Building Scotland v12n03

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Diverse internal function with elegant architecture PAGE 37

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V12 N03

NEWS, REPORTS, COMMENTS, PROFILES AND SITE PROJECTS ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL Grant funding building improvements p20

TAY ROAD BRIDGE Structurally secured future p35

MALMAISON HOTEL Revitalising one of Dundee’s most significant structures p39

CRATHIE STUDENT VILLAGE Reason to rejoice at RGU p62


Design & Build Structural Waterproofing Systems Green Roof Systems Cavity Membrane Systems High Pressure PU Resin Injection Remedial Tanking Systems Concrete Repair & Protective Coatings Gas Barrier Systems Mastic Joints Spray Polyurea GPI Insurance Backed Warranties

Aberdeen: Kirkton Avenue ∙ Pitmedden Road Industrial Estate ∙ Aberdeen ∙ AB21 0BF Head Office: Unit 9 ∙ Almond Road ∙ Middlefield ∙ Falkirk ∙ FK2 9FQ

Tel: 01324 626969 ∙ Fax: 01324 624243 Email: info@sitesealants.co.uk ∙ Website: www.sitesealants.co.uk


We work closely with architects and engineers from initial design phase through to application in order to produce the best, most effective method of waterproofing. Spray polyurea system at Dundasvale, Glasgow

Site Sealants Ltd was established in 2005, since when the company has expanded year on year. The company is based in Central Scotland and has a wide-ranging client base, carrying out work all over the UK. We also do a great deal of work in Aberdeen and the surrounding area so have taken the decision to open a depot there. Projects carried out cover a wide range and include: • Structural Waterproofing • Car Park deck waterproofing • Concrete repairs • Specialist coatings (PU, epoxy, spray polyurea) • Joint sealants • Gas membrane systems • PU Resin Injection • Attenuation tanks

• Sealing of 10,000 square metre car park deck area in Dundasvale Court, Glasgow for Glasgow Housing Association (pictured above). Our client base includes Balfour Beatty, Sir Robert McAlpine, Exxon Mobil, Crudens Building & Renewals Ltd, Stewart Milne Homes, Miller Construction, Barratt Homes, Graham Construction Ltd, Morrison Construction and Land Engineering Ltd to name but a few. We are Approved Installers for Grace Construction Products, Fosroc, Sika, Wykamol and Visqueen amongst others and are committed to providing clients with the highest standards of service.

Our work is wide-ranging and we have been involved in projects as diverse as concrete repairs to the soffits on the finger jetties at Faslane submarine base to lining tanks at Glen Elgin Distillery in the north of Scotland. A recently completed £500,000 project encompassed balcony refurbishment and concrete repair works in Toryglen, Glasgow for a joint venture with Scottish Gas and Thistle Housing Association. The Company has an extremely responsible attitude to Health and Safety in the industry and have membership of both Constructionline and CHAS. We also hold the Platinum Certificate of Commitment for CSCS accreditation.

Information on past projects can be found on our website www.sitesealants.co.uk

Scottish Widows, Edinburgh Land Engineering Ltd

Castle Stuart Golf Resort Morrison Construction

Spray polyurea application projects include:

As members of the Property Care Association, we have fully qualified Certified Surveyors of Structural

• 500 square metres spray Procor to Castle Stuart Golf Resort buildings for Morrison Construction Ltd;

Waterproofing and are qualified to provide GPI insurance-backed warranty.

Barratt Homes, Inverurie Ballochgoy, Rothesay


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COMMENTS 14 15 16 17 66

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18 20 24 28 40 42 54 60 63 64

Bibby Financial Services – Graham Plater Turley associates – Jaimie Ferguson NHBC Foundation Thomas Eggar – Laura Phoenix Sheridan Gold- Jonathan Marvin

41 Maryhill Locks 50 Monarch’s View 56 Lochside Dumfries

PROFILE

36 Abbotsford House 39 Malmaison Hotel 57 Oykel Bridge Hotel

Project Management Scotland Orkney Islands Council Forestry Commission Scotland Historic Scotland GS Brown Miller Homes Smith Findlay Architects Bellway Homes Barr Construction Sharp Construction

EDUCATION 38 51 59 62

St James’ Primary School Speyside High School Biomass Centre Eastwood High School Crathie Student Village

HEALTH 58 Possilpark Health Centre

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Staff Writer John Train Editorial Raimy Greenland Robert Atherton Copy Laura Anderson

LEISURE

CIVIL 19 35 43 44 46 55

Encapsulation Plant, Hunterston A Site Tay Road Bridge Clyde Gateway Forth Replacement Crossing Laggan Tormore Project Loch Katrine Aqueduct Improvement Scheme

COMMERCIAL 26 Bull Stud, Knocknagel 37 Traffic Scotland

COMMUNITY 23 Dalkeith Heritage Regeneration 32 Strathclyde Fire and Rescue 65 Highlanders Museum

NEWS

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200 Editors Gareth Trevor-Jones Victoria Lee

HOUSING

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Studio Manager Séamus Norton Designer Richard Gill Proof Reader Matthew Brown Approvals Remi Wilson Administrator Emma Pollard Credit Control Carol Ryan

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Keeping up standards, keeping down costs Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in the construction industry is what keeps me and my colleagues at the Association for Project Safety motivated. I am sure the same is true of our partners at the Health and Safety Executive. We agree on that, but the proposed revision of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations may find us disagreeing on how that is best achieved. Unnecessary paperwork is a bad thing. You won’t find many in the construction industry who would disagree. It does nothing to reduce safety and health risks on building sites, but does impose extra costs on everyone, from the client to the sub-contractors. That’s the last thing the industry needs right now as it struggles to regain its feet and help the economy grow. There is a government-wide effort to reduce bureaucracy through the BIS one-in-two-out initiative for new regulations. The proposed revision of the 2007 CDM Regulations, which are due out in draft from the HSE shortly, is likely to be portrayed by the HSE as their contribution towards this anti-bureaucracy initiative. But in practice the effect may well be the opposite. The HSE is thought to be actively considering weakening the competency requirement for all dutyholders in the revised regulations. They might argue that this will reduce the amount of paperwork in the system, but my experience of nearly 30 years in the construction industry is that additional paperwork is actually generated in inverse proportion to the competence of the person. A competent designer, co-ordinator or contractor ensures that only necessary paperwork is generated. Less experienced practitioners tend to generate more paperwork than necessary in an attempt to cover themselves for any eventuality. Placing the role of the design or construction phase health and safety co-ordinator with the lead designer is unlikely to reduce costs for the client or industry. Whoever undertakes this role will end up, in some way or another, charging the client for the work they do. It is likely that significant costs will be incurred by the construction industry in retraining practitioners and the

preparation of new guidance to take account of the revised regulations.

• Do they emphasise active management of design and construction risks and minimise bureaucracy?

The APS fully understands and supports the desire of government to reduce • Do they strengthen the requirement for duty bureaucracy, the costs to business that holder competence to help raise standards comes with it and the need to ensure GB and reduce bureaucracy? regulation meets with the requirement of the European Directive. We also share the • Do they have sufficient flexibility to allow desire to minimise the impact of regulation appointment of competent persons to act on on the construction industry whilst behalf of dutyholders? maximising the effectiveness of compliance with current legislation. During the consultation period the APS will be hosting of a series of 15 open seminars With that in mind, we are concerned that, across the UK to discuss the draft unless the requirements for competent, Regulations. We hope that many across the adequately resourced duty holders are industry will join these debates so we can retained, changes to the CDM Regulations provide a fully informed and united response could lead to reduced consumer and worker to the HSE. protection on construction projects by “freeing up” clients and others to take James Ritchie advantage or cut corners. This is Head of Corporate Affairs particularly the case at the smaller end of Association for Project Safety the construction market where health and safety standards are already of great concern to the HSE and the industry. Some of the key questions that the HSE will need to answer in regard to their proposals are:

• Do they simplify the regulations and improve their clarity so duty holders can easily identify and understand their responsibilities?


IMPROVE YOUR DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT

Industry recognised advice, guidance & training FIND OUT MORE AT

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NEWS BS

UK’s second oldest theatre picks Turner & Townsend for historical renovations The global programme management and construction consultancy Turner & Townsend has been appointed as cost managers for the renovation of one of the UK’s oldest theatres. This £6.5M project is the first major redevelopment of Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre in 30 years, following minor works, also managed by Turner & Townsend, 13 years ago. Built in 1876 the Citizens’ stage boasts the most complete working Victorian theatre machinery in the UK, making this a highly technical undertaking requiring careful attention to detail to safe guard its architectural features. The improvements will involve restorations

to the existing space as well as substantial extensions and new builds, increasing the theatre’s size by 20%. New features include an open ‘court’ area for visitors to meet and enjoy refreshments, new kitchens and administrative offices, three professional rehearsal rooms, workshop spaces and a stylish new entrance. Renovations are set to begin this summer, with priority being given to an upgrade of the theatre’s seats in the stalls of the main auditorium. The major construction work is anticipated to commence in 2016/17, subject to the funds being secured. Turner & Townsend will be building on its experience working on complex arts and heritage projects such as The Gasteig

Cultural Centre (Munich) and Kew Gardens’ Temperate House, to ensure the budget for this project is delivered successfully. Commenting on the appointment, Turner & Townsend, Director Bruce Frater, said: “It is a pleasure to have been entrusted by the Citizens Theatre to cost manage this historical project, which will see one of the UK’s cultural gems both preserved and enhanced for the enjoyment of theatre goers in years to come. “This is large-scale project and one which will require a delicate balance to ensure the refurbishments undertaken are not only sympathetic to the design of the Grade B listed building, but also deliver the best return on investment.”

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Hampden Park works cross finish line in race to support Commonwealth Games A £3M extension to Scotland’s National Stadium has completed well ahead of next year’s Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. New and improved spectator facilities are now in place in the North Stand at Hampden Park, one of the world’s most famous sporting arenas, funded by the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee. Scotland’s National Stadium will host the track and field athletics competition and Closing Ceremony for the Games and see some of the Commonwealth’s elite athletes go head-to-head backed by the famous ‘Hampden Roar’. The work to extend the North Stand

concourse includes an enhanced facade and improved catering, toilet and accessible facilities. It complements wider legacy improvements to the Hampden Campus, which has also seen construction begin on a new pavilion for Queens Park FC at Lesser Hampden. Glasgow 2014 will carry out work inside Hampden later this year to temporarily transform the legendary football and concert venue into a world-class track and field arena. This will be achieved by raising the surface by approximately 1.9m and extending the athletics track over the existing lower eight rows of seats. This will increase

the area available for sports, providing the width and length needed for an international standard competition track. The temporary track and raised surface of the arena will create a 44,000-seater stadium, returning to its current 52,000 capacity following the end of the Games. Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said: “Hampden, Scotland’s National Stadium, is an iconic sporting arena that will undoubtedly create a fantastic atmosphere for both the athletes and spectators to enjoy in less than two years’ time and it is great to see the extension work of the North Stand complete well in advance of the Games.”


BS NEWS

Search for Scotland’s greenest construction firms begins The race to find Scotland’s most environmentally aware construction firms begins as the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland Awards (VIBES) opens for the 14th year. VIBES is Scotland’s leading environmental awards scheme. It aims to recognise businesses of all sizes and sectors employing environmental best practice in their day-today activity to cut down on resource use, increase sustainability, improve reputation and benefit the company’s bottom-line. For more than a decade, the free-to-enter awards have produced winners from across Scotland, drawn from a range of sectors including: manufacturing; food and drink; transport; oil and gas; environmental services and leisure. Perthshire-based building and civil engineering contractors Castle Group Scotland Ltd won the VIBES Management (SME) Award in 2012. Karen Ogilvy, Director, Castle Group Scotland Ltd said: “Castle Group was delighted to have won a VIBES Award last year. It gave recognition to everyone in the Company for the time and effort they put into the development and continued operation of our environmental systems.” There will be a total of ten awards this year, including two new categories: the Hydro Nation Award and the Circular Economy Award. Winners will be selected from the following categories: ••Management Award: large company category (more than 250 employees) ••Management Award: SME (up to 250 employees) ••Energy Award ••Waste and Resources Award ••Transport Award ••Environmental and Clean Technology Award ••Changing Behaviour Award ••Hydro Nation Award ••Circular Economy Award ••Best Micro Business Award The deadline for entries is Friday 5 July at 5pm. For more information or to obtain an application form for the VIBES Awards visit www.vibes.org.uk

Taylor Wimpey West Scotland achieves Investors in People Silver Accreditation Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, a leading house builder in the west of Scotland, has achieved the prestigious Investors in People Silver Accreditation, the most successful framework for business improvement through people in the UK. This shows a forward thinking and expansive approach to cascading best practice through every level of the organisation. Taylor Wimpey West Scotland joins an exclusive group of UK employers eligible to use and display the sought after Investors in People logo and plaque, and enjoy its benefits. Commenting on the award, Willie Burns, Managing Director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “Achieving and maintaining Investors in People Silver Accreditation is a key strategy within our business to ensure that we’re deploying the best ways of working for both our internal and external customers. “Securing this recognition is an effective demonstration to our industry partners of how we like to work in a way that maximises

our effectiveness whilst investing in our team to deliver the best results they can.” Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland. I would like to congratulate the organisation and its people on their commitment to continuous improvement. Investors in People offers a flexible, practical and easy to use business improvement tool designed to help organisations and their people achieve their objectives. I hope that more organisations in the area will be encouraged to sharpen their competitive edge by choosing to work with us.” Taylor Wimpey West Scotland’s regional office is based in Paisley, and it boasts a network of 19 current developments of new homes across the west of Scotland in Ayrshire, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Falkirk, Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West Lothian. The business employs 178 people across a number of disciplines, excluding on-site contractors.

Thumbs up for Bilston Park with further Scottish branch for YESSS This comes as J Smart & Co announced the completion of its Inchwood Park development, which comprises 20 new units, ranging from 2,400sq ft to 9,600sq ft. The park is located close to J3A of the M8 motorway, south east of Bathgate. Bryce Stewart, Director Industrial & Logistics with Colliers International, commented: “Bilston Park offers quality accommodation in a location that is excellent for servicing Edinburgh and beyond. YESSS’ decision to move into this development reaffirms its attractiveness for both trade and manufacturing tenants. “The completion of Inchwood Park is set to meet a growing requirement in the market for modern warehouse, distribution and business space, in a strategically important part of Central Scotland.”

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Fast growing YESSS Electrical has secured Unit 3 at Bilston Park Phase II, a 5,670sq ft single terrace at Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, on a ten-year lease. The development, marketed by Colliers International on behalf of J Smart & Co (Contractors) plc, already hosts Sound & Vision and Cromwell Industrial Tools. It is the seventh Scottish branch and the 43rd UK branch of YESSS Electrical to open in the UK during the past six months. Bilston Park Phase II is now 75%, with only one 5,670sq ft unit remaining, on quoting terms of £6.50 per sq ft. Brian Mundey, Group Manager for YESSS Scotland, commented: “We are delighted to be in a fantastic commercial development like Bilston Glen and look forward to years of successful partnership with landlord and neighbouring tenants.”


NEWS BS

95% mortgage scheme goes from strength to strength The MI New Home 95% mortgage scheme, which aims to help buyers overcome the barrier of high deposit requirements, continues to go from strength to strength with the announcement that a new round of builders have signed up to the initiative. As well as significantly increasing the options available to those looking to move onto and up the housing ladder, this also means that the Scottish Government-supported scheme has more than doubled in size since its launch in September last year as A & J Stephen, Cruden Homes, Muir

Homes, Bett Homes and Discovery Homes (Scotland) Ltd take the number of builders participating in the scheme to 252. The scheme enables credit worthy buyers, whether they are looking to make their first purchase or move to suit changing lifestyle requirements, buy a new build home up to £250,000 with only a 5-10% deposit. And with rates from participating lenders continuing to drop, buying a new home is now even more attractive. MI New Home also now offer the option of part exchange, helping to remove

the problem and stress of finding a buyer for existing home owners. Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of home building industry body Homes for Scotland, which developed MI New Home, said: “Helping buyers achieve their home ownership aspirations, this latest announcement provides another welcome boost to a still fragile industry. Whether creating and safeguarding vital construction jobs or stimulating wider economic recovery, the benefits surrounding the scheme are significant.”

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Images bring new Boroughmuir High School to life The first images for the new Boroughmuir High School at Fountainbridge have been unveiled. Plans for the canal-side site have been drawn up by Allan Murray Architects, and show the new building designed to house up to 1,165 pupils currently at the School’s Viewforth site - less than 500m away. Subject to consultation and planning and budget consent, work is expected to start on the new school in summer 2014, with completion scheduled for summer 2016. Education Convener Cllr Paul Godzik said: “Pupils, parents and teachers have been waiting a long time for a new

school, so I’m delighted that we are able to show them plans that bring a vision for the new school to life. I very much look forward to hearing their views. “Boroughmuir has a first class academic track record, and the focus is now firmly on delivering a new school that provides an equally impressive learning environment.” David Dempster, Head Teacher, Boroughmuir High School said: “I have been lucky enough to get a preview of the building and now have a real feel for what lies in store in 2016. The ‘new’ Boroughmuir High School looks to be shaping up to be all we dreamed of – and more!

“Outline designs show a school which is innovative, inspiring and definitely fitting to be our new school. The building nestles in a beautiful setting, adjacent to the canalside park with a definite and impressive entrance plaza to welcome visitors.” Architect Allan Murray said: “This design for Boroughmuir High School retains some of the best aspects of the current school, and seeks to create a welcoming environment with dramatic and inspirational spaces for learning both inside and outside the building.”


Scottish Enterprise publishes ambitious plan for growth Major development for offshore wind sector

Other key measures to be delivered in the coming year include: ••Support up to £1.3Bn in turnover growth for account managed businesses ••Deliver up to £350M of additional capital investment in planned projects – an increase of 40% compared to last year’s target. ••Secure up to £150M of additional investment from both the private and public sector in new research and development projects through assisted projects ••Achieve up to £85M of private sector investment for Scottish companies through the Scottish Investment Bank ••Support up to 9,000 planned Scottish jobs through foreign investment Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “We want to squeeze every drop of value for Scotland’s economy from the investment we make and that means working where we can make a clear difference in terms of growth, jobs and continuing to improve the Scottish business environment. “I am confident that this delivery plan, based on some of the strongest evidence and analyses we have had as an organisation, demonstrates how we will do just that.”

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government’s most recent State of the Economy report identified 2013 as a pivotal year for businesses in Scotland. The Scottish Government’s first priority is the economy and jobs. “Together with our Enterprise Agencies we have worked throughout the downturn to support businesses in Scotland, investing in our infrastructure, in Scotland’s vast renewable potential and creating the most supportive business environment anywhere in the UK. Scottish Enterprise’s business plan reinforces our focus on economic opportunity and will ensure that businesses in Scotland are ready to respond as our economy returns to growth.” Key strategic priorities for the agency remain renewables, growth companies, innovation, international trade and investment and low carbon. In addition, there will be an increased focus on stimulating entrepreneurship, as well as on digital connectivity.

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A major new development to test cutting edge wind technology in an offshore environment before commercial deployment was given the green light by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. Mr Ewing granted consent for an offshore demonstration wind turbine with an installed capacity of up to 7MW at the Fife Energy Park in Methil. The development for Samsung Heavy Industries will test new designs and models for offshore wind turbines to increase the reliability and efficiency of the power they produce. During a visit to Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, Finance Secretary John Swinney welcomed the consent for the new development and the Scottish Enterprise funding to develop the project. Mr Swinney said: “This development, which is being undertaken by Samsung Heavy Industries with more than £6M support from Scottish Enterprise, will utilise newly developed technologies which have not yet been deployed offshore – further confirming Scotland’s commitment to innovation in the offshore wind production sector. “Fife can play a key role in developing knowledge and research in the energy sector. The site at Fife Energy Park offers the ideal location for a cutting edge test centre like this. “Increasingly, Scotland is recognised as a centre of expertise for the next generation of offshore wind energy technologies, and this development will help to put us firmly on the map. Not only will this provide a much needed boost to our economy, it will also provide job opportunities for people in our local communities.”

Economic development agency Scottish Enterprise has unveiled its latest business plan, which aims to accelerate Scotland’s economic recovery. The plan, which outlines an ambitious increase in targets to drive investment in innovation and capital projects, will see the agency retain its focus on helping Scottish growth companies and niche sectors to compete globally. With recent economic statistics confirming growth in the Scottish economy for the last two consecutive quarters, the plan reinforces the need to build on signs of recovery and accelerate growth for Scotland. During 2013/14, Scottish Enterprise will invest over £336M – an increase of more than 10% compared to last year, reflecting additional funding from the Scottish Government to deliver the Renewable Energy Investment fund.


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Easy to use cell-phone software that allows your workers to be tracked through a business day. Mobile workers are able to clock-in, take a break, change tasks and clock-out; all directly on their standard cell phone, smart phone or tablet.** Employee Tracking (GPS Location, Movement, Speed and Direction, with over 12 Triggers) Over 20 Reports (Time, Attendance, Tasks, Sub Tasks, and many more) Custom and Editable Fields on Handsets (Mileage, Weather, Anyone Hurt on Job?, etc.) View locations of multiple employees on Google Mapping Clock in and out multiple field workers from a single device (Team Clock In/Out) Office Employees Web log in/out- Administrator log in/out

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COMMENT BS

Could 2013 be the year of growth for the UK’s construction firms?

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Graham Plater, Construction Finance Sales Director at Bibby Financial Services According to recent construction statistics, the boost in confidence so many construction firms were expecting to see may have arrived, due in part to the Help to Buy scheme. Three months on from the Budget, when the scheme was announced, it appears that Britain’s house building recovery is raising hopes that the sector’s slump may be easing. The closely-monitored Markit/ CIPS construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has seen the first rise in construction output for seven months. Underlining this optimism, at Bibby Financial Services we have seen SMEs in the industry - many suppliers to major house builders and developers - experiencing their highest performing first quarter since 2008. Our quarterly market report, the Business Factors Index (BFI) measures the performance of our 4,000 clients across five industry sectors and the latest results for 2013 provide much confidence for firms in the construction sector. Furthermore, our specialist construction finance team is hearing positive news from businesses that have weathered the economic storm of the past five years and are now looking to invest for the future by using alternative funding solutions. The majority of our clients are established sub-contractors working in the finishing trades, such as V&C (SW) Limited, which provides painting, dry lining and plastering services to major housing developers. In 2007 the business found it difficult to secure funding from the banks which is why owner, Vince McCormick, decided

to look at an alternative finance solution to fund his new business, opting for a specialist construction finance facility. With the backing of a £250,000 funding facility, the Company has grown from its Swansea base to become an employer of six staff with a team of around 40 self-employed tradesmen. The Company has achieved significant growth in the last year reaching a turnover of £2.2M, which has enabled it to invest further and expand its operations. The construction finance facility taken on by V&C provided the solution for the business’s challenge by advancing finance against customer billing as soon as invoices are raised, including funding uncertified applications for payment. We’ve seen an increase in enquires from start-up construction firms, as well as businesses wanting to take advantage of the Green Deal, a government scheme designed to help homeowners and businesses make use of green technology. It’s perhaps too soon to see the true impact of schemes like Help to Buy as it will take time for work to find its way to sub-contractors from large house builders. However, from the evidence of our latest BFI and the Markit/CIPS results, it would appear that construction businesses are beginning to prepare for a period of growth. We know our clients value Bibby Financial Services’ level of expertise in the construction sector, and by taking on a specialist funding solution to provide growth through investment; these businesses are helping to restore

confidence in a once damaged sector. The construction sector, however, is not out of the woods just yet. With bank net lending continuing to contract and spending in commercial building and civil engineering also falling, construction firms need further support if wider growth expectations are to be achieved.

Graham Plater


BS COMMENT

Design-led planning Jaimie Ferguson, Turley Associates likely to invoke more of a reaction than say a new settlement, where local residents are few and proposals remain relatively abstract. To simply transport solutions from elsewhere, ignoring the specifics of a site, results in mediocrity and often a difficult passage through the planning process. At worst, it could create longterm physical or social problems bringing reputational damage for developers and management problems for local authorities. We have also seen that at a time of housing shortage, with pressures to permit development, a number of appeals have been refused on design grounds. Design, therefore, is important to developers as well as communities. The masterplanning process can help to engender increased community support, or at least assuage fears. It can also aid the developer through increasing efficiency and efficacy of investment. A strong masterplan can make even small developments better connected and structured, but also more easily constructed and maintained. Open space, for example, can be shaped and positioned to add value to sales prices as well as enriching the lives of residents in the long term. We also help to refine infrastructure; reducing linear lengths of highways, encouraging shared use of space, simplifying materials and street hierarchies. Simplicity and clarity can replace costly and confusing cosmetic interventions. We work with a range of house builders and developers across the country advising on matters of design, responding to varying local and national standards, such as Building for Life. In some cases we have successfully helped turn around schemes previously refused permission, going back to first principles to help refine and better articulate the approach to a site. This can be a genuine win-win process resulting in places that save costs and generate value for developers whilst also creating places that are valued by those that live there,

encouraging incremental reinvestment by homeowners over generations. Good design can help developers to shape a better future, home by home, one (small) site at a time. Jaimie Ferguson is Head of Urban Design at Turley Associates. He can be reached by email: jferguson@turleyassociates.co.uk. Visit www.turleyassociates. co.uk for further information.

Jamie Ferguson

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Jaimie Ferguson, Turley Associates’ new Head of Urban Design, argues for the role of design in bringing forward small schemes. Change is the only constant, to borrow a cliché. The places we live, although fixed and permanent on a day-to-day basis do change, usually subtly but sometimes dramatically so. This change is almost always realised in small increments. The cumulative effect of individual investment and design decisions over time shapes our villages, neighbourhoods, towns and cities. As such, the value and indeed impact of design can be seen at all scales. Every new development represents a unique opportunity; each site is full of potential. The developer and designer are charged with shaping a distinctive new place from relatively simple components of bricks and render, pavers and tarmac, plants and trees, reacting to the drivers of landscape, heritage and community. To dismiss a scheme as too small to justify design input or creative thinking is to squander this potential. It is also to play into the hands of those who would block development, chipping away at the confidence of the wider community in new construction. To deliver the homes we need, and as the gap between housing need and the rate of completions grows by the day, we must overcome people’s fears about new housing; explaining and illustrating the benefits of change. As Nick Boles (DCLG) has pointed out, good design plays a key role in encouraging communities to accept new housing. Indeed in responding to the NPPF, and wider localism agenda, our focus should be how good design can achieve better quality and consequently more timely planning approvals. The temptation to roll out a ‘typical layout’ for smaller sites, viewing design as a risk or cost is quickly exposed as false economy. In many ways the smaller a scheme the more visible design deficiencies become. An extension of 100 homes within a village is


COMMENT BS

NHBC Foundation publishes guide to 21st Century design of new homes Key points for designers to consider:

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There has always been a need for the design of new homes to adapt to and incorporate new features and new technologies, although in recent decades this has been achieved through gradual evolution. With new homes containing more technology than ever before, the housebuilding industry in the UK is going through a period of unprecedented change. Over the next decade, ‘zero carbon’ and ‘nearly zero energy’ homes will be commonplace rather than just one-offs. But all the while, the quality, suitability, comfort and efficiency of new homes must remain paramount to designers and developers. But this presents a number of challenges in designing new homes, and there is little doubt that a ‘business as usual’ approach with bolt-on technologies is unlikely to be the most practical or cost-effective. Add to this some concerns that new homes built today could be difficult to maintain and operate, potential problems such as overheating and poor indoor air quality, and the possibility that technology fitted may not deliver to its full potential – and it becomes clear that there is a pressing need for an integrated design solution. Since its launch in 2006, the NHBC Foundation has undertaken research and guidance on a large number of topical subjects to support the house-building industry by reporting on key and pressing issues, helping to design and build the quality new homes of the future. April 2013 saw the milestone of the publication of NHBC Foundation’s 50th research report, one that ties in perfectly with its aims to lead debate and thinking across the industry, titled Designing homes for the 21st Century – lessons for

low energy design. Without proposing a specific model for what a 21st Century home might actually look like, this guide looks at how to improve processes and decisions to achieve cost-effective, robust and functional low energy design. The aim of the new NHBC Foundation guide is to promote a better understanding of the ‘whole’ without getting drawn into the detail of specific technological solutions or regulations. It proposes a model for planning new homes that splits into four stages: evaluation, best practice, integration and optimisation. The guide advocates a ‘fabric first’ approach, making sure that insulation, airtightness and ventilation are designed to give the best practical performance before low carbon technologies are applied. It shows that the passive aspects of the home (the fabric of the external walls, the insulation and immovable parts) and the active systems (the heating and ventilation) are highly dependent on each other, encouraging designers to understand that these two aspects have to be planned for concurrently. For homes of the future, house-builders and designers need to give early thought to how low carbon technologies and services are compatible with the fabric if they are to produce successful low and zero carbon homes. Designing homes for the 21st Century – lessons for low energy design is available to view and download at www.nhbcfoundation.org/ 21stCenturyhome

••design homes around a logical services strategy, providing efficient and accessible routes for ventilation ducts, pipework and wiring ••minimise energy use through the building fabric to save energy for the whole life of the dwelling ••make homes more adaptable to climate change, especially higher average temperatures, heavy rainfall, and the likelihood of flooding ••consider insulation, airtightness, ventilation, comfort and acoustics simultaneously as each interacts with the others ••take account of overheating (unwanted solar gains), daylighting, security and ventilation when designing and positioning windows ••design services (heating and hot water) appropriate to the predicted occupancy and fabric performance ••help occupiers to understand how their home is intended to run and get the best performance out of them – controls, switches and displays must be simple, intelligible and intuitive ••understand the relationship between passive (fabric, structure, finishes) and active (services, ventilation, heating) measures ••optimise expensive low and zero carbon technologies once the demand is reduced – safety factors and overdesign should be minimised, while retaining flexibility


BS COMMENT

Court enforces Adjudicator’s Awards re multiple disputes, despite Responding Party’s late receipt of Referrals. Laura Phoenix, Associate At Thomas Eggar LLP When hearing an application to enforce an adjudicator’s two awards, Technology and Construction Court Judge, Ramsey J, has: ••Confirmed that a party may refer several disputes to adjudication at the same time using parallel adjudications; ••Distinguished the need to refer a dispute to an adjudicator within seven days of giving notice of intention to adjudicate from the need to copy it to the Responding Party; ••Explained that an agreement to work collaboratively extended to dispute resolution. The judgment (Willmott Dixon Housing Limited -v- Newlon Housing Trust [2013]) relates to disputes arising under a partnering contract for the construction of part of a mixed use development.

Background

Service

A referring party is required to refer a dispute to the appointed Adjudicator within seven days of serving their notice of adjudication, failing which the adjudicator lacks jurisdiction. Doing so satisfies the (CIC) adjudication procedure incorporated into PPC 2000 and Section 108 of the Construction Act. The Judge held that failure to copy the Referral to the responding party simultaneously (common practice until now) does not deprive the adjudicator of jurisdiction, unless the procedure then results in a breach of natural justice. In his view, no breach of natural justice had occurred because the Trust had been able to respond to Willmott Dixon’s claims based on letters and documents received within the seven-day period and been given the opportunity to serve Rejoinders following receipt of the Referrals.

could refer multiple disputes to separate adjudications at the same time. He also questioned whether the previous case law had reached the wrong conclusion.

Ramifications

This case could encourage parallel adjudications and increase the time pressure under which responses are compiled. Now more than ever, the secret to defending adjudication is excellent record-keeping. You are welcome to contact the author Laura Phoenix, an Associate in the construction team at Thomas Eggar LLP, for more information: Laura.phoenix@thomaseggar.com

Laura Phoenix

Partnering

In the Judge’s view, the express duty to work in mutual cooperation extended to problem solving and dispute resolution, and the Trust could be expected to have contacted Willmott Dixon about the missing Referral documents.

Two disputes

Section 108 grants a right to refer “a dispute” to adjudication, not multiple disputes. Previous case law on this point arose from scenarios where a party had sought to refer more than one dispute to adjudication in a single adjudication. It concluded that where there are multiple separate and distinct disputes, only one can be referred to an adjudicator unless the parties agree otherwise. This case concerned a different point: Willmott Dixon had simultaneously commenced two adjudications and one dispute was referred per adjudication. The Judge concluded that a contractor

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The Trust employed Willmott Dixon on PPC 2000 terms. These embrace a collaborative approach to working “to achieve transparent and cooperative exchange of information in all matters relating to the project and to organise and integrate [the parties’] activities as a collaborate team.” Disputes arose about the sums Willmott Dixon was entitled to be paid in relation to basement works and in relation to money withheld on account of liquidated and ascertained damages. Willmott Dixon referred both disputes to adjudication simultaneously and ran the two adjudications in parallel using the same CIC-appointed Adjudicator. He decided both disputes in Willmott Dixon’s favour even though the Trust reported that it had not received a copy of either Referral document until a fortnight after the Adjudicator. The Adjudicator gave the Trust an opportunity to serve Rejoinders to answer each Referral following (late) receipt but before making his Awards. The Trust did not pay the two sums awarded. Willmott Dixon commenced enforcement proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court (‘TCC’) where the Judge granted summary

judgment enforcing both Awards.


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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 Birse, worked around the clock to ensure a reception area, shop, locker rooms, that the various bespoke elements were showers, café and a viewing terrace. adequately drawn, with a full specification. Briefing with the client began in early 2009 Work was kept to the client’s budget and and once it was agreed, the Company completed on time. Construction started prepared a number of models. With such in September 2010 and was completed a sensitive location, it was imperative that in June 2011. The total cost was £1.9M. 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 Specialists in Fire Alarms, Intruder Alarms similar facilities Closed Circuit Television ● Access Control in the hope that Service Area: Tayside, Fife & Grampian Carnoustie would offer something Scott Way, West Pitkerro Industrial Estate, Dundee DD5 3RX better. Telephone: 01382 775029 Fax: 01382 738816 In-house, when a start date was email: enquiries@nova-alarms.net looming, the www. nova-alarms.net technician, Phil


BS CIVIL

Wet Intermediate Level Waste Retrieval and Encapsulation Plant New plant at the Hunterston A site December 1989 and was followed by reactor one three months later. Defuelling commenced in August 1990 and was completed in January 1995 with the last fuel being despatched from site in February 1995. The station was built by the South of Scotland Electricity Board and was operated by them until, as part of the privatisation of the electricity supply industry, ownership and responsibility for decommissioning was passed to Scottish Nuclear in April 1990, and then Magnox Electric plc in April 1996. Over four years later, the Nuclear Site Licence was issued to BNFL. The site will continue to store its own ILW, now known in Scotland as higher activity waste (HAW), but no high level of waste will ever be stored at Hunterston A site.

Image copyright, Magnox Limited The waste that will be stored at the plant comprises 182cu m of ILW sludge from pond stored in three underground concrete tanks, 11cu m of active resin that will be stored in a stainless steel tank, and 150cu m of spent ILW acid from pond skip cleaning, stored in two stainless steel tanks. The WILWREP focuses on retrieving all wet ILW from various sources and rendering them suitable, by means of encapsulation. Successful completion of the project will ensure that radioactive waste is managed by being put into a passively safe form and will play a key role in moving Hunterston A into the care and maintenance phase of decommissioning. The Main Contractor for the project is Jacobs, and active commissioning of the WILWREP will be complete this year.

Tel: 0141 641 3648 Fax: 0141 641 5147 info@mcgowaneng.co.uk www.mcgowaneng.co.uk

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Hunterston A power station, located on a promontory of the Ayrshire coast near west Kilbride, 30 miles south west of Glasgow, is a twin reactor Magnox power station that is being decommissioned. The site will be home to a Wet Intermediate Level Waste Retrieval and Encapsulation Plant (WILWREP). The objective of the WILWREP is to retrieve and encapsulate wet intermediate level waste (ILW) before transporting it to the ILW store where it will await final disposal. The station, Scotland’s first civil nuclear generating station and, at the time of opening, the largest in operation anywhere in the world, generated approximately 360MW of electricity during its 25-year life – enough to supply 700,000 homes. The site is sheltered on the landward side by Goldenberry Hill and faces across the Firth of Clyde to the islands of Great Cumbrae and Arran. It dates back to the 1950s when, after a lengthy public enquiry, permission to build a nuclear power station at Hunterston was granted in July 1957. Work began on the site in August 1957 and the first reactor went critical in September 1963. The reactors first fed power to the grid in February and July 1964, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, officially opened the station in September 1964. The station comprised two Magnox fuelled, graphite moderated, steel pressure vessel reactors, a unique feature being that on load refuelling operations were conducted from below the reactors. Six 60MW turbo alternators provided electricity to the grid. Throughout its operational life, Hunterston A featured at or near the top of the World Nuclear Performance charts. Reactor two was shut down in


PROFILE BS

Orkney Islands Council

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Building improvements thanks to grant funding 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.

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 22 >


D ATKINSON JOINERS D Atkinson Joiners is a family run joinery, carpentry, and general building business with over 25 years experience, based in the West Mainland of the Orkney Islands with clients throughout Orkney. The company offers a fast, reliable and professional service covering all aspects of joinery and building work, providing the highest standards of workmanship at very competitve rates. Our joiners are CITB advanced stage 3 trained.

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Services Provided: New Builds, Extensions, Alterations, Restorations, Kitchens, Stairs, Doors, Windows, Repair and Maintenance, Internal Joinery, Reclaimed Wood Floors, Doors, etc. We were proud to be part of the Stromness Townscape Heritage Initiative project. This was an exciting project that has enhanced the town.

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Casey Construction Limited are celebrating their 30th year in construction, incorporated in 1983 the Company have gone from strength to strength gaining a wide range of experience. We’re delighted to have acted as Main Contractor for Orkney Islands Council on a variety of projects, including the following:

Education • North Walls School & Swimming Pool • St Margaret’s Hope School • Firth Community School • Stenness Primary School • Glaitness Aurida School • Stromness Primary School: Nursery Extension • Papdale Primary School: New Nursery & Resource Centre • Papdale Primary School: Alterations & Extensions • Kirkwall Grammar School: Admin Block • Kirkwall Grammar School Re-Roofing, Phases 1-5 • Stromness Swimming Pool: Extension

Civic Orkney Library & Archive Centre

Aviation

Industrial

New Loganair Hangar, Kirkwall Airport

New Lairage Facility, Hatston Pier, Kirkwall

Food Processing

Civils

Housing

• New Orkney Creamery, Kirkwall • Orkney Abattoir: Extension & Refurbishment • New Herring Factory, Stromness

Millburn Bridge Replacement, Hoy, Orkney

Conversion to Flats, 55-61 Dundas Street, Stromness

• General Building & Civil Engineering Works • Public & Domestic Buildings • Design & Build • Joinery Manufacturers • Steel Fabrication • Precast Concrete We look forward to many more years of working together with Orkney Islands Council for the benefit of the people of Orkney 21

Casey Construction Ltd, Grainshore Road, Hatston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1FL Tel: 01856 870150 Fax: 01856 874699 email: admin@caseyconstruction.co.uk


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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 II, 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 Drapers been secured, allowing the business to Shop until 1968 and it has now been continue within the town centre property. brought back into use as flexible office The property at 15 Church Road comprises space, encouraging footfall on the street. two single-storey linked stone buildings, Work was also undertaken at 13 Graham previously used as a garage, which were in Place, where the outbuildings were based poor condition. Through grant funding, the on a busy pedestrian lane in Stromness. owner has been able to develop the space According to the deeds of the buildings, into a two-bedroom flat while maintaining the property was once a bakery, but the historic form of the building. the buildings had lain vacant for many Owing to the remote location of Orkney, years. With grant funding, the building travelling to attend training elsewhere has been converted into a studio flat. can be cost and time prohibitive, and The Old Lifeboat station also benefited therefore specialist conservation skills from the funding. Stromness was had not been widely developed. founded on sea trade and was a haven in The introduction of the National Progression some of the country’s most treacherous Award in the Conservation of Stone waters. Its lifeboat station is therefore Masonry course at Orkney College has an important part of the history of the allowed contractors to gain new skills and town. The roll of honour, which adorns knowledge, which will ultimately benefit the interior, demonstrates the important their clients and help ensure the historic role of the building over the years. vernacular of Stromness will continue to be The building had originally been constructed preserved after the THI project ends. It has of stone around 1900. However, in also resulted in new businesses starting up, 1926, the building had to be enlarged to which can only be a positive for Orkney. 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 Old School, Rapness, Westray, Orkney, KW17 2DE use as a dive centre, Tel: 01857 677 301 Fax: 01857 677 440 Mobile: 07803068656 though the windows E-mail: danny.harcus@gmail.com and doors required replacement and the Quality House Builders roof and wall cladding New Housing and Renovations also needed attention. Agricultural and Industrial Building Contractors Because of the grant award, the future of the building has


BS COMMUNITY

Dalkeith Heritage Regeneration Historic grant scheme 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 fiveyear 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 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 gable chimney will be rebuilt to match the original, the roof repaired, and shopfronts improved.

Thomson Bethune helps to give Dalkeith High Street a New Lease of Life At the heart of many towns is its high street, making it an important hub for many communities. Dalkeith High Street is no different and with its new makeover the town is ready and raring to go. Thomson Bethune is delighted to have been involved in such an important project, delivering Quantity Surveying and CDM Co-ordinator services on many of the projects within the overall Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) on Dalkeith High Street. The team also provided advice on grant funding available from both the Council and Historic Scotland.

Working closely with the THI/CARS project manager, the architects and the owners of ten common tenements and commercial properties on Dalkeith High Street, the team at Thomson Bethune financially managed over £500,000 worth of work. The projects, which varied from specialist stone and rendered facade restoration to external masonry, slate roofs and rainwater

goods, were all completed within tight budgetary constraints and in line with funding requirements. As Dalkeith High Street begins to reap the benefit of its reinvigorated townscape, we look forward to building on the projects successes and aiding further restoration projects across Scotland.

Thomson Bethune is one of Scotland’s leading Property and Construction Consultants, providing Quantity and Building Surveying, Project Management and CDM Co-ordination Services. 23

To find out more visit us at www.thomsonbethune.co.uk.


PROFILE BS

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Forestry Commission Scotland 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 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, 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-olds. 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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Forestry services and estate management in Perthshire and throughout Scotland Established more than 15 years ago, Tam Shilliday Plant Hire have grown to become experts across a number of fields. They have extensive experience of working together with private and public sector clients to maintain and improve the environment.

Forestry and estate management services include: Ground Preparation | Construction and Maintenance of Hill Roads Gritting and Snow Clearing | Installation of Septic Tanks Mounding | Installation of V Drains Bridge, Tunnel and Elevated Road Construction The services listed above are just a few of our areas of expertise. Contact us now to discuss your project and how we can help. 15 Little Ballinluig, Grandtully, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2QU

including mounding work, access roads and on-site drainage solutions. While maintaining a close working relationship with our clients, we provide key management personnel to oversee every aspect of our forestry works. MCL, a traditional company has continually invested in training and modern construction techniques. We have invested in a range of modern forestry specific plant to best meet our customers’ needs.

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Molplant Construction Ltd Downsway Industrial Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries, DG1 3RS An Armstrong Group company

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Tel: 01887 840435 Mob: 07768 271370 Email: member@shilliday.fslife.co.uk www.tamshilliday-planthire.co.uk

MCL offers a number of forestry related operations


COMMERCIAL BS

Bull Stud Facility

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Scotland’s state-of-the-art bull stud is now open for business, providing a valuable service for crofters as well as showcasing some modern farm developments. The £3M transformation of the stud, which provides a bull hire scheme for crofters, has seen the outdated and inadequate farm buildings demolished and replaced with a new office, quarantine building, main bull housing building, GP building and new silage clamp. While its main role is providing a home for up to 150 bulls, the stud at Knocknagael also boasts a range of environmental benefits, such as a bat roost, bird boxes and biosecurity hedging; sustainable development measures including an air source heating system, solar thermal and solar PV panels; biosecurity measures incorporated into the scheme include a double fence with wire stockfence and electric top wire and hedge planting around bull grazing fields. Environmental Minister Paul Wheelhouse, who officially opened the stud at Inverness in April, said: “The Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme is vital for our crofters, giving them access to high quality, healthy bulls which ensures they can provide quality calves to improve the productivity of crofts and boost the supply of premium product for the Scottish beef industry. “The modernised stud provides quality modern accommodation for the bulls, which

is more fit for purpose with an increased emphasis on health and safety, and we have optimised the bulls’ welfare needs. “But the stud also showcases the latest biosecurity and environmental measures, many of which could be adopted by farmers throughout Scotland as they carry out work on their own farms.” The construction project offered a range of community benefits, including creating three new apprenticeships and supporting five existing apprentices. As well as this, 15 local construction students undertook a programme of work placements while others undertook a series of Get Ready for Work placements. The Main Contractor for the project was Robertson Construction and the Regional Managing Director, Frank Reid, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with this project, which has been delivered on time and on budget. “Investing in a properly skilled workforce is one of our key priorities. As a result of our involvement in the Bull Stud Modernisation Project, we have been able to take on a number of new apprentices and also employ an undergraduate student quantity surveyor who will complete her degree while working for us. “We’ve also worked with our subcontractors to introduce training plans for their staff and operatives as part of their contracts with us.” Crofting Commission Convener Susan Walker

described the opening of the refurbished facility as a ‘vital investment in the future of the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme’. She said: “Crofters throughout the crofting counties will feel encouraged that Scottish Government listened to the calls for the bull scheme to be retained. The investment in this new facility demonstrates the government’s increasing commitment to crofting and a recognition of the contribution crofting can continue to make by producing high quality animals for Scotland’s food industry. “The new facilities at Knocknagael will give crofters access to pedigree bulls, helping to maintain and grow the quality of crofters’ herds and production of store and breeding animals. This long-term commitment to crofting cattle production reflects a most welcome understanding by the Scottish Government of what such a scheme can deliver for the economy, environment, and people in the crofting counties.” In 2012, 102 bulls were hired out to 88 groups with approximately 400 beneficiaries. This season, 97 bulls will be hired out to 84 groups, again with approximately 400 beneficiaries. A Crofters’ Bull Hire Scheme has been funded and operated by the government since 1897, enabling crofters to access high quality bulls and supply quality calves to the beef industry throughout Scotland.


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We are a technical consultancy providing a wide range of structural and civil engineering consultancy services to private clients and business throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom. We are also heavily involved in Civil Engineering Design for a number of Hydro Schemes. We offer a high standard of service and with our professional approach we can ensure that the project are completed on track, on budget.

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78 King Street, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 3HB Tel: 01764 655459 Fax: 01764 655689 Email: info@campbellofdoune.co.uk Website: www.campbellofdoune.co.uk

Campbell of Doune Ltd. stems from a family business engaged in drystone dyking and well sinking then wire fencing, blacksmithing and timber sawmilling, which began in the 1800s and continues in the hands of the 5th generation today.


PROFILE BS

Historic Scotland

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Long-term 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. One of Historic Scotland’s major programmes of work is East Ayrshire Council’s Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). Aimed at promoting, preserving and enhancing the traditional character and appearance of properties in Kilmarnock, Cumnock, and most recently Galston, CARS makes grant aid available to commercial and residential properties. While the Kilmarnock and Cumnock schemes have been in operation for some time, new plans to regenerate Galston were unveiled at a public launch in May. The meeting included a presentation from the Galston Community Development Trust, a charity set up in 2012 to oversee Galston’s future development.

Like the other two towns, Galston is home to many fine buildings of historic and architectural value, but time, weathering and prohibitive costs of repairs have led to some falling into disrepair. CARS offers grant assistance, support and advice to building owners, enabling them to carry out sympathetic repairs, fitting them for use in the 21st century. Jointly funded by East Ayrshire Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland, all work is undertaken by experienced contractors following strict guidelines as to materials and methods used. By making buildings wind and water tight, repairing roofs, guttering and windows, business and residential properties can be given a new lease of life. In Kilmarnock, John Finnie Street is the beautifully refurbished opera house building, complete with stunning windows designed by local school pupils as part of a CARS education project. Part of the Victorian streetscape, the building initially opened as an opera house in the 1870s and went through a variety of uses including a hotel, nightclub and pub. It was destroyed by fire in the late 1980s with just the impressive sandstone facade remaining. Rebuilding the façade took considerable skill. Although it had been propped up for years, there were no proper foundations so the wall had to be supported while foundations were built underneath. The successful restoration is now complete, with the building finding

a new lease of life as modern offices housing several departments of East Ayrshire Council employees. Regeneration is all about revitalising town centres. Close to the Opera House is the Johnnie Walker Bond, a former bonded whisky warehouse which now houses 300 East Ayrshire staff. Bringing these two town centre buildings back into use has enabled the Council to rationalise its property portfolio, closing and selling off several uneconomic peripheral offices and bringing staff into one location with better working conditions, lower running costs and gives better communications. The buildings have been deliberately built without catering facilities to encourage staff go out at lunchtime, increasing footfall in the town centre and boosting local shops, coffee shops and eateries. Bank Street, which runs parallel to John Finnie Street follows a medieval pattern with a huge range of independently owned shops. Competition from the internet had affected some traders, however, with the increased vibrancy brought by the CARS projects new businesses have been encouraged to open and it is now one of very few streets in Scotland which enjoys 100% occupancy. The CARS policy is working because it is continuing to draw people into the town centre, and into regenerated and renovated buildings. Aside from office accommodation, the continued page 30 >


CHARACTER JOINERY community facilities. All Windows Doors and Shopfronts on the development were manufactured and supplied by Character Joinery By drawing on the timeless language of traditional design, Knockroon is built to last and will continue to look beautiful for decades to come.

Based in Kilmarnock, Character Joinery has been trading for more than 30 years and has great experience of specialising in all aspects of timber products. Working with architects, contractors, local authorities and private customers, Character Joinery offers an expert approach to joinery and wood working with infinite attention to detail and finish quality, while also working within the current building regulations. The Company also offers expert advice on conservation and listed building projects, and can supply products to anywhere in the UK. Character Joinery is a traditionally skilled bespoke joinery workshop that trades from a fully equipped 10,000sq ft manufacturing workshop staffed by time-served bench hand joiners and cabinet makers. It allows Character Joinery to undertake the majority of manufacturing and fabrication within its own workshops, keeping as much control as possible under one roof before the Company’s team of professional fitters progress with installation.

The Dumfries House Outdoor Centre & Cook School contract meant being involved with The Prince’s Charities Foundation and has been a huge honour for Character Joinery, who supplied the case and sash windows, doorsets, plantation shutters and even the Commercial Kitchen in the Outdoor Centre. This Contract is ongoing in that Character Joinery is currently manufacturing a wide range of bespoke furniture designed by Kelvin Murray of Character Joinery and commissioned by Dumfries House which is a great testament to the Company given the heritage of quality furniture at Dumfries House. The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayr is another development that stands out. Working with the National Trust for Scotland, this was a completely new museum project involving architects and contractors that Character Joinery worked alongside to produce all windows, door sets, shutters and the unusually shaped Cottage Ticket Office which was a challenge for the design team! This level of success will ensure that Character Joinery is Ayrshire’s bespoke joinery specialist for years to come.

Because every job is individual to each customer’s requirements, Character Joinery’s services vary, but all contracts benefit from a range of expertly delivered joinery services. These include initial consultation and site survey, CAD proposals for any plans and elevations that may be required for visualising, using the latest Autodesk software; detailed specifications and quotations, traditional case & sash/casement windows, individually designed door sets, custom designed free standing and fitted furniture, and bespoke services. Character Joinery has provided its high quality services to a wide range of projects. Two significant developments have been Dumfries House Outdoor Centre & Cook School along with the Knockroon Housing Development in East Ayrshire. Knockroon is a new community built on Dumfries House Estate. With a network of paths leading to the house and the many facilities of the estate itself, it has a wide mix of sizes and types of homes, shops, businesses and

Contact details: www.characterjoinery.co.uk

Tel: 01563 531411 e-mail post@characterjoinery.co.uk


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CARS scheme is helping create retail and residential opportunities. The “Paper Roses” building in John Finnie Street had become semi derelict as tenants moved out and shop units within the magnificent sandstone block shut down. Thanks to CARS, the owners have been able to tackle numerous structural issues and will be opening up long boarded up windows and shop units on the ground floor and creating eight one-bedroom flats for sale or rent. Councillor Jim Buchanan, spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, East Ayrshire Council, said: “This development epitomises what regeneration is all about. The restoration work is maintaining and creating jobs for local craftsmen and keeping traditional skills alive. “At the same time, the building is being preserved and fitted out for modern needs. The creation of eight flats and three shop units is in keeping with our policy of encouraging town centre living, giving opportunities for businesses and restoring vibrancy in the heart of our community.” Many of the projects have been run with schools in the area. Children are encouraged to think about their built heritage, its past and how we must look after it in future. In the Opera House, Kilmarnock Academy

pupils designed murals with their school art department and the developer Klin Group to reflect the history of the building. In Cumnock, a group of Cumnock Academy pupils are helping to build a house at Knockroon, a sustainable, eco-friendly community being built in conjunction with The Prince’s Foundation for Building and Hope Homes. They have been involved in the design and build work, learning skills such as bricklaying and plastering as part of their curriculum in conjunction with Cumnock College. All contractors used within CARS have to comply with traditional skills. East Ayrshire Council and Historic Scotland run skills courses with the Scottish Lime Centre Trust to up-skill students, local builders and building owners. The courses include such skills as lime plastering, lime mortar, and how to work with traditional materials in a traditional way. For some of the buildings, the use of cement renders stopped the fabric from “breathing” causing damp and dry rot. Using traditional methods safeguards the buildings for the future using the correct materials, which make them better able to function. For some buildings, such as the Opera House and the Johnnie Walker Bond, while the

traditional façades remain, they are now entirely modern inside. In many cases, old fashioned internal layouts prove unsuitable for modern use. CARS enables them to be remodelled internally making them more viable for business or residential use. The knock on economic benefits of the projects are felt throughout the community. For local contractors the contracts have kept their workforce in jobs at a time when the building industry is facing a difficult climate. For businesses themselves being able to repair and upgrade their buildings at an affordable rate lifts a financial burden and provides better premises for themselves, their customers and their employees Complimenting the CARS projects Kilmarnock has also benefited from the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which has improved public spaces. Streets have been cobbled and new street furniture, street lighting and CCTV make the environment feel safer and more inviting, helping people and businesses make the most of our precious built heritage.


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

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Currie Brothers Ltd 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

Roofing

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econstruct design & build Econstruct Design & Build is a multi-disciplinary Planning, Design and Development Company Econstruct Planning – our experienced team of chartered town planners offer a range of consultancy advice to clients from small scale domestic extensions and new build homes to the more complex planning issues involved in commercial projects, large scale residential and master planning. Our planning service includes:

Econstruct Architecture - our in house qualified architects, designers and surveyors offer a wealth of experience from traditional design to more contemporary design approaches. Our aim is to develop unique designs to meet the changing demands of modern living and working. Our architectural service includes:

Econstruct Build - our all trades team are long serving and skilled craftsmen who are polite, respectful and care about our reputation ensuring that every one of our clients receive quality, reliability and value. We aim to to build environments that fully reflect the lifestyle budget and functional needs, both now and in the future. Our building service includes:

Pre Planning Advice Planning Submissions Strategic & Master-planning Regeneration and Environmental Improvement Public Realm & Landscape Design Planning & Design Guidance Community Engagement

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www.econstructdb.com 31


COMMUNITY BS

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service

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New training facility in Cambuslang Thanks to the hard work of Lend Lease, the £22M state-of-the-art building serves Strathclyde Fire & Rescue (SFR) with distinction. The training centre in Cambuslang, south Lanarkshire, consists of bespoke facilities designed to address the specific training needs of SFR while also being available for sharing with external stakeholders. It spans 30 acres, took 77 weeks to build, and was completed on schedule. Lend Lease marked the safe and successful project completion, with Scottish boss Gordon Anderson presenting SFR Assistant Chief Officer Robert Scott with the keys to the breathtaking 5,000sq m academic building. In doing so, they were joined by five apprentices – Alan Petrie, David Breen, Connor McNeil, Darren Milligan and Robert Love – whose electrician and engineer roles were created thanks to Clydesmill Accord agreed by SFR and its construction partners. Gordon Anderson, Executive General Manager for Lend Lease in Scotland, said: “We are immensely proud of this stunning new academic building, which will help position Strathclyde Fire & Rescue as a truly world leading service. “It also demonstrates the capability of Lend Lease in Scotland, in delivering an often complex project to the stated schedule and budget and to the safest and highest possible standard. “Every bit as pleasing has been the fulfilment by Lend Lease and sub-contractors to create 15 apprentice positions during the course of construction. We are committed to helping young people into work through apprentice schemes.” The project comprised of the design and build of the training facilities and realistic urban environment for SFR,

which serves more than two million people across a 14,000sq km area including island communities. The new facilities consist of a two-storey academic base, a facilities building with an eight-bay fire appliance garage and three practical training zones. These have been fitted out to allow SFR to create real life scenarios, which can stimulate different fire types within the building. The three zones are residential, transport and industrial. The residential zone has detached and semi-detached houses, a multi-storey building, a tenement building and a church. The transport zone has a section of motorway and railway line complete with platform, level crossing and tunnel, while the industrial zone has a petrochemical plant and laboratory. The project was designed to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating and additional sustainability factors include sustainable urban drainage ponds and drainage, wind turbine, biomass boiler and re-use of aggregate from enabling works. Strict air tightness requirements were set for the academic building. As many as 15 fire crews, each with their own fire engine, are able to train at once. Inside the central training building, a dummy fire command centre has been set up to allow high ranking officers to practice emergency tactics. The facility also has a fire behaviour unit where firefighters can be trained to deal with flash-overs and other forms of fire behaviour. In addition to the bespoke incident command training suite within the academic building, there are also lecture rooms, library, canteen and meeting facilities. Created in a controlled environment, the

components were delivered to the site for efficient installation. Minimising site works, this approach offered a more efficient delivery method as well as a safer method of working as hot works and working at height are significantly reduced. In addition, waste is minimised and quality control can be carefully monitored with every component tested before being delivered to site. SFR was established in April 2013, bringing together the collective skills and experience from across Scotland’s previous eight fire and rescue services. The best way to deal with an emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place, and SFR’s role starts long before any 999 call is made. The Organisation works in close partnership with local communities right across Scotland to deliver crucial safety messages in the fight against fire. When emergencies do occur, staff members are ready and equipped to respond, attending tens of thousands of specialist service and road traffic incidents every year as well as a wide range of fires. The high standards have demanded an ever-increasing commitment to development and all firefighters continue to be amongst the best equipped and most highly trained in the world. SFR’s aspiration is that by working together for a safer Scotland, it can help reduce the incidence of fire. The Uaill training centre in Cambuslang is one of two facilities for SFR among a select group named in this year’s Low Carbon Building Awards, published by Carbon Trust Scotland. The other project is at Kilwinning Community Fire Station in north Ayrshire. SFR Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “The inclusion of two of our facilities recognises continued page 34 >


enquiries@curtismoore.co.uk

curtismoore.co.uk


the great efforts made to improve energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint. “Uniformed and support staff rightly take great pride in being part of an organisation that plays a positive role in all aspects of the communities we serve, and this is a clear example of that spirit in action.

“Environmental issues are obviously at the heart of what the fire service does. Our personnel are tasked with safely and efficiently putting out fires, preventing them from starting in the first place, responding to incidents involving hazardous materials and a wide range of other emergencies.

“Both Uaill and Kilwinning have been specially designed to save energy, which not only benefits the environment but also reduces the cost to taxpayers.” Designed by Cooper Cromar, the Cambuslang facility was officially opened in January 2013.

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Celebrating 60 years of delivering training buildings to the British Fire Service

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We have installed over 150 Fire Drill Training Towers in all the regions of Scotland, from training centres to remote retained stations in the Highlands and Islands. These range from the basic FT55 to the scenario-rich FT96CFH model, now based at Cambuslang, with similar versions at Inverness and Dundee Fire Stations. We always welcome the opportunity to work with the Scottish Fire Service to create or adapt a design and deliver a Training Tower or Building to meet modern training requirements. Crofton Engineering Limited: Cambridge Road, Linton, Cambridge CB21 4NN

T (+44) (0)1223 892138 F (+44) (0)1223 893547 E info@crofton-eng.co.uk w www.crofton-eng.co.uk


BS CIVIL

Tay Road Bridge Structurally secured future 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 ÂŁ680M. Work started on site in March 2012 and comprised of the installation of 60m long steel tubular driven piles and the utilisation 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.

Fabrication and installation of precast concrete shell units, weighing between 250 and 300 tonnes each, was required 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 in close proximity to the Bridge and highly visible to users. The Road Bridge remained open and safe to traffic and pedestrians throughout the project. 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 in the form of employment and training opportunities for local people. The site was registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, showing the commitment to operating with consideration for the environment and the local community. The Main Contractor for the project was VolkerStevin Marine, who completed the work within noise limits set out by the adjacent local authorities.

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sales@scaffoldingsales.co.uk 35


LEISURE BS

Abbotsford House The Abbotsford Trust is determined to ensure that Sir Walter Scott’s internationally important legacy, as symbolised through Abbotsford, not only survives but succeeds in ensuring that people throughout the United Kingdom and all over the world continue to learn about Scott. The Trust has embarked upon an ambitious and visionary programme to reinvigorate and redevelop the house, collections and remaining estate. Through the creation of a new visitor centre at Abbotsford and the upgrading of the whole visitor experience, the Trust aims to encapsulate the story of Sir Walter Scott and articulate it in a way that will appeal to a modern Scottish and international audience. Work has also been undertaken to secure

the long-term maintenance of the collections and the library through improvised security and environmental conditions. The visitor centre is architecturally striking and highly sustainable, including extensive external works all within the existing wooded area. It provides a range of facilities and amenities including reception, ticketing and shop together with a cafe and terrace, conference and multi-purpose room and associated office, kitchen and ancillary space. There are exhibition spaces and an interpretation to introduce the story of Sir Walter Scott and Abbotsford. A key component of the project is the development of high quality holiday accommodation in the Hope-Scott wing

of the house. This will provide the Trust with an important additional income stream, while creating a new way in which potential visitors will be able to engage in the heritage through the unique experience of staying at Abbotsford. The visitor centre opened in August 2012, while the main house at Abbotsford which closed the following month to allow for repairs on the fabric of the building, development of the accommodation wing, new educational facilities and improved visitor access – will reopen in July 2013. Designed by LDN Architects, the Main Contractor for the main house is M & J Ballantyne, and Borders Construction built the visitor centre.

Matheson Plumbing Company Ltd is delighted to be working with M & J Ballantine Ltd and to be associated with Abbotsford House restoration

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BS COMMERCIAL

Forth Replacement Crossing Contact and Education Centre and Traffic Scotland Control Centre Diverse internal function with elegant architecture Image by Chris Watt Photography

piled solution was chosen, which offered substantial advantages in programme, buildability and sustainability terms. A two-storey steel frame construction is adopted with columns positioned to optimise opportunities for future reconfiguration of the internal accommodation. Overall stability is provided by concealed stiff vertical braced bays extending over the height of the building, located within internal partitions and within the external wall cladding. The ground floor comprises of the publicly accessible reception, lifts, stairs, toilets, disabled toilets as well as private staff office, staff restroom and locker room (with toilets, shower and changing facilities), meeting rooms, server room and plant rooms. On the first floor, there is a public exhibition area, Traffic Scotland control room, resilience room, office, and plant room containing a rainwater harvesting system. The staff private staircase allows easy access to the upper level when visitors are present. Visitors are deliberately circulated in the other direction directly off the reception with toilet and disabled facilities adjacent. Visitors travel up to the main exhibition area, which affords unrivalled views out towards the three Forth bridges. The secure control room is to the east of the exhibition area, but visitors

will have opportunities to be onlookers to the activities within the control room thanks to the large and high acoustic viewing window between the rooms. Finally, the programmatic relationships between the varied and diverse internal functions have been rigorously assessed to maximise the efficiencies within the building footprint. The project has benefited greatly from the expertise of Arup, who designed the state-of-the-art facility. Work was completed in December 2012, and the Contact and Education Centre public area was opened a month later, while April saw the official opening of the TSCC.

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Staff at Transport Scotland are now benefiting from the brand new, stateof-the-art, mixed-use facility that houses both public and private spaces. The two-storey building has been designed to accommodate a Contact and Education Centre for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) construction works and the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre (TSCC). The building provides a permanent working space for Traffic Scotland’s needs alongside a public environment designed to provide a flexible gallery and consultation space for Transport Scotland both during and after the completion of FRC – which will complete by the end of 2016. The exhibition room public facility, with a capacity of around 100 people, will be used for community engagement and educational purposes for both the young and old alike, promoting civil engineering and associated disciplines on the back of the huge undertaking that is the FRC project. The room contains displays and models providing a wide range of information around the development and construction of the project including recently completed Advance Works contracts and, in particular, the under construction FRC Principal Contract, which includes the new bridge across the Forth Estuary and its associated connecting roads. The exhibition room public facility will display information from the FRC Advance Works contracts, as well as the under construction FRC principal contract involving the development of the new bridge across the River Forth along with the associated connecting roads. Located in Queensferry, the TSCC is located at the crest of the hill from the shoreline and therefore sits in a prominent position on the horizon that allows clear and uninterrupted views onto the River Forth and the three iconic bridges. Built on land that was previously a car park, the extensively glazed north façade makes the building stand out. The glazed elevation is subject to the full force of the wind from the Firth of Forth and strict design limits were set out to ensure that deflection of the structural steel frame was compatible with allowable glazing movement tolerances. Built by Dawn Construction Ltd, a driven


EDUCATION BS

St James’ Primary School

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Part of a multi-million facility Work has started on a new, combined £15.5M school and education facility in Renfrew. Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan and Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of the Council’s Education Policy Board, donned hard hats and dug in with pupils to celebrate the ‘cutting of the soil’ of the new St James’ Primary School, Moorpark Pre-5 Centre and Community Learning Centre. The new facilities will mirror the already opened Park Mains High School by making use of flexible learning spaces to support innovative approaches to teaching and learning. There will also be opportunities for outdoor learning on the site adjacent to the existing school. Councillor Mark Macmillan said: “The cutting of the soil marks the start of an investment which will boost education and learning for the whole community it will serve. “These will be great facilities for current pupils and for future generations.” Councillor Jacqueline Henry added: “The new school will provide a stimulating educational environment that will better support the new ways of learning and teaching in the 21st century. “You can already sense the enthusiasm of the pupils, staff and the local community who will reap the benefits in the long term.” Margaret Convery, Head Teacher of St James’ Primary, joined pupils at the soil cutting ceremony. She said: “We are all looking forward to the completion of our new school, community learning centre and Pre-5 Centre. “Pupils and staff are all excited about this development and eager to move into the new building and sample the new facilities.” Located in a predominantly residential area, the joint campus is being built on Porterfield Road on the site of the old Moorpark Primary.

It’s all part of £20M plan for schools in the CBC is an indigenous family owned Scottish north of the town. Moorpark Primary closed contractor working across all market sectors. at the end of the school term in June 2010 As a progressive and modern thinking and pupils and staff from Kirklandneuk Company, CBC has adapted its business Primary School switched to the Porterfield systems and trained the workforce on Road building in October 2010 while an ongoing basis to meet the changing their school was upgraded. It reopened and challenging times of the industry. after £5M worth of improvements. The Company benefits from a number of The Moorpark Primary building will be partnering and framework arrangements demolished to make way for the new with clients, and also a number of St James’ Primary, community learning informal but similar arrangements in centre, and nursery, while the existing place with key supply chain partners. St James’ Primary building will stay open CBC’s work at St James’ Primary will provide while the building work is carried out. modern facilities for the whole campus. The main entrance to the school will be Designed by Renfrewshire Council, the from Brown Street South where the parent new school, community learning centre, drop-off will be, while buses will use and Pre-5 Centre will open in April 2014. the entrance on Victoria Drive Street. The new development was required because some of the buildings needed an increasing level of maintenance and had a low occupancy rate, as well as high running costs. The Main Contractor for the Service • Quality • Service project is Central Building (Glasgow) Contractors Ltd, a WITH OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN progressive, privately owned Scottish construction company PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION founded more than 40 years ago by owner and Chairman Sir Jack Harvie CBE. Managed from the head office in Glasgow, and with an area office 36 MILTON RD in Edinburgh, the Company has COLLEGE MILTON developed from a strong base in EAST KILBRIDE, G74 5BU construction and refurbishment to provide total property solutions. These encompass construction, TEL 01355579355 design and construction, MCGRATTAN PILING LTD, 301 Glentanar Road, FAX 01355570715 property development, stone Balmore Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G22 7XS Tel: 0141 336 3118 Fax: 0141 336 8330 WEB www.universalfp.com masonry, landscaping and e-mail: info@mcgrattanpiling.com www.mcgrattanpiling.com grounds maintenance, synthetic EMAIL info@universalfp.com and natural sports surfaces, and property maintenance.

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BS LEISURE

Malmaison Hotel Revitalising one of Dundee’s most significant structures the top. It’s eye-catching, with its wrought challenges throughout the project, mainly iron balustrade all the way up, and this involving putting a modern offering has been refurbished. It is the most into an old building. The project was significant original feature in the building. procured as a design and build contract The upper floors were previously standard with Interserve as the Main Contractor. Victorian style, whereas on the first floor, With completion on schedule for August which featured the primary public areas such 2013, the work has been a huge success. as a restaurant and drawing rooms, the decoration was a little more lavish on the cornices and other features. Standing six-storeys tall, the construction is a mixture of iron column and beam structure, while the outer skin is load DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING bearing masonry. SHORING & PROPPING - FACADE RETENTION The Architect for 24HR WELDING - ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEELWORK the development 39 / 51 Bluevale Street, Glasgow, G31 1QQ is Curious, who T: 0141 550 3248 F: 0141 550 3248 E: enquiries@bluevalestructures.co.uk has had to www.bluevalestructures.co.uk deal with many

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Located on Whitehall Crescent in Dundee, the new Malmaison Hotel is a striking listed building that is being refurbished to create the 91-bedroom hotel. Formerly the Tay Hotel, the landmark building was constructed in 1889. The Tay Hotel had fallen into disrepair after being closed, and for the last 15 years it has lay derelict and empty. In keeping with the prestigious Malmaison brand, the structure has been redeveloped to create an international standard lifestyle boutique hotel. Built by Interserve, the Hotel will have a brassiere and function area, as well as a new bar on the ground floor with some outdoor seating. As part of the conservation project, sash and casement windows have been replaced, as have the large feature timber shutters on the ground and first floors. A feature lead dome on the building’s roof has been overhauled and re-lined with new lead. There is a large feature stair in the building that is a very grand five level structure in an atrium with a copula style rooflight at


PROFILE BS

GS Brown Providing a comprehensive building service Formed in 1970, GS Brown Construction has built an enviable reputation for its high quality homes, craftsmanship and excellent standards of customer care. Led by a strong and dedicated management team with a wealth of knowledge and experience, the Company’s workforce is well known for its professionalism, skills and courtesy. In more than 40 years of business, the Chairman and co-founder, Geoff Brown, has moulded the Company into the innovative, technically advanced and community-based success that it is today. Having built numerous homes throughout Scotland, GS Brown devote the same attention to detail and employ the same standards of workmanship to every house that is built. The Company seek to ensure all properties are not only comfortable homes, but also valuable investments. All houses are planned for modern day living, with energy efficiency and quality

finishings being major factors at the and now boasts an excellent thermal design stage. Clients are given as much envelope and efficient heating system. choice as possible and every new home is The larger office space includes an open backed by a ten-year NHBC certificate. plan working area with four generous A complete building service is offered, sized offices and a storage room. with experience in many areas of the This two-month project also incorporated market including household repairs, sustainable measures such as timber insurance related work, housing renovation frame construction of the extension, grants, local authority work, commercial while underfloor heating and a properties and property extensions. Worcester boiler were also installed. The Company completed work in December GS Brown’s success is continuing, with 2012 to extend office accommodation diversification to provide comprehensive and car parking facilities for Ian Macleod building services in response to Distillers at Russell House in Broxburn. changes within the housing market. This was required due to the continued growth of the distillery R. F. Blackhall & Partners business. This Structural, Civil & Geotechnical Engineers resulted in larger www.rfbp.co.uk office space, which kept the form of the existing building Domestic & Commercial SERS Certification NHBC Registered CDM Co-ordinator Structural Surveys Topographical Surveys

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BS HOUSING

Maryhill Locks Putting people and places at the core of a new community the designs of which respond positively Designed by Hypostyle Architects and to the latest Designing Streets guidance. built by City Building, work on Phase II is All work is being undertaken for Maryhill complete and has taken the Association’s Housing Association, which is a charitable, housing stock way past the 3,000 mark. community-based housing association By 2015, residents and visitors from operating in Maryhill and Ruchill to improve across Glasgow and beyond will recognise and build, manage and maintain houses. Maryhill Locks as a special place and The Association began in the Eastpark will be drawn to the area to enjoy its area of Maryhill. From there, it spread to unique setting and attraction. cover other areas such as the Burgh Hall area, the Village area, Garrioch and Ruchill. Members of the management committee come from all of those areas. When the Association started out in 1977, it was known as Eastpark Housing Association. A year later, in December 1978, the first contract at 15 Leyden Street involving eight flats went on site. The Association celebrated 35 years of service last year, during which time it has housed a wide section of the community. It includes housing for all sizes of family, sheltered and amenity housing for the elderly, wheelchair users, and a few houses for people with Old Mill Park, Glasgow Rd, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 1SS learning difficulties enquiries@mcnairs.co.uk or profound www.mcnairs.co.uk physical handicap.

0141-777-8080

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Maryhill Housing Association’s vision for the future is taking shape at Maryhill Locks, which has moved another step closer to its final target of providing 800 residential units in an exemplar and sustainable community within Glasgow. Work will provide regeneration of this inner city Glasgow site at Gairbraid Avenue, which is a short distance from the main artery of Maryhill Road, connecting the area to the wider city. The site lies within the area of Maryhill known as The Valley. It is bounded by various types of residential development to the south, and by the Forth & Clyde Canal to the north east. One of the main features of the site is the challenging topography that rises steeply from Gairbraid Avenue to a peak at the north of Burnhouse Street, before dropping down towards the canal at the north east. Maryhill Locks Phase II has recently completed and is one of only 11 projects awarded Scottish Sustainable Community status by the Scottish Government – an initiative that aims to create places that are ambitious and inspiring, raising standards and developing skills in design, architecture and sustainable construction. This phase has provided 125 homes, with 106 for social rent and the remaining 19 for the New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) initiative or mid-market rent. NSSE is a Scottish Government initiative that helps people who would not otherwise be able to purchase by providing grant assistance. Before this phase, the first provided 35 homes for social rent, putting Maryhill Locks well on its way to becoming an urban village. Supported by ancillary shops and community facilities, this project showcases the ambition to create an urban village by delivering a rich mix of housing from one-bedroom apartments through to family houses, at the level of each individual street,


PROFILE BS

Miller Homes Homes of the highest specification Miller Homes has improved its housing portfolio over recent years to continue its reputation as one of the UK’s housing developers. One development is Graysmill Dell - one of the most desirable neighbourhoods of Edinburgh. It is ideally placed to take advantage of Edinburgh’s superb waterside walks and cycle paths. The picturesque Craiglockhart Dell, Craiglockhart Hill and Colinton Dell are just short walks away. For more organised sporting activities, the Craiglockhart Sports Centre, with its Pulse Centre gym and diverse sports amenities, is noted for the excellence of its tennis facilities and regularly hosts major events. The development consists of two six-bedroom villas, and six fivebedroom villas, as well as The Mews, which will soon be launched. The six-bedroom villas are the Lorimer, with a fascinating exterior that is a triumph of harmonious architecture, with its balcony tucked under the long sweeping roof, and its inviting entrance arch giving a taste of the quality within. Inside the accommodation more than lives up to the promise through the dramatically long, light drawing room, with feature fireplace, wonderful angled gallery landing and the magnificent kitchen/breakfast area that leads straight out onto the garden. The separate guest suite provides flexible accommodation for guests or teenagers to relax in their own space. It has six double bedrooms, three ensuite shower rooms and one with a bath, an

additional bathroom on the top floor, family room, practical home office, or play room. room with French doors leading into the Woodilee Village is also a stand-out garden, box bay window to drawing room development for Miller Homes. Located and a detached double garage with upper on the grounds of the former Woodilee floor, home to a guest suite, with shower Hospital and chosen for its attractive room and garden store to the lower level. landscape and wonderfully convenient Victoria Park Gardens is also a significant location, Woodilee Village offers a range part of the Miller portfolio. Just a short walk of four- and five- bedroom detached family from the lively town centre of Airdrie and homes, six miles north of Glasgow. in easy commuting range of both Glasgow Half of Woodilee Village is dedicated and Edinburgh, Victoria Park Gardens is to green space including woodland a spacious development that combines walks and children’s play areas. contemporary homes of exceptional quality All house types have chrome taps and full with open green areas designed to foster a height tiling around showers in bathrooms real sense of neighbourhood and welcome. and ensuites, while security is assured with There are a mixture of two-, three-, multi-point locking front door, making four-, and five-bedroom homes at the Woodilee Village an ideal place to live. development, four of which are twobedroom semi-detached houses. The imaginative design of the Medway, with its staircase integrated into an open plan layout, brings a remarkable sense of space as well as adding character to the We are pleased to be associated with lounge, producing a stimulating Miller Homes and wish them continued success. room that offers great scope for creative décor and furnishing. ● Metal Stud Partitions The second bedroom can be ● Cornice Work used as a guest ●

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BS CIVIL

Clyde Gateway Site servicing in Rigby Street engineering industries that made Glasgow such as the removal and safe disposal of and the Clyde famous the world over. invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, But over the past 50 years, almost all Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, as of those industries have disappeared, well as treatment and disposal of significant and at the same time, the number of quantities of various contaminated material. people living in the area has fallen. Delivered by RJ McLeod, work Large parts of these communities started in September 2011 and experienced decades of neglect in was completed in May 2013. comparison to many other areas of Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Much of this was down to the sheer scale of the complex problems caused by the legacy of the old industries, including land conditions, pollution and contamination. Clyde Gateway brings a shared vision for change and an agreed delivery method from all of the partners that brings investment from Inspection and Railway the public and Testing Services Installations private sectors into infrastructure, offices, workspaces and houses. Clyde Gateway enjoys a fantastic location close to the heart of Glasgow city centre and on Members of NICEIC and LINKUP approved the banks of one SELECT, we offer a range of contractors with PTS trained of the world’s most electrical testing facilities. operatives famous rivers. The Edmiston Brown & Co Electrical Contractors are proud to be historic Glasgow associated with RJ McLeod in providing Street lighting and Cross, at one time Power to the Glasgow Gateway-Rigby Street Development. the very centre of the city, is just one Edmiston Brown & Co. Limited mile away from 278 Whitehill Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow G31 3EN the boundary of Telephone 0141-554 2891 Fax 0141 - 556 3400 Clyde Gateway. Work at Rigby Street has seen important issues dealt with

EDMISTON BROWN Electrical Engineers

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Work was completed in May on behalf of Clyde Gateway Developments Ltd on its site on Rigby Street in Glasgow. The works were located on a site spanning almost four hectares in the east end of the city, and saw the establishment of a purpose built, fully serviced site for approximately 54 semi-permanent mobile home plots with the provision of a 6,300sq m parking area for HGVs and trailers. Work consisted of site clearance and remediation works, earthworks and platforming, framework landscaping, reinforced concrete retaining structures, removal of 1,000cu m of silt from, and repairs to, the Camlachie Burn culvert, roadworks and provision of drainage. The contaminated brownfield site required treatment and disposal of hydrocarbon impacted soil, invasive species, industrial dyes and asbestos. The site at Rigby Street was formerly occupied by a steelworks and chemical factory, but had become derelict in recent years so the renovation has brought about much needed regeneration. Work has been undertaken for Clyde Gateway – a specially created urban regeneration company covering 840 hectares across the east end of Glasgow, including Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Rutherglen and Shawfield in south Lanarkshire. The area has been identified within the National Planning Framework as Scotland’s top regeneration priority. Working in partnership with Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise – with Scottish Government funding - Clyde Gateway was established in December 2007 to drive forward the massive 20-year investment programme. The Company’s task is to lead the way in achieving unparalleled social, economic and physical change in an area equivalent in size to 1,200 football pitches. In years gone by, the communities which lie within Clyde Gateway were an integral part of the shipbuilding, textiles and heavy


CIVIL BS

Forth Replacement Crossing

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Reaching significant milestones The Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) is a major infrastructure project for Scotland, designed to safeguard a vital connection in the country’s transport network. It has received significant investment and maintenance over its lifetime, but the current bridge has been showing signs of deterioration for some time and is not suitable as the main long-term crossing of the Firth of Forth. The FRC is designed to safeguard this vital cross-Forth connection in Scotland’s transport network. A new, upgraded motorway junction opened recently, ahead of schedule as part of the ongoing FRC project. The new M9 Junction 1a will provide significantly better connections for traffic using the road network in West Lothian and to the north west of Edinburgh, in turn helping relieve local communities of strategic traffic. The new £26.5M junction completes the second of the three main contracts to deliver the vital FRC, following the opening of the upgraded M90 in Fife in December 2012. The Intelligence Transport System (ITS) was launched on the M90 in Fife on Tuesday 4th December, creating a dedicated bus lane and also variable speed limits that will be used during periods of congestion to smooth traffic flow, cut jams and make journey times more reliable. The system features 17 new gantries and traffic sensors built into the road, which automatically detect when congestion is likely and vary the mandatory speed limit to help keep drivers moving. This is the first time such a system has been used in Scotland. Similar ‘managed motorways’ have been successfully implemented in England, on the M25 and M42. The bridge itself is well on course to open in 2016 and this year will see the permanent bridge structure begin to appear from the waters of the Forth. Minister for Transport and Veterans Keith Brown said: “This excellent news is yet more evidence of this government’s commitment to investing in Scotland’s infrastructure and delivering ahead of time and ahead of budget wherever it can. “The entire FRC scheme comprises nearly 14 miles of new or upgraded road. It was always more than just a bridge project and I’m delighted we are going to complete the road upgrades to the north and south of the Forth ahead of schedule so people can start to benefit from this vital project as early as possible. “Completing M9 Junction 1a means drivers

will now have much improved motorwaystandard connections between the current road bridge and the M9, improving accessibility to West Lothian and traffic coming from the west via the M8. “Importantly, it should encourage drivers who currently use local roads to avoid congestion to use the improved junction and, in turn, relieve communities of the strategic traffic they regularly have to endure.” The work, carried out on Transport Scotland’s behalf by Sisk Roadbridge, has seen previous connections between the M9 and the M9 Spur enhanced to provide two lanes and a hard shoulder to assist traffic flow. To complement these improvements, the section of the M9 north of Newbridge Roundabout has been improved with an additional lane being added in both directions from the River Almond bridge to M9 Junction 1a. The scheme includes a southbound hard shoulder bus lane from the M9 Spur (now the M90) to Newbridge, which will save buses up to 20 minutes in the peak periods. The opening also completes Phase II of the FRC ITS system roll-out with Phase III completing in 2016. The new cable-stayed bridge will have three slender single column towers and will be 2.7km long, including viaducts. The road carried by the bridge will act as a motorway. The bridge deck will carry two lanes of traffic in each direction and hard shoulders to ensure that breakdowns, incidents and any maintenance works do not cause the severe congestion which has been previously experienced on the Forth Road Bridge. The hard shoulders also provide flexibility to carry buses displaced from the Forth Road Bridge during periods of high wind and other forms of public transport, should it be required in the future. Windshielding on the new bridge will protect the crossing from the effects of wind and provide a more reliable corridor, particularly for heavy goods vehicles. The bridge has been designed to complement the existing road and rail crossings and is the result of rigorous assessment by an international team of architects and engineers, and has been developed in consultation with Architecture and Design Scotland. The Forth Road Bridge will be available as a dedicated public transport corridor for buses, taxis, pedestrians, cyclists, while motorcycles under 50cc will also use the bridge. The development itself will provide

transport slip roads onto and off the A90 at Scotstoun Junction, and the public transport corridor will have the ability to introduce Light Rapid Transit on the Forth Road Bridge if required in the future. All three main contracts which make up the FRC project were awarded with all three successful bids coming in under budget. The principal contract to build the new bridge and connecting roads was awarded to the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) consortium with a successful tender price of £790M, which is significantly lower than the original estimated price range of between £900M and £1.2Bn. The contract to install elements of the project’s ITS on the M90 in Fife was awarded to John Graham (Dromore) Ltd, with a successful tender price of £12.9M, again below the original £15M to £22M estimated range. Finally, the contract to upgrade the M9 Junction 10 at Kirkliston was awarded to a consortium between John Sisk and Roadbridge with a successful tender price of £25.6M, which again was lower than the estimated price range of £45M to £65M. The FRC project commenced in autumn 2011 following completion of the twoyear procurement process that delivered significant savings to the expected costs. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing in November 2012. She was at the project’s Rosyth dockyard site to see huge sections that are being craned out on to Beamer Rock as part of work on the foundation for the bridge’s central tower. This will be the first part of the central tower structure to be put in place. At its peak, the project will provide around 1,200 construction jobs. Numbers on site will fluctuate with different phases of work, but November was the first time the peak has been reached since work started in the summer of 2011. The Deputy First Minister was briefed on various key elements of the construction and met graduates and subcontractors working on the flagship scheme. More than 300 Scottish firms are benefiting from the subcontracts awarded and over 110 places for the long-term unemployed have also been generated to date by the construction. Ms Sturgeon said: “It was a privilege to visit the biggest transport infrastructure project in Scotland for a generation at such an exciting landmark moment.


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CIVIL BS

Laggan-Tormore Project The future of the UK oil and gas industry

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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. Shetland is made up of more than 100 small islands, of which approximately 15 are inhabited. 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. Senior management and project teams from TEPUK continue to place strong emphasis on that dialogue and make regular visits to the Shetland Islands, consulting with and getting to know the local community. Fewer formal meetings are now required and the local community prefer to use an informal approach to talk to TOTAL, who listen and act accordingly. Regular visits are made to those who live closest to the site of the gas plant, taking account of their views and in many cases changing designs to accommodate their wishes. 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 Scottish Natural Heritage amongst others to ensure the project teams act in the best interest of the Shetland Islands. The offshore drilling of Laggan and Tormore requires two separate campaigns, the first of which has commenced now that both subsea templates are successfully installed. Phase I consists of seven individual continued page 48 >


Annick Structures Ltd Annick Structures Ltd would like to take this opportunity to introduce our company and the services which we can provide. We are a family run company, specialising in the supply, erection and dismantling of both timber and system formwork and in fixing of reinforcement steel for both precast and insitu concrete construction. Whilst the majority of our contracts are undertaken on a labour only basis, we are capable of supplying both timber and system formwork complete with design if required and can also supply reinforcement. We generally employ in the region of 150 men with our core business being joinery and steelfixing work. It should be noted, however, that we have slinger/signallers, scaffolders, concrete finishers, pipelayers, groundworkers and general labourers and as such, can provide a complete service for all your foundation, groundwork and concrete superstructure requirements.

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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. Vertical exploration wells have already been drilled on both fields, as part of TOTAL E&P UK’s initial exploration in the area, and one existing exploration well on Tormore will be re-entered and completed during Phase I drilling. Once first gas is achieved in summer 2014, TOTAL’s Aberdeen based Geosciences Research Centre will monitor the dynamic response of both Palaeocene reservoirs. Phase II drilling targets will be finetuned through the application of advanced reservoir modelling algorithms against 12 months of production data from the Phase I wells. Construction work commenced on the site of the new Shetland Gas Plant in the first 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 excavated from the back of each level was used to extend the front of each terrace. During this terracing process, TOTAL constructed two peat stores to accommodate the 700,000cu m of excavated upland peat. Approximately 800 people are expected to be involved in the Shetland Gas Plant construction, requiring additional

accommodation and facilities to be built. A brownfield industrial site on Sella Ness, approximately 3km south east of the current Sullom Voe Terminal has been chosen as the location for a modern, wellequipped temporary accommodation block capable of housing up to 848 people. The temporary facilities include a shop, library, laundry, IT room, restaurant, gym and bar, as well as a medical facility and five-a-side football pitch. The infrastructure works commenced in April 2011, with overall completion achieved in April 2012 to coincide with peak construction activity on the Shetland Gas Plant site. Extensive public consultations with the nearby residents of Graven took place throughout 2010. In May 2012, TOTAL was joined by the appointed architects, Archial, to answer questions from members of the public and listen to individual’s suggestions as to how the concerns of the local community could best be looked after. People have moved into the facility and it was also used to provide lunch for workers on the gas plant site until facilities on site were completed. Once completion of the Shetland Gas Plant has been achieved, the temporary accommodation block will be removed and once remedial works have been completed, the site will be left in a good condition as a fully serviced site. Delivering gas from the Laggan and Tormore fields to the UK mainland requires a complex operational infrastructure capable of transporting the produced gas and condensate firstly to the Shetland Gas Plant for initial separation and then onwards via a new export pipeline connecting

with the existing Frigg UK pipeline and onwards to the St Fergus Gas Terminal. The technical challenges associated with transporting the produced commingled multiphase flow from the wells more than 140km to shore – in effect ‘uphill’ from a water depth of 600m to onshore at the Shetland Gas Plant – push the boundaries of conventional tie back technology. In fact, Laggan-Tormore will be the longest deep water tie back to the shore anywhere in the world. Once processed, the gas plant will export the FUKA specification gas 234km south, via a larger export line known as the SIRGE line, specifically designed with sufficient spare capacity to carry future additional production from the West of Shetland region. In the northern North Sea, the SIRGE line will join the existing TOTAL-operated FUKA pipeline, which transports gas from the Alwyn area to TOTAL’s St Fergus Gas Terminal for final processing into commercial sales gas. Both contracts for the 18 inch flow lines and 30 inch export line were awarded to Corus in 2010; 75% of the 18 inch pipelines are on the seabed, with the onshore 18 inch sections complete. The onshore part of the 30 inch export pipeline is in place, with the remainder having been shipped out in spring 2012. The Main Contractor for the ongoing development is Petrofac.


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STREAMLINE SHIPPING GROUP LTD

Streamline Shipping Group provides a joined up range of services across transport and distribution, freight forwarding both within the UK and internationally, specialist sea-freight to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, stevedoring, warehousing and agency and chartering services. Our documentation processes include import and export control, fast and accurate weighbill and invoicing, and comprehensive POD systems.

Our network of depots include Grimsby, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland. We have a fleet of modern vehicles providing trunked haulage and radial distribution. In each of Kirkwall, Lerwick and Aberdeen we offer heavy lifting services to allow the discharge and loading of containerised or special platform cargoes.

Blaikies Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5PU Telephone: 01224 211 506 Fax: 01224 211 520 49

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HOUSING BS

Monarch’s View

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Milton Leys in Inverness

For over 80 years, Tulloch Homes has been building thoughtfully designed and wellconstructed family homes to the highest specifications, in carefully chosen locations. The commitment to traditional building skills, a keen eye for detail and an understanding of modern family lifestyle needs ensures that all Tulloch homes deliver exactly what each homeowner requires. This is backed up by a full NHBC ten-year warranty for additional peace of mind. With a selection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, Monarch’s View offers a superb environment for first time buyers and growing families. From the cosy cottage-style homes and apartments to spacious detached properties, there are a number of living spaces tailored to many different people. The elevated location at Monarch’s View offers commanding views over the city of Inverness and the majestic sweep of the Black Isle and Moray Firth - and the new link road gives easy access to schools, city centre attractions, and major shops – adding another dimension to an already popular Tulloch Homes location. This desirable location is close to all the facilities of city life, and it is conveniently situated close to the A9 for fast, easy access to the south, Aberdeen and the international airport. The new link road, eagerly awaited by Milton of Leys residents, now increases the location’s appeal for homebuyers, offering alternative quick passage to Raigmore Hospital. Inverness itself is a thriving city with a rich cultural heritage, lively entertainments

scene, excellent restaurants and great and dining area. Upstairs there is a master shopping. With developed business and bedroom with an ensuite toilet and retail parks on the outskirts, the city shower, and the other two bedrooms is also close to lots of attractions. have access to a large bathroom. From the monster delights of Loch Ness, Cedar at Monarch’s View is a threeto the sandy beaches and dolphin colonies bedroom bungalow that has a combined of the Moray Firth, there’s also the pretty lounge and dining room, and an adjoining Victorian seaside resort of Nairn, worldkitchen. Upon entering the bungalow, two class golf courses, cycling trails, castles and bedrooms are on the right, and the master forest walks – the Highland Wildlife Park bedroom is on the left, with additional even has tigers and its very own polar bear. ensuite facilities. To the immediate left upon The latest phase at Monarch’s View entering, there is the other bathroom. showcases popular detached and Because of such a range of housing, and semi-detached house types. the location, Tulloch Homes at Monarch’s This includes the four-bedroom detached View is a popular choice for all the family. villa with a separate garage at the Tiree property. This two-storey home has a large dining area, separate kitchen, a lounge and a family room, as well as utility space and a downstairs toilet. On the first floor, there are four luxurious bedrooms, two of which have ensuite facilities with a standing shower, and the other HAULAGE - REMOVALS two bedrooms TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED SERVICES have access to a further bathroom. STORAGE - DISTRIBUTION Kinloch is a three-bedroom semi-detached GREENHEAD, LERWICK, SHETLAND ZE1 OPY villa, with two floors. Downstairs, Tel: (01595) 695792 Fax: (01595) 693722 there is a spacious www.shetlandtransport.com lounge and a combined kitchen


BS EDUCATION

Speyside High School Biomass Centre A £750K project at a high school in Aberlour could help reduce Moray Council’s energy bill drastically from this year following the installation of a biomass centre on the site. The development of a biomass centre at Speyside High School has been in planning for a number of years as the need for new oil boilers at the school was identified as a priority. The centre will provide a new heating system for the school, which features the local community swimming pool operated by Moray Council. The centre has been constructed to the south of the school site, close to the vehicle turning point. There has been an access road created from the vehicle turning point and new footpaths surrounding the centre. The centre itself contains a galvanised steel woodchip/pellet container, loading hopper and flue, which are enclosed by a larch screen fence and a plant room. The plant room has been finished with larch cladding and incorporates a boiler, suffer vessel and pipe work for the flue. The development of the Speyside High School Biomass Centre is just one of the moves Moray Council is taking to reduce its rising energy bill. The Council has been

implementing a range of measures including the installation of better insulation and draught proofing within its non-educational properties and refitting plugs which, when a computer station is turned off, automatically turn off external devices such as printers and scanners. The Council has also been involved in schemes which have seen the conversion of a van and refuse lorry engines so that they are able to run off cooking oil. As the Council’s largest energy consumption comes from its school buildings the inclusion of a biomass boiler system at Speyside High School is the first in what they hope will be a larger scheme to reduce the energy consumption in schools, including increasing the education surrounding energy within the curriculum. The construction work commenced on site in November 2012 and was completed in early 2013. The Main Contractor on site was Robertson Northern; the M&E work was carried out by energy specialists at NIFES Consulting Group and the development was designed by the inhouse architects at Moray Council. NIFES Consulting Group has over 50 years experience in advising the UK’s energy users

on ways to improve efficiency. The Company has a specialist team of sustainable M&E advisors within its engineering, design and management division. NIFES Consulting Group were involved in the construction of the biomass heating system at Queen Margaret University’s Edinburgh campus in 2007, a project which achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the highest for any university project awarded at the time. Robertson Northern is a subsidiary of Robertson Construction Group, which holds its focus on projects in the north east of England and Scotland. The company has a background within a range of sectors including healthcare, retail, commercial, residential and leisure. The Company has vast experience in the development and construction of sustainable buildings having worked on the Scottish Natural Heritage HQ in Inverness which received the highest BREEAM rating ever awarded at the time of completion and the Lochan Mor Development in Aviemore which achieved an excellent rating under the Eco Homes assessment.

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Infrastructure, support services and construction group Robertson is delighted to have helped Speyside High School in Aberlour reduce its carbon footprint with the installation of a state of the art biomass heating boiler. Featuring a combustion chamber made from fire-proof ceramic, automated ash removal and mechanical cleaning, the new boiler is fuelled by wood pellets and replaces the existing oil fired heating system. In addition to the boiler installation, Robertson constructed a plant room and fuel storage container. An access road to the storage container and some realignment to the existing road around the school is also part of the ÂŁ820,000 six-month project for Moray Council.

Taking place during the school year, work was carefully managed to avoid any disruption to the normal activities of the school. The Speyside High School project is the first biomass installation in a series of improvement works at schools in Moray. Robertson is about to start work on the next one at Milne’s High School in Fochabers.



PROFILE BS

Smith Findlay Architects Smith Findlay Architects is an award winning architectural practise operating from offices in west Glasgow. Since its establishment as McEwan Smith Architects in 1985, the Company has expanded in both its expertise and its workforce. In the 80’s and 90’s social rental housing in Scotland was at the forefront of the Company’s workload, though it wasn’t long until focus was broadened, with the Company taking on retail and education projects in Scotland, Ireland and the North of England. Now, Smith Findlay Architects is responsible for the creation of carefully crafted buildings and spaces in many sectors. The award winning firm has been involved in the design and construction of care homes, shared accommodation, specialist security accommodation, police offices and community facilities. Refurbishments, conversion and extensions are also undertaken in the Company’s day to day workload. Recently Smith Findlay Architects collaborated with Cruden Building and Renewals on a development of sheltered housing in Cambuslang for Lanarkshire Council. The development saw the demolition of the former Cambuslang Fire Station and the creation of a U-shaped building at ground floor level, with two of the sides

rising to three storeys in an L-shape. The ground floor aspect forms an ancillary building and allows for the centre of the development to be used as a courtyard. The three-storey aspect of the development houses the apartments which face north and east, some with balconies overlooking the neighbouring Cambuslang Golf Course. Heating and hot water for the apartments is provided by individual heat stations and is distributed from a centralised biomass boiler plant. Work is due to complete on the Cambuslang Sheltered Housing Complex in July 2013 to a contract value of £3.6M. Other expertise delivered by the Company recently included the new Renfrew Police Station for Strathclyde Police. The new station was the first of a generation of police facilities instigated by the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police in 2010 and replaces the areas old Victorian premises on Inchinnan Road. The £2.8M development employs low energy use in order to achieve

Bryceland Total Timber Solutions Ltd offers specialist timber products to the Scottish and UK market place. A young and progressive company, we have quickly established ourselves as a leading supplier in timber cladding, hardwood and softwood timber along with joinery products. In addition, we supply veneered doors and doorsets for both domestic and commercial applications, and a range of timber windows including aluminium timber composite windows. We also offer a comprehensive range of hardwood, softwood and engineered flooring.

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Bryceland Total Timber Solutions Ltd 11 Kelvin Road North, Lenziemill Industrial Estate, Cumbernauld G67 2BD

tel 01236 738078 email sales@brycelandtimber.com www.brycelandtimber.com

the highest Building Energy Performance Certificate. Constructed on a brownfield site on Station Road, Renfrew the building contains office and ancillary accommodation located in two two-storey blocks linked by a double height central atrium. The heating and hot water for the station is provided by ground source heat pumps via under-floor heating at ground and first floor levels. The buildings are finished with rainscreen and Parklex timber cladding with aluminium standing seam roofs. Mansell Construction Ltd completed the development in time for it to open its doors in May 2013.

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

Mechanical Services

• All Plumbing & Heating Systems • Commercial & Domestic Gas Installations • Underfloor Heating • Air Source Heat Pumps • Biomass Boilers • All Ventilation Systems • Full Design & Build Package Burnawn Services Ltd, Unit 4, Mayfield Ind Est Galston Rd, Hurlford, Ayrshire, KA1 5EX Tel: 01563 559393 Fax: 01563 546779 Mobile: 07901531396 Email: Burnawnservices@tiscali.co.uk www.burnawnservices.co.uk


BS CIVIL

Loch Katrine Aqueduct improvement works Loch Katrine

replaces on both sides of each vertical stiffener along the entire length of the up and down stream elevations. These bolts will also be painted with a system allowing for 25 years protection. The work was carried out in conjunction with structural engineers Aecom and Jacobs UK Ltd. Aecom has been working on a fiveyear Professional Services Contract with Scottish Water since 2010. This contract continues to address Scottish Water’s capital maintenance requirements, reducing the Company’s carbon footprint and improving the quality of Scotland’s rivers and coastal waters. Jacobs UK Ltd also has a long standing relationship with Scottish Water, having been chosen to lead the program management and engineering design on the Scottish Water Solutions Partnership in Scotland in 2010. The partnership is made up

of three companies; Jacobs UK Ltd, Laing O’Rourke and Veolia Water UK Plc. Jacobs UK Ltd also supplies the health and safety leadership and asset maintenance advice for the Partnership.

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A £5M refurbishment and upgrade project has been carried out on the Loch Katrine Aqueduct as part of the Scottish Water Infrastructure Capital Program. The 25 mile long aqueduct has been in operation for a number of years, taking water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow and is believed to date back to 1860. The water currently travels from the Loch, in Trossachs, to the water treatment works in Milngavie, which was constructed in 2008. The main aspect of the upgrade and refurbishment involved the strengthening of the inlet basin dam at Stronachlachar, repair work to the tunnel section and repairs and refurbishment of twenty pipe bridges along the network. George Leslie Ltd carried out the work, which began in September 2012 and completed earlier this year. The major aspects of the project included the upgrade of the bridges which support the network. These improvements have been carried out to the masonry and iron aspects of the bridges. The masonry abutments and wing walls were repointed and any cracks which were in the walls have been sealed. Any replacement stonework and pointing matched that of the existing walls and abutments. The existing protective coatings on the ironwork of the aqueduct had deteriorated over time; this deterioration varied from flaking to complete breakdown of the coating. Due to the varying deterioration, all ironwork was repainted with a long-life system which should provide protection for 25 to 30 years. The colour of the paint has been maintained with the new paint matching that of the old. The bolts securing ironwork to masonry and other aspects of the bridge have been


HOUSING BS

New Housing for Dumfries Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership has recently celebrated the successful completion of the first phase of housing in Lochside, Dumfries. The ÂŁ11.3M development, which has been constructed on land opposite the local Maxwelltown High School, originally had planning for 174 houses. These were to be a mixture of social, mid-market and open-market housing. However, with the recent dip in sales of openmarket housing, Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership restructured the plans, splitting the development into two phases which will now feature social, mid-market and joint-equity housing. The first phase saw the completion of 100 properties; 94 two-storey semi detached houses and six singlestorey bungalows by developers

Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd. The conceptional design for the development was won, after a national advert competition, by Collective Architecture. After this the in house architects at Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership saw the development through to its final stages. The properties have been constructed using timber frames, featuring timber windows, timber clad render and concrete roof tiles. There is a mixture of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties and each comes with its own front and back garden, with in-curtilage parking. The properties have been constructed on a sloping greenfield site measuring ten hectares, which has been known to have some issues with drainage. This was resolved by the installation of isolated soak aways and detention ponds, which have

J.B. BLACK

been landscaped in accordance to the Scottish Waters and Sewers for Scotland. Landscaping of the development has been designed by Piers Palmer Associates and allow for each house to have a green outlook from their home. The street names were chosen following competitions with the local schoolchildren and the development will feature two playgrounds, one for toddlers and one for older children. Construction began on site in May 2009 by R&D Construction. Slight delays occurred when the Company fell into administration, but Cruden Building & Renewals Ltd took over the development in order for it to complete in February 2013. The second phase will be commenced, following the source of sufficient funding, by Cruden Building & Renewals Ltd.

D.McDonald Decorators Ltd.

Construction Services Demolition Contractors Plant Hire

Wishing Cruden Homes all the best for the future

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Bairdsmill, Crosshill, Ayrshire, KA19 7PU Tel: 01655 740331 Fax: 01655 740322 Email: jb.black@btconnect.com www.jb-blackconstruction.co.uk

Block 11 Unit 1, Dunedin Road Larkhall Industrial Estate Larkhall ML9 2QS Tel. 01698 886595 Mobile. 07831527705


BS LEISURE

Oykel Bridge Hotel Nestled into the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, Oykel Bridge Hotel has recently experienced a revamp. The hotel sits in the heart of this remote area of outstanding natural beauty, between Bonar Bridge and Lochinver, and provides a unique experience to its visitors. The hotel has a total of 16 rooms spread between the original lodge building and a 50 year old extension. In addition there is a public bar, cocktail bar and spacious lounge, and packages on offer from the hotel include Salmon & Loch fishing and photography courses. The hotel is popular with walkers, many whom pass by on the Cape Wrath Trail. The hotel recently changed hands and is now owned by a private company and managed by a former Lake District based couple with a combined experience of over 35 years in the hotel industry. Since taking over the reins changes have been afoot at the hotel in order to begin the process of bringing the hotel fully up to date after years of neglect.

A refurbishment and realignment of the hotel has resulted in the six original lodge rooms and bathrooms being stripped back to bare shells, and the internal room layouts being altered before a complete redesign and upgrade of the whole wing. The rear annexe bedrooms have had an initial makeover to tide them over before a full revamp to tie up with the lodge rooms in due course. The cottage, which was previously used as guest accommodation, and the laundry space now forms the management accommodation. Future plans include for the ground floor internal areas of the lodge to be realigned to provide for a larger public bar and private bar with a dedicated reception and office area. Other features include possibly the most important room for the hotel, an internal angler’s drying room! The other major changes

to the hotel included the installation of a biomass boiler, which provides all the heating and hot water to make the business more financially viable and eco friendly, aswell as installation of low consumption LED lighting throughout the majority of the hotel. In addition works where undertaken to to upgrade all of the ageing wiring and fuse boxes along with the plumbing and fire alarm / emergency lighting systems. The work, carried out by Main Contractor JBE Building Services, started on site in November 2012 and completed in March this year. Anta Architecture was the architect for the development.

2012 Original Heating Ltd. 67 Culmore Road, L. Derry BT48 8JE, Northern Ireland Tel: +44(0)28 7135 3108 Fax: +44(0)28 7135 0970 info@originalheating.com

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Banchory Business Centre Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5ZU Tel: +44 (0) 1330 826504 Fax: +44 (0) 1330 820670


HEALTH BS

Possilpark Health Centre Important regeneration in Strathclyde Work is well underway at a Glasgow health centre to create a new £10M facility. The Possilpark Primary and Community Health Centre will be a modern, stateof-the-art health and care centre for the people of Possilpark. Designed by Aedas Architects Ltd, it will incorporate four GP practices, general dental practitioner services, physiotherapy, podiatry, community dental services, community consulting rooms, district nursing, health visitors, social work and health improvement teams offering smoking cessation support and sexual health services. There will also be an opportunity for other services to utilise the community consulting rooms offering local people access to additional services including primary care mental health services and money advice. Health Secretary Alex Neil said: “Having the right facilities in the right place is important to people across Scotland and

that is why we are determined to ensure both staff and patients the length and breadth of the country can work and be treated in the best possible surroundings. “Continued investment in health building projects clearly sets out the strength of our commitment to the NHS in Scotland, and will mean that we can provide more sustainable, high quality and continually improving health care services close to home.” The health centre is part of Phase I of a new regeneration process underway for the area, and at the heart of a new civic centre being created which will transform the area’s physical environment and improve health and healthcare facilities. Speaking at the turf cutting ceremony, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Chairman Andrew Robertson, said: “The building of this new health centre on this derelict site in the heart of Possilpark is a tangible example of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s

commitment to tackling health inequalities. “Our hope is that this new health centre is just the beginning of a healthier future for the people of Possilpark.” The new centre will improve access to a range of primary care services. In addition, it will provide accommodation for Secondary Care Outreach Services and a range of voluntary agencies that include antenatal care, anticoagulant clinics, keep well, money advice and application services. There will be improved signposting to services available to service users within the Possilpark area through the establishment of a health information point, which will also provide information on travel and social care services. Built by Interserve, work commenced on site in December 2012 and will be complete at the end of November 2013.

• CONCRETE WORKS • REINFORCEMENT • FORMWORK • HARD LANDSCAPING • SURFACING • DRAINAGE • EARTH MOVING

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• HVAC • ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS • INSPECTION & TESTING • PAT TESTING

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• ENERGY CONSERVATION

Tusk House, 942 South Street, Glasgow G14 0AR Tel: 0141 959 2606 Fax: 0141 954 6127 Email: admin@tuskplant.com Website: www.tuskelectrical.com


BS EDUCATION

Eastwood High School Part of the Schools for the Future programme The new Eastwood High building is due to open this summer and will house all new state-of-the-art facilities that will be available to the entire community. It includes a new sports centre, which opened for the first time earlier this week, replacing the old Eastwood High School Games Hall. The rebuilding of the school comes with a combined cost £28.9M. The sports centre features two four-court sports halls with enough floor space for indoor hockey, a swimming pool, fitness/ dance studio, a synthetic football pitch, a synthetic athletics track, synthetic hockey pitch and a small games hall. Situated on the site of the old high school at Capelrig Road, the new school will open for pupils this August. The groundbreaking new school is being built as a joint project between East Renfrewshire and Midlothian councils through the Schools for the Future programme, run by the Scottish Futures Trust. This will deliver two schools. As well as Eastwood High School, there will be Lasswade High School in Midlothian. When the work started on the project, East Renfrewshire Council’s education convener said: “We are delighted to see work start on the new Eastwood High School. “Our schools are widely regarded as

being the best in the country. With this new build at Eastwood High School we will have a building to match the excellent education going on inside.” The first part of the project saw the demolition of the previous gym building and construction of the all weather sports pitch. The new sports facility will be the base of the Eastwood Community Sports Hub – which is the combination of different sports clubs, working together to improve and enhance sport within the area. For the council, it brings the opportunity to develop programmes across the generations: children, young people, adults and older people. Also included in the plans are a full health and fitness programme, club development, coach and volunteers development, as well as events and festivals. To kick-start the centre’s events programme, there will be a Commonwealth Games sports and dance showcase on 24th and 25th August, which will see the council encouraging P4 to S2-age children try taster sessions in a range of different activities provided by local sports clubs. Councillor Mary Montague, Convener for community services and community safety, said: “Sports facilities in East Renfrewshire are second to none and the new Eastwood High Sports Centre will

be a fantastic addition to our provision. “Along with the new school, this represents a huge investment by the council and it will be a real asset for everyone in the area to enjoy. “By improving facilities, we aim to increase participation in and widen access to sport and physical activity for the whole community and create a lasting legacy for sport within East Renfrewshire.” The Main Contractor is BAM Construction and the Architect is Cooper Cromar. The Schools for the Future programme, is an investment of £1.25Bn by the Scottish Government to create 37 new schools across Scotland.

SUSPENDED CEILINGS, PARTITIONS AND SFS SYSTEMS Professional Installers of Floorcoverings

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Congratulate BAM on the successful completion of Eastwood High School 1 Dornie Court, Thornliebank Industrial Estate, Glasgow G46 8AU

W: www.macgregor-flooring.co.uk

Tel: 0141 621 2020 Fax: 0141 638 7287 Email: jbh@soundtex.co.uk www.soundtex.co.uk

E: info@macgregor-flooring.co.uk

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T: 01698 457121 F: 01698 891943


PROFILE BS

Bellway Homes Enjoy a new way of living

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The Bellway Group has provided more than 100,000 homes since it was formed in 1946 and is one of the largest housebuilders in the country with operations spanning the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. Bellway Homes are designed, built and marketed by local teams operating from regional offices managed and staffed by local people. This allows the Company to stay close to its customers and to take key decisions about design, build, materials, planning and marketing in response to local and not national demands. Designers and other consultants tend to be local, which makes for house designs with strong regional identity in tune with the local vernacular. The Company employs approximately 1,400 people with expertise covering a range of development disciplines. Key activities include land acquisition, finance, planning, architecture, design, build management, marketing and customer service. There are many luxurious properties within the Bellway portfolio, giving buyers a wide range of choice. The Chrysalis apartment offers a choice of one- and two-bedroom homes styled for contemporary living. It is close to local delis, grocery stores as well as a Tesco and Sainsbury’s superstores for everyday shopping, while the city offers everything but the everyday. From internationally known fashion

emporium Harvey Nichols to Scotland’s own boutique gems like Multrees Walk as well as Princes Street’s wealth of chains and George Street’s impressive brands, Edinburgh’s shopping streets are home to everything from catwalk designs and luxury labels to high street department stores. Close to home, there are stylish coffee spots for a frappe, some of Edinburgh’s finest restaurants including French brasseries with Michelin-star chefs, and a legendary bar life. The apartments are ideally placed for both Ocean Terminal and Omni Centre at Greenside Place in the city, both with a 12-screen cinema – with neighbouring Edinburgh Playhouse offering shows from Chicago to Grease and top-name comedy, in a capital that has won a global city award for its events and festivals, with a world-renowned reputation for culture, entertainment and the Fringe Festival. Bellway also has the Templar Rise in Kirkliston, which has been so popular that only one plot remains for sale. Stylish, spacious designs in a choice of four- and five-bedroom homes, together with a superb location west of Edinburgh – Templar Rise combines all the benefits of a prime location with all the advantages of easy access to the capital and beyond. From links with the Order of Knights Templar to the mills and distilleries of later centuries, Kirkliston is rich in history,

with the beautiful parish church and its stunning arched doorway, parts of the building dating back to the 12th century. Kirkliston has evolved into a superb base for modern family living with a strong sense of community and excellent range of amenities including its own local village school, a modern health centre and a library. The village is well equipped with a supermarket and pharmacy and post office, with a large supermarket two and a half miles away, and the Gyle Shopping Centre just five miles away. There are eight different house types, with a choice of designer fitted kitchens, built-in appliances including oven, hob and chimney hood, built-in dishwasher and fridge/ freezer, white sanitaryware throughout, and choice of ceramic bathroom wall tiles. Because Bellway Homes has its Bespoke Additions options, homes such as those at Templar Rise can be offered a unique package that offers freedom to personalise a home. People can choose from carpets, vinyl or ceramic flooring, water filter tap and heated towel rail, while security will be assured with intruder alarms and security lights. With such a range of stylishly designed homes, the reputation of Bellway Homes will continue to increase.


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Specialising in Gates and Railings and Light Engineering We are pleased to be associated with Bellway Homes and wish them continued success for the future 39 Main Street, Dunshalt, Cupar, Fife KY14 7EX

Tel: 01337 828365

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We are pleased to be associated with Bellway Homes and wish them continued success for the future

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35 Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh EH12 0AE Tel / Fax: 0131 339 5835

G Barton Plastering have been established since 1995 and we are a family run business who have taken a keen and active interest in training and teaching young people in our areas of expertise. G Barton Plastering are spray applied render specialists and offer a 1st class service though the whole range of plaster and render spectrum.

Unit 34, 42 Dalsetter Avenue, Drumchapel, G15 8TE Telephone: 0141 944 2127 Fax: 0141 237 3001 E-mail: enquiries@bartonplastering.co.uk

G Barton Plastering offer extensive product knowledge for a variety of products such as in plasterwork, roughcast, scraped render and acrylic render. We are approved applicators of Sto, K-Rend, Alumasc, Weber, Jub and Structherm. Our work can be viewed throughout Glasgow and Central Scotland on a variety of projects ranging from schools, hospitals, health centres to house building on both private and social housing. For a look at some of our previous projects, please visit our web site at www.bartonplastering-glasgow.co.uk

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EDUCATION BS

Crathie Student Village Reason to rejoice at RGU

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In 2012 Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen’s foremost teaching facility, celebrated the construction of Crathie Student Village. Built in preparation for the future development of RGU’s Garthdee Campus, Crathie Student Village provides 96 high specification bedrooms and bolsters the university’s already considerable accommodation portfolio. RGU is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities for graduate employment. The institution, previously recognised by The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2012 as the ‘Best Modern University in the UK’, caters to an approximate 16,000 full and part time students from across the globe. The Crathie Student Village development represents a £2.74M investment in University infrastructure and is demonstrative of RGU’s commitment to providing stateof-the-art living and learning facilities. The development is situated on Holburn Street – a 20 minutes walk from RGU’s stunning Garthdee Campus. The Holburn Street site proved ideal for development following earlier consultation with former RGU students. When asked if they

would rather their accommodation be situated in Aberdeen city centre or on the immediate Garthdee Campus, the majority of students opted for a third option – a site equidistant between the two. The Holburn Street site fulfils that need while providing easy access to Aberdeen’s active public transport network. The Holburn Street site, which previously housed flats as well as a petrol station, was comprehensively cleared as part of a separate contract. Designed by Fitzgerald Associates, Crathie Student Village adopts a contemporary design approach composed of traditional blockwork and concrete flooring. Measuring 2,357sq m across four storeys and an additional basement apartment, the angular building makes for a striking addition to the local landscape. Internally, the building has been designed with convenience in mind. Each of the 96 bedrooms comes equipped with an ensuite bathroom, for instance. The use of solar water heating ensures a responsible and high performance building. The development was overseen by Bancon Construction – part of the privately owned

Bancon Group. The Company, which provides the full spectrum of construction services from maintenance and specialist works to major multi-million pound projects, was able to deliver the building on time and to budget despite an occasionally challenging site. Bound by three bustling roads, the Holburn Street site required a tower crane to convey construction materials to the exact point required. Due to Bancon Construction’s efforts, the site won a special award as part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme. Crathie Student Village welcomed its first residents in September 2012, ahead of the new academic year. Completion of the development is timely. From September 2013 onwards all teaching will be centred on RGU’s Garthdee Campus. The first phase of a £120M masterplan, which will provide Garthdee Campus with a new library alongside formal and informal learning and social spaces, is also due for completion in autumn of this year. Ideally situated close to RGU’s soon-to-be epicentre, Crathie Student Village should provide prospective students with first class accommodation for generations to come.


BS PROFILE

Barr Construction Building better Established in 1898 as a family based joinery company in Ayrshire, Barr Construction has since developed into a civil engineering firm specialising in construction projects. As one of the UK’s major construction companies, Barr operates across several industry sectors including retail, residential, leisure and education. The Company believes that working in partnership with its clients, rather than simply for them, is central to the success of any project. Barr Ltd started life in the late nineteenth century as W & J Barr & Sons, a local builder and joiner based in Ayrshire. In the late 1960s, the Company expanded into civil engineering and higher value projects. From the late 1980s to the turn of the century the Company, in the ownership of the Barr family, embarked upon a major expansion and diversification programme that took the Company into areas such as house building, leisure management and retail. Since 2003, the Company has refocused the approach to its business, having divested itself of non-core activities, and is concentrating on developing its construction, manufacturing, industrial and environmental divisions. The industrial division’s assets include £70M tonnes of consented mineral reserves while Barr Environmental has over 7m cubic metres of consented landfill. Barr Construction and Barr Manufacturing are now largely focused on niche markets, offering a complete construction service and specialist areas of expertise to major clients. The partnership theology of the Company is one of the main reasons that Barr Construction has been retained as a member of the Tesco supply chain for almost ten years. The Company has been Main Contractor for Tesco on over 60 projects, ranging from new build to store upgrades. Barr Construction works closely with Tesco (so much so that Barr has its own Tesco Unit) and its supply team at every stage of the design and construction process of any project and has been closely involved in the development of both the ‘store on stilts’ and ‘two-floor trading’ concepts. Sister company, Solway Structural Steel, is also a Tesco Partner having delivered over 100 store frames. Outside the Tesco framework, Barr Construction has considerable experience in the retail sector having completed several projects for other national retailers such as Homebase, B&Q, PC World and Dobbies.

Aberdeen Cyrenians Hub

allow rehearsals and performances of the pantomime in mid-November 2010. The second phase of works, involving the remainder, completed in April 2011. Encompassing a total refurbishment of the building, services have been replaced along with upgrade of theatrical lighting and control equipment, and the building has been brought up to DDA compliance.

Stirling Sports Village

This project comprised the design and construction of a new leisure centre on the outskirts of Stirling on a greenfield site, which included extensive external works comprising six five-a-side pitches, one full size synthetic football/rugby pitch and a water based hockey pitch all constructed to 3G standards. The main building itself was constructed on precast concrete driven piled foundations, which included the use of lightweight fill, complex asymmetric steel frame, glulam beams, extensive curtain walling and various metal cladding systems including feature zinc panels. The internal configuration of the building provides accommodation for three swimming pools, spa area, and large ice rink, amongst others.

Motherwell Concert Hall

Barr has undertaken a major refurbishment of Motherwell Concert Hall and Civic Centre involving extensive remodelling of the venue and stripping out and replacement of building services, suspended ceilings, partitions and stairwell. The remodelling work is designed to ensure that the building works better as a venue, involving upgrading the auditorium and backstage areas. Access has also been improved for both wheelchair users and around stage areas. The project has been carried out over two phases, the first phase completed to

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A hub for homeless people in Aberdeen’s West End has benefited from a makeover from Barr Construction. The hub was chosen as a worthwhile community

project following Barr’s recent fit out of the new Sainsbury’s on Union Street. The 342sq m Sainsbury’s store was completed within four weeks, with Barr installing an ATM machine as well as refrigeration and shelving, and creating self-scan checkouts, a large warehouse area with storage facilities and a staff area. The team refurbished a large existing skylight to reduce the need for artificial illumination. Barr – in partnership with Sainsbury’s – has agreed to support a community project near each construction job the Company carries out. The nearby homeless centre has been managed by the Aberdeen Cyrenians for 15 years and is a vital resource for individuals seeking help and advice in desperate situations. The facility has seen a large increase in visitor numbers as a result of the current economic climate. The hub on Summer Street provides hot meals, laundry services and showers to people struggling with alcohol problems and domestic abuse, as well as those living on the street. The Barr Construction team swapped their tools for paintbrushes to help redecorate and restore the personal care areas.


PROFILE BS

Sharp Construction

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Providing the regeneration of a village Over the last year, Sharp Homes, a Benarty-based building company, has embarked on an ambitious pilot project, which aims to help reduce Fife’s acute affordable housing shortage. And one of the key stages was completed in January when 31 homes, at Rosewell Drive in Lochore, were handed over to Ore Valley Housing Association. Opened by Fife Provost Jim Leishman, the housing development comprises of 28 affordable flats and three houses. In the absence of any public funding, the key to this development was the private funding element from Sharp Homes, with an agreement in place to lease the properties back from Ore Valley Enterprises (OVE) Ltd. Sharp Homes worked in partnership with Ore Valley throughout Phase I to complete on time and within budget. Work on this phase started in October in an attempt to combat the affordable housing shortage in the area. There are more than 14,000 applicants on Fife Council’s waiting list and with only 1,944 new lets becoming available in 2011-12, it would take more than seven years to meet the existing demand. Because of this, Sharp Construction, based at Halley’s Court in Kirkcaldy, came up with the innovative idea in Lochore. Kevin Sharp, Managing Director of the Company and the driving force behind the scheme, said: “This pilot project was conceived by us to prove our vision to create affordable, sustainable, vibrant, diverse villages and communities in areas in need without having to rely on government subsidy. “By removing the typical layers of profit margins endemic to volume house building

practise and by using local labour, skills, house at the south west part of the scheme, materials and supplies, coupled with which has a very low carbon footprint. This self funding packages, the financial is groundbreaking work and it is good to model has been proven a success. see it being developed here in Lochore.” “Sharp Homes are now ready to engage The Company is now ready to work with with other landlords, and especially Fife other landlords and the local authority to Council, to discuss innovative ways to discuss new ventures. Mr Sharp added: finance a building programme that will allow “This is the first time a project like this has Fife to build again and meet its obligation been done in Scotland and indeed Britain. and desire to provide affordable housing.” “We have been able to provide a mixture The Company is using the Rosewell of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes Drive project as a study in regeneration for £65,000 and they have been built and has started partnership working without government subsidy. We are with The Scottish Energy Centre at delighted with this development.” Edinburgh Napier University and Fife Local Councillor and Chairman of Council’s Building Standards. Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Willie Due to the importance of this unique study, Clarke, commented: “What an improvement Sharp Homes has now been awarded this project has made to this part of an academic research package through Lochore. It is part of the regeneration of Edinburgh Napier University’s ‘Innovation this village and it is indeed a superb estate Voucher,’ principally aimed at building and when Phase II is complete, Lochore working relationships between Scottish will have a completely new look to it.” enterprises and universities. Mr Sharp pointed out that the unique aspect of the Rosewell Drive houses was that these are built on the foundations of former housing THE leading UK manufacturer of above in that part of the village. and below ground drainage products He said: “We hope to move onto Polypipe Building Products Phase II of the 2410 London Road, Glasgow, G32 8XZ project soon and at the same time Tel: +44 (0)141 778 8822 Fax: +44 (0)141 778 2703 continue to work Email: info@polypipe.com www.polypipe.co.uk with Napier on the


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Wm Russell and Sons was founded in 1932 originally as Metal Merchants based in Townhill, it has remained family owned to the present day. The Skip Hire Business was introduced in 1964 and has grown in size and strength year on year. They run their own Transfer Station ensuring waste is being recycled, saving on landfill sites and helping the environment.

Wm Russell and Sons continually monitor costs ensuring the customer gets the best possible price. Wm Russell and Sons have a substantial fleet of vehicles to accommodate the need of our customers, allowing them to deliver and pick up skips and waste materials to fulfil all the client’s needs.

1 x mini skip - 7.5 tonne vehicle 6 x skip - 18 tonne vehicles 5 x hook loaders - 32 tonne vehicles Smart Electrics are the natural choice for all domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial electrical installation, repair or maintenance. With many years trading in Fife and surrounding area, we offer a professional and friendly service to meet all your home or business electrical needs.

BS COMMUNITY

Highlanders Museum Taking the museum to new levels of excellence 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. 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 had no dedicated education space. This has been remedied with the library and study centre, contained within a wing that has been leased to the Ministry of Defence. New educational resources have been created to link the collection as closely as

possible with the national school curriculum. A climate control system has been fitted, and new glass display cases are incorporated to help control the environmental conditions of the building, which are also fully accessible to the disabled. Designed by Edinburgh based Studio SP, the Main Contractor is Mansell Plc. The museum reopened at 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


COMMENT BS

Good Faith and Hot Air

66

Jonathan Marvin, Sheridan Gold LLP Good faith in the performance of contracts is an academic hot potato. Many legal systems have an overriding duty of good faith: that the parties to a contract must act fairly and openly. English law has been traditionally hostile to this concept and preferred certainty over broad overarching principles. It is of course possible to have express contractual duties of good faith and the effect of such obligations has been discussed in recent cases such as Mid Essex NHS Trust v Compass Group [2013] and TSG Building Services v South Anglian Housing [2013]. In the latter case, the Technology and Construction Court was asked to consider whether the termination of a contractor’s appointment had to be done in good faith or at least reasonably, where the contract included an express good faith-type provision. These have, of course, become increasingly common with the growth of partnering and use of NEC forms especially. The Defendant was a Housing Association and the Claimant was a contractor providing building and maintenance services. They entered into a contract for the provision of gas servicing and associated works based on the ACA Standard Form of Contract for Term Partnering. Subclause 1.1 of the contract stated: “The Partnering Team members shall work together and individually in the spirit of trust, fairness and mutual co-operation for the benefit of the Term Programme, within the scope of their agreed roles, expertise and responsibilities as stated in the Partnering Documents, and all their respective obligations under the Partnering Contract shall be construed within the scope of such roles, expertise and responsibilities, and in all matters governed by the Partnering Contract they shall act reasonably and without delay.” The relevant termination provisions were in sub-clause 13.1: “...the Client may terminate the appointment of all other Partnering Team members, and any other Partnering Team member stated in the Term Partnering Agreement

may terminate its own appointment, at any time during the Term or as otherwise stated by the period(s) of notice to all other Partnering Team members stated in the Term Partnering Agreement.” The Claimant had various complaints against the Defendant during the first year and suggested the second year of Contract pricing should be on an open book basis. The Defendant replied some time later and accepted the proposal to move to open book. However, on the same day the Defendant wrote to the Claimant to give notice of its intention to terminate the appointment. This led to adjudication proceedings that were decided in favour of the Claimant. The Claimant subsequently issued enforcement proceedings and the Defendant Part 8 proceedings. The Part 8 proceedings raised issues of the meaning of the contract and whether or not termination under sub-clause 13.3 had to be effected in good faith or at least reasonably. The judge considered whether sub-clause 1.1 constrained the apparently unfettered right to terminate under sub-clause 13.3. The scope of sub-clause 1.1 needed to be considered. If the duty on the Defendant to act reasonably in all matters meant that it had to act reasonably in respect of all of its powers and rights, this would undermine many other sub-clauses in the contract, which the parties had agreed the Defendant could exercise conditionally or unconditionally. He came to the conclusion that sub-clause 1.1 did not require the Defendant to act reasonably in terminating under sub-clause 13.3. It would have been clear to the parties prior to the signing of the contract that each could terminate at any time. Sub-clause 1.1 was primarily concerned with their roles, expertise and responsibilities and not termination. The Claimant had another argument, that it was an implied term of the contract that each party should act in good faith and sub-clause 13.3 was subject to this obligation. The judge disagreed. The parties had gone as far as they wanted in

respect of good faith in sub-clause 1.1. Even if there had been an implied term of good faith, it would not restrict the agreement in sub-clause 13.3 that either party could terminate for any reason. It seems the courts will continue to be reluctant to find implied obligations of good faith. Where contracting parties want to include an express good faith obligation, they should take care in drafting to ensure its scope and relation to other provisions are sufficiently clear.

Jonathan Marvin


MARKING 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS 1963

2013


Sweett Group is a global business with expertise in property and infrastructure professional services. Our services include cost management, project management, programme management, and strategic advisory services.

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