The finalists for the Trades Awards 2026 have been revealed following a record number of applications, creating one of the strongest shortlists in more than a decade.

This year’s response reflects the talent, professionalism and innovation that continues to thrive across the North of Scotland construction industry. Businesses of every size, alongside individuals at every stage of their careers, submitted applications celebrating the projects, achievements and contributions they are most proud of.

One of the standout moments this year has been the introduction of the new Inspiring Women in Construction category. Created to recognise the growing contribution women are making across the industry, it attracted the highest number of individual applications ever received for a single Trades Awards category.

Now in its 14th year, the Trades Awards has become the North of Scotland’s biggest celebration of the construction industry, bringing together around 400 guests each year to recognise the people, projects and businesses shaping the region. The evening will also include the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising an individual whose lasting impact on the industry has been recognised by this year’s judging panel, while raising funds for the Russell Anderson Foundation.

The winners will be announced at the Trades Awards 2026 on Friday 30th October at Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen.

Meet the Trades Awards 2026 Finalists:

Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt and David Wilson Homes

• Diversity Energy Solutions
• Goldstar
• NEREC

Health, Safety & Wellbeing, sponsored by Safety Scotland

• Diversity Energy Solutions
• Persimmon Homes
• WM Donald

Construction Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Persimmon Homes

• Goldstar
• GPH Builders Merchants
• KR Group
• NEREC

Home/Building Improvement

• Kaizen Coffee & Wellness, EB Architects
• John Craigenhead, The Mains of Edzell
• Ardhuncart Lodge, Brudon Joinery
• MFA Home Design

Community Engagement, sponsored by STV

• GPH Builders Merchants and MSIS
• Robertson Construction Eastern
• Sugplumb

Construction Consultancy of the Year

• CWH Safety Ltd
• EB Architect
• Joe Boyle Ltd
• RBK Architecture

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Ogilvie

• Josh Findlay - Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
• John Ogston - Robertson Construction Eastern
• Jack Torrance - JKR Contractors
• Lewis Watt - WM Donald
• Owen Masson - Barratt Homes

Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Ltd

• Craig Forbes, GPH Builders Merchants
• David Kindness, Robertson Construction Eastern
• Lewis Hyde, WM Donald
• Shay Buchanan, Chap

Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

• Alex Walker, React Electrical
• Charlie Cassie, JKR Contractors Ltd
• David Murray, Murray Roofing Services
• Seven Adams, Adam Joinery Services

Site Manager of the Year

• Aaron Brebner, WM Donald
• Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
• Eric Studzinski, Ogilvie

Inspiring Women in Construction

• Catherine Dryburgh, Barratt Homes
• Dr Whitney Bevan, Robert Gordon University
• Michelle Forth-Burnett, Safety Scotland
• Nicola Fraser, KR Group

Construction Company of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual

• Diversity Energy Solutions
• Maskame & Tait

Construction Project of the Year, sponsored by KR Group

• Chap – Skylark, The Marcliffe
• Chap – Craighill Affordable Housing
• Ogilvie – Netheranden Residential Development
• Ogilvie – Stoneywood Complex Care Facility

Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted, and thank you to every business and individual who entered this year’s awards.