, approximately 60m high, while there are likely to be up to 800 construction workers on site during peak construction.

Phase I consists of seven individual wells, four on Laggan and three on Tormore. A second campaign will see a further well drilled on each, after 12 months of production to evaluate the dynamic response of the fields.

Phase II drilling targets will be fineAccreditation, this will improve the tuned through the application of the reputation of the Company even more, advanced reservoir modelling algorithms and will lead to achieving the ISO 9000:1 against 12 months of production and ISO 14000:1 accreditations. data from the Phase I wells.

January this year saw the Company Tulloch Developments, Gremista, awarded CHAS accreditation, which is Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0PX. a great indicator that all health and safety statements and protocols are up to date and to the highest standards.

Last May saw Tulloch Developments undertake work in connection with the upgrading of the water treatment works at Helliers Water on the island of Unst.

Such upgrades were needed because the water treatment process must now incorporate better disinfection processes.

The Unst project is just the latest in a growing list of projects that the Company has undertaken for Scottish Water. New water mains have been laid and bulk storage tanks installed, and Cullivoe Yell Shetland ZE2 9DD the Company can Tel: 01957 744248 respond positively to emergencies such Fax: 01957 744348 as sewer failures e-mail steven@rshenderson.com and pipe bursts. www.rshenderson.com With Tulloch Developments working hard at getting its 18000:1

R.S. Henderson Ltd.

BS PROFILE

Muir Construction At the forefront of Scottish building 10,000, situated approximately six miles with a traditional form that works well west of the city centre on the A944. with the surrounding neighbourhood It offers a full range of outstanding and historic location. amenities for both the residential and Work on the project was complete working population. As well as the Tesco in December 2012. superstore, there is a Marks and Spencer Muir has also provided high quality Simply Food Store, Aldi Supermarket, work on joint ventures with Stockland and a number of smaller shops located on Aberdeen Gateway, and Fairmuir within the central shopping centre.

Ltd on a project in Leith, Edinburgh.

Construction on this project will be complete this month.

Muir finished work at the end of last year on a £9M flagship private Fire Detection, Alarm & Suppression Systems care home in Bearsden UK Fire Safety were selected by Muir Construction for the design, installation and that is expected to commissioning of fire sprinklers within five new whisky maturation bonded warehouses at Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard site at Beith in Ayrshire. UK Fire Safety were also engaged in be Scotland’s finest. the design and installation of the underground mains required to feed the new fire Located on Roman sprinkler systems.

Road, Antonine House The project was completed to the clients specification along with compliance to the design Care Home is an 82requirements of the NFPA and applicable FM Global data sheets. UK Fire Safety worked bed facility providing closely with Muir Construction to ensure minimal disruption to site operations, whilst completing and handing over the installation on time and on budget and to the high care for people with standards expected by the client. UK Fire Safety offer a comprehensive and professional general nursing needs, service and operate nationally across a wide spectrum of markets and industries. We have particular experience in the whisky, pharmaceutical, and power generation sectors in including those with Scotland. Along with main contracts, we also provide asset management service and dementia and its maintenance for fire sprinkler equipment providing a 365 day 24 hour call out service, related conditions. carrying this out to the correct standards at a competitive price.

In addition, the UK Fire Safety is a leading designer, supplier and installer of LPCB/FM approved fire project provided protection systems. We offer a comprehensive and professional service and operate nationally across a wide spectrum of markets and industries, with particular 120 jobs for nurses, expertise in the following sectors:care assistants, hotel services staff, administrators and managers.

Rooms within the Nuclear & luxury home far Retail & Food Pharmaceutical Petrochemical Distilling Fossil Power manufacturing exceed national Generation care standards and We have the wealth of experience and knowledge to allow UK Fire Safety Ltd to residents have access work in any sector. So the next time you think of fire protection for your business THINK UK Fire Safety Ltd. to a wide range of “Our Business Is To Protect Your Business” leisure activities and a fine dining UK Fire Safety Ltd experience in their 13-15 Lostock Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 0ES luxury restaurant.

Tel: 0161 746 8037 The building Email: Enquiries@uk-firesafety.co.uk tastefully blends Website: www.uk-firesafety.co.uk contemporary features

UK Fire Safety Ltd

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Formed in 1974, Muir Construction is one of Scotland’s largest privately owned contracting companies with a considerable track record in design build, traditional and management contracts.

An integral member of the J W Muir Group Plc, the Company offers a variety of services required for success in today’s market place.

The Company works in many sectors of the construction industry, including social house nursing homes and large scale one-off developments.

Muir Construction is close to completing work on the six-acre Prospect Park in Westhill, which will provide three contemporary and modern office buildings for the commercial property market.

Work started in June 2012 on the largest office, a four-storey, 51,500sq ft property that has been pre-let to an oil and gas service company.

This site was greenfield until a few years ago and is surrounded by other offices, a Tesco, Costco and other major oil and gas companies.

The two remaining properties consist of three- and four-storey high quality offices of 21,656sq ft and 18,785sq ft respectively, of which the latter has been pre-let to an operator on a 15-year lease.

The offices are open plan column with free space, carpets, will have raised access floors, mineral fibre tiled and will benefit from suspended ceilings.

Lifts will be incorporated as well as steel structure stairs, and pipe VRV air conditioning for sustainability purposes.

All windows will be composite doubleglazed, curtain walling is being included and each office building will have a flat roof and combination of felt and cladding.

Comprising of a steel frame, notable features will include glass on walls, a feature double height reception space and top floor penthouse-style accommodation.

Westhill is one of Aberdeen’s satellite towns with a population in excess of

HOUSING BS

Marchburn Road Children’s Home

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Looking after local children Located on the outskirts of Aberdeen, construction of a six-bed children’s home on a large housing estate is nearing completion.

Not only will it provide extra capacity, but also achieve positive outcomes in the support of children. By having the new home, they will feel valued.

Comprising two-storeys, the development will provide two bedrooms downstairs, one of which will be for a child with a disability should it be required. It’s very much a children’s home, and there will be an office downstairs.

All eating, cooking and living areas will be as open plan as possible, but with partitions that can be opened and closed.

One of the main concepts of the project was to provide a main building with what appears to be extensions on either side so it almost appears from street level as two semi-detached buildings.

If it is necessary to close down a certain area or give more privacy, a partition can be drawn across. The aim is to make the development as homely as possible, but also it is hoped people congregate together.

There won’t be partitions between the kitchen and dining room, so when staff and young people are cooking, they will be able to speak to their peers or to staff, and have dialogue.

This allows the development to meet all of the stringent needs internally, while keeping the building as domestic as possible.

There are eight bathrooms within the development, and all rooms are ensuite.

Previously, the site was used as a care facility by NHS Scotland, who had also used it for young people. The building itself was extremely derelict, and some of it had actually collapsed. An appraisal was carried out to decide whether the old property could be refurbished or if a new build would be required. The latter

was decided because it is the best way of keeping up with current care commission and building standards as the old building didn’t have the space that was required.

Designed by Aberdeen City Council, one of the client’s main aim was to ensure that the design allowed the building to blend into the streetscape as much as possible and make sure it is in keeping with its surroundings. As much as it’s very modern and new, ensuring it fits in and looks similar to the surrounding properties at Marchburn Road has been a priority.

It’s a difficult balance to strike but one that has been done so successfully.

The building comprises of a steel frame and timber kit, as well as a sprinkler tank in the loft space, and the home will benefit from air source heating, with lots of sustainably sourced materials that have been sourced locally, including the internal fire doors that were manufactured nearby.

Other sustainable features include low energy lighting and rainwater harvesting.

It has been a challenging project but all the team have worked

together to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget.

Built by Robertson Construction, the 39-week programme will complete in May 2013, costing £980,000.

BS CIVIL

Laggan-Tormore Project The future of the UK oil and gas industry Scottish Natural Heritage amongst others Plant construction, requiring additional to ensure the project teams act in the accommodation and facilities to be built. best interest of the Shetland Islands.

A brownfield industrial site on Sella Ness, The offshore drilling of Laggan and Tormore approximately 3km south east of the requires two separate campaigns, the first current Sullom Voe Terminal has been of which has commenced now that both chosen as the location for a modern, wellsubsea templates are successfully installed. equipped temporary accommodation block Phase I consists of seven individual capable of housing up to 848 people. wells, four on Laggan and three on The temporary facilities include a shop, Tormore. A second campaign will see library, laundry, IT room, restaurant, a further well drilled on each, after gym and bar, as well as a medical 12 months of production to evaluate facility and five-a-side football pitch. the dynamic response of the fields.

The infrastructure works commenced Vertical exploration wells have already in April 2011, with overall completion been drilled on both fields, as part of achieved in April 2012 to coincide TOTAL E&P UK’s initial exploration in with peak construction activity on the area, and one existing exploration the Shetland Gas Plant site. well on Tormore will be re-entered and Once processed, the gas plant will completed during Phase I drilling. export the FUKA specification gas Once first gas is achieved in summer 2014, 234km south, via a larger export line TOTAL’s Aberdeen based Geosciences known as the SIRGE line, specifically Research Centre will monitor the dynamic designed with sufficient spare capacity response of both Palaeocene reservoirs. to carry future additional production Phase II drilling targets will be finefrom the West of Shetland region. tuned through the application of In the northern North Sea, the SIRGE advanced reservoir modelling algorithms line will join the existing TOTALagainst 12 months of production operated FUKA pipeline, which data from the Phase I wells. transports gas from the Alwyn area Construction work commenced on the site to TOTAL’s St Fergus gas terminal. of the new Shetland Gas Plant in the first The Main Contractor is Petrofac. half of 2010 and initial preparations focused on two parallel projects designed to pave the way for construction of the plant.

Civil engineers Roadbridge were appointed to build the 2.4km access road and to complete preparatory earthwork at the site of the plant.

Extensive preparatory earthworks were required to terrace the landscape in advance of construction work commencing. Material EMN Plant Ltd is proud to be involved with the construction of the excavated from the Total Laggan Tormore SGP. We can provide a wide range of services to a range of disciplines from civils and groundworks to back of each level engineering and fabrication companies. Our main depot is based was used to extend only 1.5 miles from the site where we have a fully stocked and the front of each equipped workshop and stores, as well as offices and welfare terrace. During this facilities. All of our plant and equipment is new and kept in the terracing process, highest condition under a strict maintenance program and TOTAL constructed supplied with all documentation and accessories ready for use two peat stores onsite. To backup our service, we have two engineers’ to accommodate maintenance vans ready to attend any requirement onsite. the 700,000cu m of excavated upland peat.

Tel: 01806 242 882 | Fax: 01806 242 887 Approximately 800 Email: info@emnplant.co.uk | Web: www.emnplant.co.uk people are expected Sella Ness, Graven, Shetland, ZE2 9UP to be involved in the Shetland Gas

PLANT HIRE, CONTRACTORS & HAULAGE

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TOTAL and its partners are committed to conducting their business with care and respect for the environment and the principles of sustainable development.

The Laggan-Tormore project will see construction in environmentally sensitive areas, both offshore and onshore.

The project team, including a dedicated team of environmentalists, are working closely with the Shetland Islands Council and other statutory and voluntary organisations to identify concerns.

Located approximately 125km north west of the Shetland Islands, the Laggan and Tormore fields represent the future of the UK oil and gas industry.

Both fields are in an area known generically as West of Shetland, a region geographically closer to the North Atlantic than the North Sea – located on the edge of the UK continental shelf.

Water depths descend rapidly from an average of 120m to 600m and beyond. It is a uniquely challenging environment to operate in, but also one with great potential.

The subsea production system offshore will consist of two six-slot production template manifolds. The commingled, multi-phase fluid stream will be transported to shore via two 18 inch production flow lines, and a new gas processing plant will be built adjacent to the existing Sullom Voe Terminal and will be known as the Shetland Gas Plant.

Processed gas will be exported via a new pipeline, with capacity for up to 665 MMs cfd gas, 230km south to a tie in point on the existing Frigg UK (FUKA) pipeline. From here it will be transported to the TOTAL operated St Fergus gas terminal near Peterhead.

The Shetland Gas Plant facility will occupy an area of approximately 540,000sq m of which the plant will occupy 250,000sq m. A new road will be built to access the new plant, and there will be one Flare approximately 60m high, while there are likely to be some 700-800 construction workers on site during peak construction this year.

The construction of a new gas plant in Shetland will have a huge impact on the community within the islands. While the potential positive impacts are easy to recognise, the islanders understandably had many reservations and questions in the early days of planning.

As part of TOTAL’s desire to be seen as a good neighbour and also in order to alleviate any concerns, the Laggan-Tormore team has visited Shetland on a regular basis, talking to the community, the local authority and other interested stakeholders.

The local community were involved in plans to install a temporary accommodation facility and were consulted on both its location and design.

TOTAL has also met regularly with Shetland Islands Council, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and

PROFILE BS

Project Management Scotland Ltd

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Quality project management, surveying and design for over 20 years Based in Forfar, Project Management Scotland Ltd has a comprehensive range of in-house services to offer clients.

These can be utilised individually or combined to meet each clients’ specific requirements. Services are wide ranging, and include architecture, quantity surveying and project management.

The Company has undertaken a wide variety of construction projects throughout the UK, which vary from small domestic alterations to the erection of large industrial factories for a private sector client base.

What sets Project Management Ltd apart from other companies is that it does not specialise in a particular field of work. Projects have a wide variety to them, with work undertaken on small extensions, new locker room facilities for golf courses, large industrial units, workshops, warehouses, landscaping, racecourse stands and restaurants.

A particularly prestigious project that the Company has been involved with is the work on the pavilion at Carnoustie Golf Course.

Work comprised of new changing facilities and locker rooms for golfers and golf facilities. The development also includes a reception area, shop, locker rooms, showers, café and a viewing terrace.

Briefing with the client began in early 2009 and once it was agreed, the Company prepared a number of models. With such a sensitive location, it was imperative that the scale of impact the new building would make, had to be fully understood.

As work progressed, Richard Harper and David Wren of Project Management Scotland visited a number of other courses to view similar facilities in the hope that Carnoustie would offer something better.

In-house, when a start date was looming, the technician, Phil Birse, worked around the clock to ensure that the various bespoke elements were adequately drawn, with a full specification.

All work was kept to the client’s budget and completed on time. Work comprised of steelwork, traditional masonry and specialist roofing.

Construction started in September 2010 and was completed in June

2011. The total cost was £1.9M. accommodation was provided while Another diverse project worked on work was being undertaken to erect

by Project Management Scotland was the steel portal, two-storey building.

Taylors Auction Rooms in Montrose.

The project was complete in August 2008.

Development was required because and over the years, Project Management the auctioneers were operating out Scotland has been recognised for its quality of an old property that wasn’t large work. The development at Carnoustie enough or fit for purpose. There was for the changing facilities won an award, also severely restricted vehicle access. which wouldn’t have been possible The origins of the project date back to without the hard work and dedication January 2008 and include discussing the of Project Management Scotland. brief with the client, finding a site that was suitable, and negotiating with the local authority who owned the site.

Construction comprised of a large steel portal shed, externally clad with composite panel and internally, precast concrete floors have been used to sustain reasonably high loads.

Construction on the £1M project started in December 2009 and completed in August 2010.

The Company has provided work at Carnoustie Golf Course before, which saw greenkeepers accommodation provided.

The previously existing provision for men and machines was inadequate, so the proposal was made to Northern Tectonics Ltd can offer the following services throughout Scotland provide ground floor ● Manufacture, supply and installation of Schuco curtain walling, storage for machinery, window and door systems which is mainly for ● Supply and fix metal roof and wall cladding both composite and built up systems lawnmowers. ● Rain screen systems At first floor, there are ● Polyroof flat roof systems administration offices, ● Glass canopies and balustrades a canteen, changing rooms and a drying E-mail: info@northerntectonics.co.uk room for wet clothing.

Web site: www.northerntectonics.co.uk Demolition Phone: 01307 461700 Fax: 01307 461701 was required, and temporary

After an invitation Pre Award from Project Management Scotland, Fowler McKenzie Limited developed the design brief to assist in achieving the vision of the design team.

Limited and Kalzip Fabrication Department followed, allowing the project to be delivered and built to the exacting standards required for this location.

Close collaboration between Project Management Scotland, Fowler McKenzie

On site, the liaison of the Specialist Contractors allowed the “Vision” of the

Design Team to be realised through close working relationships and harmonisation.

Given the location of this project, we are certainly delighted to have delivered an “ABOVE PAR” building in keeping with Carnoustie Golf Links!

Fowler McKenzie Limited To the “Fore” in the construction of iconic buildings!

Tel: O1224 687302 Email: phil@fowlermckenzie.com

BS LEISURE

The Caledonian Glorious restoration bringing luxurious glamour With a guest list reading like a who’s who of the silver screen, the original hotel played host to Hollywood stars from Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and Elizabeth Taylor, to Bing Crosby and Sir Sean Connery.

In 2000, the property became a Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded hotel before undergoing a major transformation to join Hilton Worldwide’s luxury Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand.

Following a glorious restoration, the hotel inspires at every level. Drawing

inspiration from the glamour of the golden age of all classic rail journeys, the public spaces feel steeped in tradition.

The reception and lobby have been stripped back to their former glory, giving a grand sense of arrival with marble flooring, sweeping staircase and a glittering chandelier of fine amber and crystal droplets dusted with gold.

The Architect was Crerar & Partners and the Main Contractor was Interserve.

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Following a significant programme of investment, The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, welcomed its first guests in September, following the hotel’s luxury re-launch.

Indulged with a significant £24M renovation programme, the highly anticipated unveiling of this landmark Scottish property marked a significant new addition to the world renowned Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolio, bringing the brand’s internationally recognised standard of luxury service to Edinburgh.

Following a restoration project spanning the hotel’s public spaces, bedrooms, spa, restaurants and bars, the property provides an unparalleled guest experience that continues the legacy of the Waldorf Astoria name and has secured the hotel’s reputation as the very finest hotel address in Scotland.

Centrally located on Edinburgh’s Princes Street with stunning views up to the imposing castle that dominates the city, The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is a haven of luxury accommodation, fine dining and exceptional service.

With its origins as a true railway hotel, The Caledonian first began its reputation as a venue for the rich and famous and locals alike in 1903.

PROFILE BS

Robertson Homes Deluxe living Robertson Homes is part of Scotland’s leading group of development, construction and service companies, the Robertson Group.

Robertson Group is a family business that has been trading since 1966 and directly employs more than 1,100 staff in offices located throughout the UK. Over the past 44 years, Robertson Homes has expanded throughout the country, establishing itself as one of Scotland’s largest home builders.

Robertson Homes has two operating regions in the north and south of Scotland, located in Elgin and Stirling. Current sites across both regions are in Elgin, Inverness, Ayr, Dumfries, New Stevenston and Motherwell.

Every effort is made to make all homes as energy efficient as possible. In every Robertson home, the Company installs high efficiency condensing boilers, insulated hot water cylinders, double-glazing with warmedged and Argon filled units, wall insulation made of high performance mineral fibre quilt, and low energy lightbulbs.

The Company also uses uPVC windows and fascias, which are recyclable and require little maintenance. In addition, timber kit construction is used, which is carbon friendly.

This year has already seen the Company’s work recognised, after the Westercraigs development in Inverness picked up its second Premier Guarantee Excellence Award, this time for the renovation of the B-listed, 19th century property, Gleann

Mor House, into 12 luxury apartments.

Robertson Homes received Premier Guarantee’s Large Development of the Year title for 2011 for the new build section of the Westercraigs development, neighbouring the Gleann Mor House estate.

The Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards recognise the very best developments in the UK housing market, setting winners apart from their competitors and demonstrating their position as a market leader in the construction industry.

Unlike many other industry awards, Premier Guarantee’s own site surveyors nominate developments for the award after assessing them personally for quality and workmanship, making the title even more prestigious.

The last remaining Gleann Mor House apartment was sold in November last year, and it demonstrates the Boutique range, which boasts a stylish, spacious and contemporary design.

Several housetypes within the range feature additional luxuries such as the garden room, a bright and versatile area adjoining the kitchen, and dream room, a second-storey adaptation providing a perfect private space for older children, guests or even a home office.

Melissa McGeoch, Sales and Marketing Manager at Robertson Homes, commented on the award. She said: “We’re delighted to receive this award for Gleann Mor House, as it makes Westercraigs a double prize winner of the sought after

Premier Guarantee Excellence Award.

“Westercraigs is the result of excellent team effort and a strong focus on attention to detail. We have created a range of beautifully developed homes in one of the most scenic areas in Inverness, and at Gleann Mor House we have worked hard to preserve the unique features of the original building, such as its high ceilings, turrets and large bay windows.

“We strive to work to the highest standard and are exceedingly proud of the workmanship that goes into each and every one of these homes. Customer feedback is also very important to us and we constantly use it to improve our homes and the services we offer to buyers.”

Gleann Mor House offers the chance to live somewhere exceptional with truly distinctive apartments that are as individual as they are inviting.

From stylish open plan living areas to master bedrooms with ensuite facilities, each apartment has something special to offer. Whether this includes the front door of an apartment opening onto a landscaped courtyard, or giving people the opportunity of waking up in a double aspect tower bedroom, Gleann Mor House is a distinctive home in one of the finest settings in Inverness.

Robertson Homes, Robertson House, The Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4TZ.

Root One East is a Landscape Contractor providing a full landscaping and grounds maintenance service to both commercial and private clients.

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We are specialist in our area of work and have built up our reputation within this industry through our quality of management, service and delivery. Our dedicated teams can deliver from inception to completion, landscape design, play areas, timber fencing, soft landscaping, maintenance as well as some specialist services.

D.McDonald Decorators Ltd. Wishing Robertson Homes all the best for the future

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BS CIVIL

Edinburgh Airport were enhanced. The masterplan stated changes for the car parking of the airport and in May 2012 Raynesway Construction were appointed to carry out a four phase redevelopment of the short stay car park.

The works included resurfacing and upgrading the 1,500 space external public car park to improve access and layout. There was additional lighting installed to bring the car park up to the high standards and quality expected by visitors. The signage

and drainage of the car park was also carried out and a new car park technology infrastructure was installed to make parking more efficient for passengers. The new infrastructure included the installation of new barriers to control access into the short stay car park; this work extended to the business stay and long stay car parks.

The work to the short stay car park was overseen by Doig & Smith and completed in late 2012.

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Since its official opening by The Queen in 1977, Edinburgh Airport has changed in appearance dramatically. The airport now accommodates around nine million passengers a year, flying on more than 40 airlines to over 100 destinations.

In 2011, Edinburgh Airport produced its second masterplan, highlighting how it aimed to grow and develop over a 30-year period. It is hoped that the masterplan will help the airport continue to increase its passenger numbers and enhance the experience of those customers.

One of the largest construction projects in recent years was that of the extension and remodelling of the first floor lounge area, a ÂŁ30M project which was completed in 2011 comprising of a 5,000sq m extension to include a new departure lounge, security screening area, shops, bars and restaurants.

Since the remodelling of the airport in 2011 it has altered further with the sale of Edinburgh Airport by BAA to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

GIP took formal ownership of the airport in June 2012, employing Gordon Dewar as Chief Executive Officer.

Amid the ownership and directorship changes, more of the airport’s facilities

PROFILE BS

Historic Scotland

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Committed to restoration Historic Scotland is an agency within the Scottish Government and is directly responsible to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding the nation’s historic environment and promoting its understanding and enjoyment.

Formed in 1991, its role is to deliver policy and advise on all aspects of historic environment on behalf of Scottish ministers. Historic Scotland also carries out statutory functions relating to two acts of Parliament – the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which allows the Agency to schedule sites of national importance and take them into care. The other act is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 that grants the authority to list structures for their architectural or historical importance.

Historic Scotland’s staff encompasses a wide range of disciplines and skills. This includes archaeologists and art historians, conservators and craftsmen, custodians and key keepers, building professionals and specialised support staff and administrators.

All provide a single-storey agency in Scotland to safeguard the nation’s heritage for present and future generations.

The Agency is divided into six groups, which carry out the functions required by Scottish ministers. It is responsible for all management functions, including staff pay and conditions, accommodation, finance, personnel, procurement, computer systems and external communications.

Historic Scotland has undergone considerable cultural and organisational change since becoming an agency, adopting a business-like approach related to customers’ needs.

Although the main office is in Edinburgh, staff members, properties, monument conservation units and regional offices are spread across Scotland.

The senior management team leads Historic Scotland as the executive decision making body for the agency, chaired by the Chief Executive, and is responsible for the dayto-day running of the organisation.

The Advisory Committee provides support and advice on the overall leadership and strategy of the Agency, acting as a critical friend. As a government agency, Historic Scotland has no requirement to have this level of governance but it adds real value to the way that the Agency is managed.

All directors sit on the Advisory Committee, along with seven non-executives who have experience and knowledge that reflects the business and can offer a fresh perspective.

Historic Scotland has been involved in the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), the Heritage Lottery Fund’s grant

giving programme for the repair and regeneration of the historic environment in towns and cities throughout the UK. In May 2003, the Banff was forwarded as a candidate for inclusion in the THI programme.

Continued Page 42 >

jim.brown@uk.issworld.com www.isslandscaping.co.uk

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A project was delivered, which assisted the rehabilitation and preservation of the historic core of the Banff Outstanding Conservation Area. This was to be achieved by the following means:- The restoration of key historic properties that are in poor structural condition.

- The infilling of two gap sites situated in prominent locations, which were formerly occupied by listed buildings.

- Providing a facelift scheme for shop fronts.

- Developing a ‘town scheme’ grant fund to assist private property owners with the repair and maintenance of their properties.

- Implementing a programme of upgrade of pedestrian areas in a manner sympathetic to the town’s historic fabric.

The Banff THI completed at the end of last year, achieving a significant legacy of restored and refurbished built heritage.

It has helped to conserve the historic environment of Banff and secure it for future generations. Major dereliction within the Banff Conservation Area has been tackled and its overall quality has been significantly enhanced.

The investment delivered through the Banff THI has encouraged private owners to make their own separate contributions and there is now enthusiasm within the community for new initiatives to bring local prosperity by investing in this unique historic environment.

One of the projects involved within this initiative was the conversion of an existing derelict townhouse into two dwellings at an address in Old Castlegate.

The category B-listed building is a threestorey, mid-18th century townhouse in the centre of Banff and within the conservation area of the town.

For decades it had been neglected and abandoned, and was featured on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland. The house was also previously used as a dental surgery with attached accommodation.

After being abandoned by its former owner in 1988, Aberdeenshire Council was forced to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order on the property in an attempt to save it from further ruin.

It had suffered destabilisation and structural damage over the years due to irregularities in the ground conditions. This was visible on the Old Castlegate frontage, where sizeable cracks and a bulge in the walls appeared, and at the back of the house, where lintels were cracked and movement in the wall could be seen.

The plan for the redevelopment was to undertake a programme of complete restoration, creating two dwelling houses with a shared garden. This entailed extensive

restoration work, including significant structural underpinning and tying, full restoration of windows and internal doors, repairs to the roof and rainwater goods, removing the cement harl and reharling the entire exterior in lime harl, cleaning and stabilising chimneys, repairing the main stair, repairing cornicing and skirting, and repairing lath and plaster sections.

In addition to the historic repairs, the building was modernised, with new plumbing and wiring throughout. New kitchens and bathrooms were also installed, while externally, the courtyard was paved and the gardens reinstated at the rear.

The development of 2-4 Old Castlegate was completed in August 2009, and both properties were sold. The building went on to win an Aberdeenshire Council Design Award for Conservation in 2010.

One project that was completed more recently and was part of Banff THI was the conversion of a disused granary into a flatted courtyard development containing nine one-, two- and three-bedroom flats.

The former granary buildings date to the

late 17th century/early 18th century and were originally U-shaped in plan, with the courtyard having been infilled later.

The block is three-storey, rendered, and at its east end comprises of three gabled bays with slate roofs orientated west to east.

Other features include coped skews and chimney stacks, a slate-hung elevator tower at the west end above the grain-dressing plant, and a steel-frame canopy at the east end to protect dispatch and delivery.

It occupies a seafront position, adjacent to St Mary’s Churchyard, within the conservation area, and along with the 6 Devonshire project, aims to regenerate this former industrial zone of Banff.

The building was disused since 1994 and deteriorating rapidly. Internally, the timber post and beam structure was intact but with much decay to the interior.

Planning for the project was a drawn out process, which eventually came to a head in July 2010. Work commenced at the end of that year.

The project proved to be a complex Continued Page 44 >

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PROUD TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH HISTORIC SCOTLAND FOR MANY YEARS • Third Generation Family Business – Established 1945 • Traditional Skills passed down alongside continuous technical development.

• In house trades include: Masons, Joiners, Slaters, Harlers and Groundworkers.

• Joinery Workshop specialising in bespoke manufacture, including traditional sash & case windows.

• Long history of conservation works of all types under the auspices of Historic Scotland.

• Capablity to carry out large, technical projects, but still retain specialist conservation trades in house.

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challenge, and suffered delays to construction. The Heritage Lottery Fund was helpful though – advancing several extensions of time in order to maximise grant assistance.

So much so that the whole THI scheme was extended to 31st December 2012 to accommodate completion of this project.

By the 30th November 2012, the project was substantially completed and the first units were occupied earlier this year.

Historic Scotland’s work has also seen major restoration at Fatlips Castle, which is nearing completion.

The tower had been empty for decades and had fallen into disrepair so this Borders landmark is undergoing a £200,000 facelift to save it for future generations to enjoy.

The 16th century site is reputed to be named after the habit of men kissing women as they entered the building, which was then considered to be indiscreet.

The castle near Jedburgh has sat empty since the 1960s and its condition has deteriorated significantly.

Fatlips is a place for everyone. Saving this castle shows the public that Historic Scotland and Scottish Borders Council have the public’s’ interest at heart and have listened to the hundreds of pleas to help save this local landmark.

Known under various guises such as Minto Castle, Mantoncrake Castle and Catslick Castle, the Tower was once a Turnbull Clan stronghold before it came to belong to the current owners – descendants of the Elliot family.

The view has remained relatively unspoilt all these years and the walk through the woods closes off the modern world as the castle becomes a visible presence through the twists and turns of the path through the trees.

Work was possible after the Tweed Forum secured funding from a range of groups to carry out major renovation work.

The Forum had been working for many years with the Minto estate to build a financial package that would enable such works.

This resulted in £200,000 raised from Historic Scotland, Scottish Borders Council, SBC Landfill Credits Fund and Lord Minto, which was enough to initiate the works.

The Minto family has been integral, initially doing their best to stop vandalism on the site, but it got to the stage where the need for work was urgent because it was feared that the roof could collapse.

Fatlips was originally built by the Turnbull family but was completely rebuilt by the Elliots of Minto, the current owners, in 1857.

It was further remodelled as a family museum and shooting lodge by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1897. However, since the 1960s, it deteriorated rapidly due to the fact nobody occupied the castle.

Building work should be complete in mid-2013.

The next stage of Historic Scotland’s programme to enhance the safety of Edinburgh Castle’s rock face has been unveiled.

The Agency is embarking on a community consultation process to discuss the £1M

project for the southern face of the rock, which rises above Johnston Terrace.

Proposals involve constructing a three metre-high x 170 metre long barrier to form a protective area at the base of the rock on Johnston Terrace, to further improve public safety.

This arrangement has been developed following extensive rock-fall modelling and expert advice from specialist geotechnical engineers.

The project will be carried out in two phases. The first being the installation of the temporary barrier on Johnston Terrace, which will remain in place during the development of a more permanent solution in Phase II. Phase I will also include spray treatment to eradicate invasive plant growth, which can over time penetrate and loosen rock joints.

The design and visual impact of the

permanent solution will form part of the community stakeholder consultation, which got underway in late March.

While some metal netting has previously been installed over a limited area of the northern face of the rock to provide protection for the railway line, this solution was not deemed appropriate for the southern face.

The creation of the wall will result in some minor realignment of the road carriageway along Johnston Terrace. However, twoway traffic will still be able to flow on this road once all work has been completed.

It is anticipated – subject to planning approval and other matters – the permanent solution will be in place by the end of 2014.

Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH.

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PROFILE BS

Dalkeith Heritage Regeneration Historic grant scheme

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The Dalkeith Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) has been developed by Midlothian Council and Dalkeith Business Renewal. The project is jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Midlothian Council and Dalkeith Business Renewal.

It was launched three years ago and is a five-

year regeneration scheme now in its fourth year. It has improved a number of historic buildings in the centre of Dalkeith through grant aid together with the enhancement of building frontages, shopfronts and improvements to the public realm.

The project aims to conserve and improve the medieval core of the town in the High Street and has included work to its key

buildings as well as improving the public realm. Of the four priority projects, repair and restoration work has been completed at Musselburgh Road, The Tolbooth, the former Cross Keys Hotel and work is underway on 1-3 High Street. A number of priority buildings have also now been completed.

A Townscape Heritage Initiative and Continued Page 48 >

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Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme are jointly funded grant programmes that provide money for regenerating towns and enhancing the appearance of conservation areas through the repair of historic buildings and spaces.

The HLF gives a grant to a local partnership managing a ‘Common Fund’. This contains funds from HLF, Historic Scotland, Midlothian Council and Dalkeith Business Renewal. The partnership has agreed the priority projects and buildings within the Dalkeith THI and CARS and work is well advanced on all the schemes.

Work at High Street has been lengthy. It includes work at 15-17 High Street – a twostorey mid-terrace tenement building with a shop at ground floor and flats above.

In poor condition, work provided repairs to the roof, chimney and lead lined front parapet gutter, as well as stone repairs and restoration of the stone rear stair turret. The shopfront was improved and upgraded too.

Work was also undertaken at 21-27 High Street, which has retail shops on the ground floor, as well as a dentist’s surgery and a flat above.

This saw stone and roof repairs, as well as window refurbishment and replacement, and a new stone chimney now matches the original one.

At 1-3 High Street, work is being undertaken on stone two-storey end of terrace properties at the prominent junction of the High Street with Buccleuch Street and Eskbank Road. They are grade C listed and in poor condition.

These form an important part of the townscape at this junction and were typical of the traditional stone buildings that once dominated Dalkeith, with retail on the ground floor and flats above.

The end gable has been badly pointed and smeared with hard cement mortar, causing damage to the

stone work and the end gable chimney is very badly damaged and weathered.

The rear and part of the end gable has been rendered with hard cement. The repair and restoration will address these problems, reharling in a lime harl and repairing stone work with a lime mortar. The end Traditional Masonry and Building Conservation Services : gable chimney will Lime Harling & Lime Rendering ● Lime Washing be rebuilt to match Lime Pointing & Mortar Repairs ● Traditional Stonemasonry the original and the Surveys & Consultancy ● Rope Access & Steeplejack Masonry Services roof repaired, and SG Stone Solutions Ltd shopfronts improved.

Goodtrees, Cockburnhill Rd, Edinburgh EH14 7HY Scotland, UK t. +44 (0) 131 278 3424 info@sgstone.co.uk www.sgstone.co.uk

Commercial/Residential New Build - Retail/Office Fit Out - Refurbishment and Alteration University/Local Authority Sectors - Stone Restoration and Period Building Refurbishment 17 Maderia Street, Edinburgh EH6 4AJ Tel: 0131 467 7186 Fax: 0131 467 7510 mail@cornhill-builders.co.uk www.cornhill-builders.co.uk

We are pleased to be associated with Dalkeith Heritage Regeneration and wish them continued success for the future Cornhill Building Services are a multi-skilled building contractor operating primarily in Edinburgh and Central Scotland. The Company directly employs 70 operatives who cover the full spectrum of building trades, including an in-house stone masonry and restoration division, Gas Safe registered plumbers and a manufactured joinery workshop.

The head office resources complete the management team and provide the

necessary back up to the site managers and contracts managers. Estimating, health and safety, surveying and contract management are all based at the head office to provide the necessary on site support. CBS's commitment to quality and service is based primarily on their multi-discipline contracting approach.

By providing specialist building trades in-house in addition to the standard construction trades, they can ensure that

clients receive the highest levels of quality and service. Current projects range from £100,000 Local Authority / university refurbishments to £3m residential developments. The Company have carried out complex refurbishment projects for different sectors (office / commercial / retail / local authority / University) and the staff are very experienced in all types of construction project.

BS PROFILE

Orkney Islands Council Building improvements thanks to grant funding Orkney Islands Council also purchased an additional 20 acres of land at Hatston for use as a support base and to complement the £3M development of industrial units

by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which have already been built.

The Council is committed to regeneration and one of the key drivers of this is the Stromness Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), which is a heritage based grant scheme that will run in the Stromness conservation area for five years from July 2009 to June 2014.

The overarching aim of the Stromness THI is to aid the regeneration of the town centre, ensuring economic viability through investment in the built heritage.

This initiative is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and other partners, notably Historic Scotland through the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), and Orkney Islands Council. The total funding for the scheme is approximately £3.4M, and this has resulted in a total public/private investment of £6.13M. Stromness THI has made grant funding available to properties within the conservation area to repair the fabric of buildings, restore authentic details and materials, secure the continued use of

historic buildings and bring vacant floor space in historic buildings back into use.

Like many remote towns, Stromness has suffered from pressures of changing shopping habits and has not been exempt from the effects of the wider UK recession.

Many private properties have been left vacant for decades and it is only through external funding that it has been economically viable to bring these properties back into use again, both as homes and commercial and retail premises.

The investment into the historic fabric has been underpinned by an extensive training plan that has not only involved new building skills for contractors in conservation techniques, but new visitor offerings through tour guides and mp3 tours as well as a community website.

The whole street has been transformed as the old concrete flags have been uplifted and a local quarry reopened to deliver the historically accurate flagstones particular to the streets of Stromness, giving the whole street cohesion and a sense of place.

There is an acknowledgement that working on traditional buildings with historically accurate materials has a price premium and the grants help bridge the gap between Continued Page 52 >

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A development that was awarded by Orkney Islands Council in September 2011 commenced work late last year.

The project, at Hatston, will see the county’s largest deep water pier extended northwards by 160 metres. It attracted funding worth £3.4M from the European ERDF programme.

The development will include a newly formed quay, workspace and lay-down area, which will support marine energy traffic and associated industrial activities.

Typical day to day activities at the base will include the arrival, assembly, storage and deployment of devices, as well as the unloading of vessels involved in survey, operation and maintenance work.

Work will give the quay an edge of 385 metres and is part of the Council’s ‘three port’ strategy to provide additional port infrastructure in Orkney.

The pier extension will also be of major benefit to the cruise industry, allowing the largest liners to berth alongside.

Normally, cruise ships of this size will anchor in Kirkwall Bay and tender the passengers ashore, but from this year, ships will be able to berth with ease, benefiting from 11 metres of deep water.

The extension will be ready for the 2013 cruise ship season.

Marine Engineering Specialists

>>

15 Trench Road Mallusk Newtownabbey BT36 4TY

T 028 9034 2777 F 028 9034 2236 mclh@mclh.co.uk www.mclh.co.uk

>>

Contact Details

John Glass Civil Engineering Director John.Glass@mclh.co.uk 028 9034 2777

McLaughlin and Harvey have been actively involved in the Renewable Energy Sector Since 2005

McLaughlin & Harvey is one of Northern Ireland’s leading Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, with expertise in the following sectors: Marine and River Engineering: Over 100 years experience in the design & construction of new ports and working within existing live commercial harbours, maintaining continuity of port operations.

Hatston Pier Extension Client: Orkney Islands Council

Renewable Energy: We are at the forefront in the development and deployment of tidal energy devices.

Relying on our vast marine engineering experience and utilising specialist marine plant we can now deploy these tidal devices globally.

McLaughlin & Harvey is one of Northern Ireland’s leading Building & Civil Engineering Contractors, with expertise in the following sectors: Marine and River Engineering: Over 100 years’ experience in the design & construction of new ports and working within existing live commercial harbours. We have successfully completed complex marine projects for prestigious clients such as Orkney Island Council, Aberdeen Harbour Board and CMAL. Renewable Energy: We are at the forefront in the development and deployment of tidal energy devices.

Relying on our vast marine engineering experience and utilising specialist marine plant, these tidal devices can now be deployed globally. We are currently working on a R&D project with Invest NI to develop a bespoke offshore, piled foundation installation device to allow us to commercially install the next generation of tidal turbine arrays.

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Railway infrastructure: We are at the forefront of Railway Engineering in GB, having successfully retained our Achilles Link Up accreditation. We have established and retain a highly qualified and skilled workforce capable of undertaking all types of Railway Infrastructure works.

Road Infrastructure: Having successfully been awarded two recent prestigious projects with Transport Scotland, we will expand our portfolio of new road and bridge construction incorporating complex bespoke traffic management.

Industrial Buildings: Ranging from industrial warehouses to bespoke process facilities where detail and tolerances are critical to the end user.

EVANCE SMALL WIND TURBINES FOR ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL Evance Wind Turbines, winners of the recent Orkney Islands Council wind turbine procurement, are currently installing R9000 small wind turbines at primary school and radar station sites.

The Evance turbine is very popular - already over 250 installations on Orkney - having proved to be highly efficient and reliable, withstanding storms and gusts of up to 130mph.

The turbines will reduce the Council’s carbon footprint and energy costs, and help to future proof against rising energy costs.

“Working directly with us to optimise the use of its land and offset the energy used at these sites, delivers the Council the best commercial arrangement and lowest asset risk. Also by using local companies for installation and ongoing service work, Evance is creating and sustaining green jobs in the local community,” commented Tim Sammon, Commercial Director of Evance Wind Turbines, “It’s a win - win partnership we’re keen to see spread to other areas”.

52

newer inappropriate materials and the often higher priced conservation standard.

Planning standards and obligations also are required again with a higher level of detail in a conservation area.

Within the Stromness THI project, six business premises have been grant aided and 39 residential premises have been repaired, while seven new homes have been created within the centre of the town, contributing to the vitality and longevity of the town.

Without the grant funding available through the THI, many of the works would have been cost prohibitive and the repairs potentially would have been completed using inappropriate materials and techniques, potentially causing further damage and a loss of the historic vernacular, which gives Stromness its unique identity.

By investing into business premises, it has enabled them to commit to remaining in the centre of town and has enabled the consolidation of their buildings, adapting them to respond to the changing economic climate and potential emerging growth industries, while ensuring local shops and services remain in the town.

Many buildings have benefited from the grant funding. This includes the former Commercial Hotel – a large B listed building in the heart of the town that was the first purpose built hotel in Orkney, reportedly dating from the 1820s.

The business was curtailed following the

success of the Temperance movement in 1920 in making Stromness a ‘dry’ town. The building was reportedly last fully used in World War Two, when it served as a billet for servicemen.

The ground floor was the original factory for Orkney Fudge from 1957. The corner unit served as J.D. Johnston’s Draper’s Shop until 1968 and it has now been brought back into use as flexible office space, encouraging footfall on the street.

Work was also undertaken at 13 Graham Place, where the outbuildings were based on a busy pedestrian lane in Stromness.

According to the deeds of the buildings, the property was once a bakery, but the buildings had lain vacant for many years. With grant funding, the building has been converted into a studio flat.

The Old Lifeboat station also benefited from the funding. Stromness was founded on sea trade and was a haven in some of the country’s most treacherous waters. Its lifeboat station is therefore an important part of the history of the town. The roll of honour, which adorns the interior, demonstrates the important role of the building over the years.

The building had originally been constructed of stone around 1900. However in 1926, the building had to be enlarged to accommodate a new boat and the present red iron clad building was constructed.

In 1985, the lifeboat was no longer ramp launched but was moored in the

harbour. Today, it is in use as a dive centre, though the windows and doors required replacement and the roof and wall cladding also needed attention.

Because of the grant award, the future of the building has been secured, allowing the business to continue within the town centre property.

The property at 15 Church Road comprises two single-storey linked stone buildings, previously used as a garage, which were in poor condition. Through grant funding, the owner has been able to develop the space into a two-bedroom flat while maintaining the historic form of the building.

Owing to the remote location of Orkney, travelling to attend training elsewhere can be cost and time prohibitive, and therefore specialist conservation skills had not been widely developed.

The introduction of the National Progression Award in the Conservation of Stone Masonry course at Orkney College has allowed contractors to gain new skills and knowledge, which will ultimately benefit their clients and help ensure the historic vernacular of Stromness will continue to be preserved after the THI project ends. It has also resulted in new businesses starting up, which can only be a positive for Orkney.

BS COMMUNITY

HMP Grampian Part of a £90M investment in north east Scotland by the SPS The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) will have another replacement prison by the end of this summer, with work well underway on the new prison at the Peterhead site.

The new HMP Grampian facility will be the first community facing prison proposed by the Scottish Prison Service, which will house all categories and age groups of prisoners, both male and female, making it unique in the UK. Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill paid a fact-finding visit to the site on 10th June and commented on how the SPS would benefit from the new HMP Grampian.

Mr MacAskill said that it was a very exciting development and Scotland’s first custom-built community facing prison, designed to meet the custodial needs of the north east of Scotland.

He said: “As well as helping to develop a model, which I believe will be the future for our custodial services, it will mean prisoners from the north east will be able to benefit from facilities specifically designed to reduce their reoffending.

“The new fit for purpose facilities will maximise the opportunity for prisoners to engage positively to address the underlying causes of their offending behaviour.”

Peterhead prison was built in August 1888, with part of the site being redeveloped for the new HMP Grampian.

The new facility will include the full range of prison buildings including kitchen, laundry, links and education, prisoner regimes, recreation facilities, visitor, staff and administration spaces.

The Main Contractor for the project

is Skanska, and the Company has developed the structural and civil design as well as undertaking the installation of mechanical and electrical services.

Commenting on being awarded the contract, Alex MacLeod, Operations Director at Skanska said: “We are delighted to have won this contract and to again be working with the Scottish Prison Service, with whom we have worked over many years. I look forward to continuing this successful relationship at HMP Grampian.”

Based in Edinburgh, the SPS is an agency of the Scottish Government and was established in 1993.

The purpose of this service is to maintain secure custody and good order within prisons, whilst caring for prisoners with humanity and delivering opportunities that give the best chance to reduce reoffending once a prisoner returns to the community.

SPS has 14 publicly managed prisons and two privately managed prisons. These are managed by the Chief Executive, who chairs an internal board that comprises of Non-Executive Directors appointed by Scottish Ministers and Executive Directors. The Executive Board supports the Chief Executive in providing leadership, direction and control.

HMP Grampian will provide around 500 places for male and female prisoners, which is designed to accommodate prisoners from the Northern Community Justice Authority catchment area.

In August 2007, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice announced the following: - A commitment to a new prison

(HMP Grampian) within the Peterhead area to replace the existing HMP Aberdeen and HMP Peterhead.

- A policy statement that all future prisons in Scotland would be operated by the public sector.

In June 2008, following a detailed assessment of potential sites within the Peterhead area, SPS announced that HMP Grampian would be built on the site of the existing HMP Peterhead, and at the same announcement, it was also confirmed that both HMP Aberdeen and Peterhead will close on the opening of HMP Grampian.

Aberdeenshire Council then granted planning permission in principle for the project in March 2011. At the same time, SPS commenced the procurement process for the design and construction of HMP Grampian in order to speed up the delivery of this important development.

Holmes Miller was appointed as Architect for the project. The design uses the site topography, together with carefully considered adjacencies and circulation routes, to provide a highly efficient layout that exceeded the SPS’ expectations in terms of the degree to which different prisoner groups can be separated during day to day activities.

The SPS are viewing this exemplar design for HMP Grampian as a transferable and scalable model that will form the template for further new community facing prison facilities.

Work on the £85M project commenced last year and will be completed this summer.

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PROFILE BS

The Battle of Bannockburn Project

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To commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014, work is underway to provide a new interpretive exhibition and new heritage centre for the battle site, with improved landscaping, parking and access facilities.

The project comprises significant conservation works to the existing monuments on the site, significant new landscaping and a new building that incorporates state-of-the-art interpretation space together with café, toilets, education space, shops and offices.

Located on Glasgow Road in Stirling, the project is a partnership between the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland, and is funded by the Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Bannockburn is recognised as being a defining event in the history of Scotland and along with Culloden Battlefield, Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, it is one of the iconic, historic destinations for visitors as well as those who wish to learn more about the history of Scotland.

On the battlefield beside the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, in June 1314, King Robert the Bruce routed the forces of King Edward II to win freedom for the Scots from English domination.

Near the centre is the famous Borestone site, which by tradition was Bruce’s command post before the battle.

After almost 50 years, the centre closed its doors in October 2012 to make way for the new facilities.

The centre, which was built in the 60s, is an example of one of the many roadside tourist information centres, which were built across the country as gateways to Scotland’s heritage. Its interesting

design has been recorded by the project and there are plans to produce a small publication that highlights its place in the architectural story of Scotland.

A temporary exhibition space has been open to the public near the building site since early November and the project’s learning team has started an exciting education outreach programme.

The temporary accommodation will provide an information point for the Battle of Bannockburn project and the heritage site for visitors who will continue to visit the place, which has been a focus of commemoration for the battle of centuries.

For those looking to discover more about the history of Bannockburn, the HD movie that is shown as part of the experience at the closing heritage centre will be available to view. A small shop will also offer a bespoke range of products with the already award-winning Bannockburn brand.

One of the first elements of conservation work carried out to the monuments at the site, including the Rotunda and iconic Bruce statue, was to the flagpole, which was declared as unsafe during a health and safety report undertaken by the National Trust for Scotland and it could no longer fly the saltire as it had done proudly since 1870.

Repairs to the topmast were commissioned as part of the project and it was removed late last year for a replacement to be made and enable conservation to be carried out to the original wrought iron flagstaff base.

The flagpole is situated at the centre of the category A-listed Rotunda monument, where Robert the Bruce is said to have planted his standard in a borestone the night before the battle.

It was erected on June 25th 1870, but

the topmast had to be replaced in 1937 after a winter storm caused major damage. Specialist riggers from the Grangemouth dockyards applied a new electrically welded steel topmast.

The 1937 topmast has now been replaced by a new stainless steel unit with factory applied coating to provide a long-life and reduced maintenance solution. A new stainless steel weathervane has also been created as a direct replica of the original battleaxe design. It reaches the same height as the previous flagstaff at 120 feet.

Other conservation works to the remaining monuments are ongoing. Work is almost finished to clean, repair and fully wax seal the bronze sculpture of the Scottish King, returning him to his original bronze glory.

This has been used to good effect recently on the Boer War Memorial to Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Stirling Castle.

The impressive granite plinth on which Bruce sits will also undergo specialist masonry conservation work to rectify a number of units that have moved out of alignment.

The Rotunda monument has just been fitted with a replacement ringbeam, which will be inscribed with a new poem by Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie. This was selected by the public and members of an expert panel to represent the site in late 2012.

The building design refers to traditional farm steadings and use of a courtyard, but through a shift in geometry and inventive use of materials, the new building transforms these familiar forms with an expression that is both contemporary and dignified.

Demolition took place on the old heritage centre in October 2012 to make way for Continued Page 56 >

w w w. b r i g h t w h i t e l t d . c o . u k

the new car park and new building.

There is a slight slope across the car park that has required some re-landscaping of the surrounding ground.

The facades are about texture and pattern.

Like the warp and weft of tweed, two bricks are selected with one dark and one light, and the proposal is to vary each elevation so that there is a transition from dark to light, and from flat to textured. This will be done by the use of various patterns.

Designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, KJ Tait, SKM and Turner & Townsend, the building will comprise of reinforced concrete pad and strip foundations with ground bearing reinforced concrete slab.

The structure is a portalised and braced steel frame with a concrete composite upper floor to create the mezzanine level. The roof is being formed using a structural metal acoustic tray, which spans between the main steel beams.

Tiles are jet black and glossy, out of the ordinary with reference to chainmail, with an overhanging eaves in black steel sheet that forms a blade edge to the courtyard. Internally the steel frame structure will stay largely exposed.

The building consists of half exhibition space, and the other half comprising of retailing, education and catering space. There are stairs to the mezzanine Continued Page 58 >

Grant Construction is proud to be involved in the construction of this historic project and associated with Mansell and the National Trust of Scotland Operating since 1987, Grant Construction has built an enviable reputation within the marketplace providing comprehensive groundwork solutions and is perfectly suited to meet the demands of any project. Grant Construction specialises in carrying out large excavations and earthworks, foundations, concrete floors and structures, roads, drainage and external works, as separate or combined work packages and we pride ourselves on our reputation for completing contracts, on time, on budget and to the highest standards.

Bulk Excavation & Site Clearance Using our fleet of heavy plant, fleet of tippers and licensed tip,we can undertake all aspects of excavation and transport within and off site. Our owned operated fleet consists of 8 wheeled tippers, road sweepers, articulated low loaders (54t to 120t gross), articulated dump trucks, CAT dozers (D4 to D8), excavators (3.5t to 50t, wheeled & tracked), loading shovels, JCB’s, Loadalls, crushers & screeners.

Foundations & Sub Structures Basements & tanking, foundations, raft foundations, ground beams, retaining walls Drainage & Sewer Construction All types of domestic & land drainage, including deep drainage and water retention systems Concrete Contracting Formwork & reinforced concrete, pre-cast units, basement & ground floor construction, concrete to upper floor metal decking and concrete finishing Our operatives are 100% CPCS/CPSC/CPC carded and we at Grant Construction place high importance on Health & Safety and care of the Environment

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Grant Construction Services (Fife) Ltd Grant House Fulmar Way Donibristle Ind Park Dalgety Bay Fife KY11 9YX T: 01383 824861 F: 01383 825067 sales@grantconstruction.co.uk

quality from the ground up www.grantconstruction.co.uk

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w w w. b r i g h t w h i t e l t d . c o . u k

Central Scaffold (Caledonia) Ltd is very proud to have been chosen by Mansell Construction Services Ltd as the preferred Scaffold Contractor during the Bannockburn Battlefield Project; providing scaffolding for The Heritage Centre, The Robert Bruce Statue and Flagpole.

With over 50 years’ experience, our expertise has allowed us to offer our services to many other renowned construction related businesses, such as: Morgan Sindall, Ogilvie, Laing O’Rourke, ISG, C Spencer/Network Rail, to name but a few.

Offering the full scaffold service package, from Survey, to Scaffold Design, Supply and Erect; we provide all types of scaffolding services to all sectors from large national companies to small private businesses.

These services include: Civil / Commercial / Construction / Defence / Local Authority / Rail

Central Scaffold (Caledonia) Ltd, c/o 'The Saw Mill', Sunnyside Road, South Quarter, Hamilton, ML3 7XH T: 01698 429000 F: 01698 429021 E: enquiries@centralscaffold.co.uk

www.centralscaffoldcaledonia.com

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level in addition to the platform lift.

The building is being constructed simply, but to very high standards and detailed for robustness.

It will adopt the fundamental principles of passive design as the proposals are essentially about shelter, the building is to be naturally day-lit and other than the exhibition areas, it will be naturally ventilated.

All of the proposals take advantage of orientation and sun, while also creating places that are out of the wind.

The construction will be inherently energy efficient. As well as natural ventilation and day lighting, other sustainable measures include built-in current and future flexibility, the use of recycled materials, materials with low embodied energy and materials that provide mass.

Energy consumption will be minimised, as will water use and waste, and renewable energy systems in the form of ground source heat pumps will be used.

The key approach is that the simple to operate, with engineering systems having simple user interfaces to ensure that the operation is clear.

Sight lines to the commemorative monuments will be restored, giving Bannockburn back to the people, and landscaping work will restore the dignity of the site and evoke a traditional parkland feel.

The Main Contractor for the £4.39M project is Mansell Construction Services Ltd, a Balfour Beatty brand. The Company’s construction schedule consists of building and landscaping work, as well as the conservation of the listed monuments, including the iconic 1960s statue of Robert the Bruce created by Pilkington Jackson, which is recognised around the world.

Landscaping work will open up views of the memorial. Previously, the building prevented views straight through to the Rotunda and flagpole, which mark the site of the Borestone where Bruce planted his standard on 23rd June 1314.

The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: “The eyes of the world will be on Scotland during the year of Homecoming in 2014, when our

country will host international events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, and marking the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

“This project will allow us to celebrate our heritage and promote Scotland as a world class tourist destination to the world.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a state-of-the-art visitor centre at Bannockburn and repair the protected monuments that previous generations commemorated the battle with and I am delighted that work is on track.”

Work on the development of this

truly world class site will be complete in October 2013 and will be opened in spring 2014, in time for the landmark anniversary of this defining moment in Scotland’s history.

At the cutting edge of Battlefield Archaeology

Birch Joinery (Glasgow) Ltd has worked for many household names in the building and construction industry, with over 20 years of experience in this field.

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Specialising in joinery sub-contract work – from kit erection and fit out – to new house build and office fit outs.

Caledonia House, Thornliebank Industrial Estate, Thornliebank, Glasgow G46 8JT Tel: 0141 270 8009 Fax: 0141 644 0041 Email: contactus@birchjoineryglasgow.co.uk www.birchjoineryglasgow.co.uk

Glasgow: 0141 445 8800 South East Scotland: 01721 730776 info@guard-archaeology.co.uk

www.guard-archaeology.co.uk

Cumbernauld Inverurie Dundee Inverness

01236 861200 01467 624440 01382 561772 01463 717328

www.scotframetimberengineering.co.uk