The people, businesses and projects helping to shape the North-east’s construction industry were celebrated at the Trades Awards 2026, following a record year for the annual awards.

Almost 400 guests from across the industry came together at Ardoe House on Friday 30th October for the 14th Trades Awards, which recognised achievements spanning apprentices and tradespeople through to established businesses, major construction projects and individuals who have dedicated their careers to the sector.

Organisers Mearns & Gill received a record number of applications for this year’s awards, resulting in one of the strongest shortlists in the event’s history and highlighting the depth of talent working across construction in the North of Scotland.

Two new categories were introduced for 2026, broadening the range of people and businesses recognised by the awards. Construction Supplier of the Year celebrated the businesses providing essential expertise and support to the sector, while Inspiring Women in Construction attracted the highest number of individual applications ever received for a single Trades Awards category.

The inaugural Inspiring Women in Construction award was won by Nicola Fraser of KR Group, with Michelle Forth-Burnett of Safety Scotland receiving Highly Commended.

There was also an exceptionally strong field for Apprentice of the Year. Judges spoke of the difficulty of selecting a winner after being impressed by every apprentice interviewed, each of whom brought their own story and journey into the industry. John Ogston of Robertson Construction Eastern was named Apprentice of the Year, with Jack Torrance of JKR Contractors Highly Commended.

Mike Wilson, Managing Director of event organisers Mearns & Gill, said: “Every year the Trades Awards remind us just how much talent we have within the construction industry here in the North-east, but the response this year was particularly special.

“We received more applications than ever before and, importantly, they came from right across the industry. From apprentices at the very beginning of their careers to people who have given decades to construction, as well as fantastic businesses and some incredible projects being delivered here in the North of Scotland, there was so much to celebrate.

“Congratulations to every winner and finalist. Reaching the shortlist in such a strong year was an achievement in itself, and we’re hugely grateful to our sponsors, judges and everyone who continues to support the Trades Awards.”

The Trades Awards were once again supported by main sponsor W M Donald, alongside category sponsors representing businesses from across the region.

Elaine Donald of W M Donald said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the Trades Awards and to be part of an evening that celebrates so many of the people who make our industry what it is.

“What really comes through when you look at this year’s finalists is the breadth of talent we have here in the North-east. There are people starting out and building exciting careers, experienced individuals passing on their knowledge, businesses investing in their people and communities, and project teams delivering work we can all be proud of.

“It’s important that, as an industry, we take the time to recognise those achievements. Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted and, of course, to all of this year’s winners.”

One of the evening’s most special moments came with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by W M Donald, to Doug McLeod of Barratt Scotland.

Now retired, Doug dedicated more than 50 years to the construction industry, and received the award in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the sector.

Doug said: “After more than 50 years in the industry, it is a real honour to receive this recognition. Construction has been a huge part of my life, and I have had the pleasure of working with many great people in the industry and Barratt Homes throughout my career.

“I am very proud to have been involved in the industry for so long, and it means a lot to have that time recognised at the Trades Awards.”

The evening also supported the Russell Anderson Foundation, the Trades Awards’ 2026 charity partner. Founder, Russell Anderson, joined guests on the night to highlight the Foundation’s work with children and young people across the North-east.

The winners of the Trades Awards 2026 are:

Community Engagement, sponsored by STV

Robertson Construction

Construction Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Persimmon Homes

Goldstar

Home / Building Improvement, sponsored by JKR Contractors

eb-architect Ltd – Kaizen Coffee & Wellness

Health, Safety & Wellbeing, sponsored by Safety Scotland

Persimmon Homes

Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt and David Wilson Homes

Diversity Energy Solutions

Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Ltd

Lewis Hyde, W M Donald

Inspiring Women in Construction, sponsored by Bethan Customs Consultancy

Nicola Fraser, KR Group

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Ogilvie

John Ogston, Robertson Construction Eastern

Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

David Murray, Murray Roofing Services

Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by James Gibb

Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Construction Project of the Year, sponsored by KR Group

Ogilvie – Netheranden Residential Development

Construction Consultancy of the Year, sponsored by Mearns & Gill

CWH Safety

Construction Company of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual

Maskame & Tait

Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by W M Donald

Doug McLeod, Barratt Homes