Our Make a Lasting Difference campaign has now wrapped up, but we hope the message behind it continues to resonate.
Over the past few months, we’ve travelled across Scotland to shine a light on civil engineering projects that are truly making a difference. We’ve told stories of bridges reconnecting communities, rivers brought back to life, and rural routes restored, all made possible by the passion, innovation, and dedication of those working across our industry.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part — for sharing the stories behind these inspiring projects and helping to spark interest in civil engineering contracting among the next generation.
Here’s a round-up of all the fantastic projects we featured.
Stockingfield Bridge
For over 200 years, a canal divided the communities of Maryhill, Ruchill and Gilshochill in North Glasgow. Today, Stockingfield Bridge stands as a powerful example of what civil engineering can do — not just for infrastructure, but for people. Delivered by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Scottish Canals and with funding from Sustrans, this project has:
• Reunited neighbourhoods with accessible active travel routes
• Created vibrant public space shaped by local voices
• Delivered a legacy of community art and engagement
• Showcased what’s possible when engineering serves social value
This is Stockingfield Bridge. How will you improve local communities?
Watch the story of Stockingfield Bridge told by Richard Millar, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Canals at the link here
Eyemouth Wastewater Improvements
In the Berwickshire town of Eyemouth, a vital piece of infrastructure work has done more than protect homes from flooding — it has changed lives, inspired community resilience, and redefined what it means to deliver with care.
Delivered by Morrison Construction on behalf of Scottish Water, the Eyemouth wastewater project was designed to tackle long-standing flooding issues that had impacted residents and businesses. The solution involved installing new, larger-diameter sewer pipes and building a 7.5-metre-deep underground stormwater tank in a tight harbour car park — all while keeping a busy community moving, and safe, during ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
The impact of the project has been felt deeply in the local community and recognised by the wider industry:
• Deep stormwater tank & new sewer pipes to protect homes
• Close engagement with residents during pandemic restriction
• Entire Morrison team nominated for Scottish Water iGEM awards
• Donated pipe offcuts reused in community food garden
• Waste avoided, emissions reduceWd, and a legacy of learning left behind
• Winner of the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards Community Award
JR Anderson, Provost, Eyemouth Community Council shared,
“The consensus is a huge thank you on a job well done. The relief felt by Church Street residents is lifechanging.”
This is the Eyemouth’s Wastewater Project. How will you improve lives?
Levenmouth Rail Link
One year into construction, the Levenmouth Rail Link Project is already laying the foundations for lasting change. For decades, the communities of Leven and Methil have been among the largest in Scotland without direct access to the rail network. This long-awaited project is about more than laying tracks — it’s about restoring opportunity, connection, and confidence in the future of the region.
The project, being delivered in close collaboration by Story Contracting Limited, QTS Group, AmcoGiffen, RSAS, Babcock International Group, Atkins, BAM UK & Ireland, SPL and Siemens is a transformative investment by Transport Scotland and Network Rail to restore 10 miles of disused railway and deliver two new stations in Leven and Cameron Bridge.
Once complete, the project will reshape life across the region:
• Reconnecting thousands of residents to the national rail network for the first time in over 50 years. Unlocking access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities across Fife and beyond.
• Encouraging greener travel and reduce congestion through sustainable, low-carbon transport
• Driving regeneration and economic growth in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas
• Creating a stronger sense of place, pride, and potential for future generations.
This is the Levenmouth Rail Link. What communities will you help?
Anne Sidhu, Scheme Project Manager discussed the impact of this project at the video here
Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge
For rural communities across Upper Deeside and Donside, the road through Gairnshiel is more than a route, it’s a lifeline.
The new Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge, delivered by Wills Bros Group Civil Engineering in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, replaces the steep, narrow 18th-century crossing that could no longer safely carry modern traffic. With a 36-mile diversion in place for many vehicles, residents, businesses, and emergency services were cut off from direct access impacting daily life, tourism, and the local economy.
Today, the new crossing has transformed travel across the region:
• Restored vital connectivity for goods, services, and emergency access between Upper Deeside, Donside, and Speyside
• Removed weight and size restrictions that prevented buses, coaches, and larger vehicles from using the route
• Reduced journey times and eliminated the need for lengthy, disruptive detours
• Improved safety and resilience for communities navigating harsh winters and rural terrain
• Protected the historic Gairnshiel Bridge for future generations, while providing a contemporary, climate-resilient alternative
This is Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge. What will you play a part in restoring?
Watch the video here
Garrell Burn Restoration
For over a century, the Garrell Burn in Kilsyth had not seen a single salmon fry. The river’s altered course, industrial legacy, and physical barriers had left it struggling, impacting wildlife and limiting community access to the river corridor.
The Garrell Burn Restoration project, delivered by George Leslie in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, WSP, and SEPA, has transformed this once-neglected watercourse into a thriving habitat and valued community asset.
The project has made a lasting difference by:
• Restoring 600 metres of the river’s natural meandering course, improving habitat diversity and floodplain connectivity
• Installing fish and eel passes to reopen migratory routes after generations of blockage
• Creating over 2 kilometres of accessible walking paths and three new footbridges for local residents and visitors
• Removing invasive species and improving water quality, in line with Scotland’s River Basin Management Plan
• Supporting local employment and inspiring future engineers through school engagement and apprenticeship opportunities
Kilsyth’s residents are already enjoying this new green space — from dog walkers to nature enthusiasts — proving that well-planned civil engineering can reconnect communities with their natural environment.
This is the Garrell Burn Restoration. What change will you create?
Hear more on this project from George Leslie Contracts Manager, Mark Gallagher and Project Manager, Conor McDermott at the video here
The Port of Nigg East Quay Development
At the heart of Scotland’s transition to a Net Zero economy lies innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to building a better future—not just for industry, but for people and the planet.
Delivered by Farrans Construction in close partnership with their client, Global Energy Group, the new 225m long deep-water quay has been built with sustainability at its core helping position Nigg as a national hub for offshore renewables, directly supporting Scotland’s journey to Net Zero.
The positive impact of the project goes far beyond the quay wall:
• £4.2M injected into the local supply chain within a 50-mile radius—boosting local businesses and suppliers
• Over 30% of the workforce were local hires, creating skilled job opportunities and supporting the community
• Local quarry materials reduced transport emissions, and local plant and labour was used wherever possible
• Charitable donations, community updates, and meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout the build
• Winner of the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards Infrastructure Award for Marine
Rory Gunn, Facilities Director at the Port of Nigg, shared:
“The enhanced capabilities will assist us to attract inward investment with a vision to create long term skilled manufacturing jobs at our port... It’s a huge selling point for future offshore wind projects.”
This is the Port of Nigg East Quay Development. How will you shape the future?
Watch the video here
Stay tuned for our next campaign as we continue our #EngineeringScotlandsFuture initiative.
