/ SUMMER
Mackenzie Construction invests for growth across the UK
/ FORWARD ANDY DALRYMPLE
I would like to start by paying tribute to Breege Duffy who held a special place both in the heart and structure of our business as the person who had regular contact with everyone in the company, both in offices and on sites. The hardest of times can often bring out the best in people and I have seen this within the Mackenzie family in the outpouring of affection for Breege and everyone coming together to help support each other at this very difficult time.
The last 12 months have seen us continue to successfully grow as a business, welcoming several new members to the team, maintain an excellent safety record and develop more opportunities with both existing and new clients.
I would like to thank everyone for the part they have played in achieving this success and particularly to all that have taken the time to share their thoughts and suggestions with me which prove invaluable in helping to shape the future. The future looks bright with a massive amount of future work already secured and a focus on improving office accommodation, digitalisation at all levels in the business and more structured training and development for which we will need to continue working as one team to ensure that we build upon the ongoing success we have achieved to date.
/ PEOPLE
Mackenzie Construction launch the ‘30 Year Club’ Luncheon
On Friday 28th June 2024, Mackenzie Construction held the first lunch event of the ’30 Year Club’ which was held at The Corinthian Club, Glasgow.
The ‘30 Year Club’ is for all within the company who have 30 years or more service. During the lunch event, all attendees enjoyed sharing stories from the past and talking about the future ambitions of Mackenzie Construction.
Mackenzie Construction places people at the heart of our success. Our professional, highly skilled and engaged workforce has helped us to become one of the
leading civil engineering and construction firms in the country.
The ’30 Year Club’ is a result of creating an environment for our people that allows them to progress, develop and thrive. We invest in our team and ensure they are afforded the opportunities to realise their full potential, encouraging promotion within and aiding long-service careers with Mackenzie Construction.
Celebrating our Retirees
We are grateful for our long-standing employees who passed down the Mackenzie standards, knowledge and skills required, to be empowered every day on-site.
Hugh ‘Shug’ McGuigan
Shug worked at Mackenzie Construction for 38 years and was a stalwart within the Company. Shug has been well known and loved throughout the business, training numerous squads and trainee engineers during his many years with us. Shug worked in all areas of the business, alongside all our Contracts Managers who have benefitted from his vast knowledge, gained over a lifetime.
Mackenzie Construction would like to thank Shug for his many years of loyal service, hard work and sharing his knowledge with the team.
Bobby Telford
Bobby retired in April after almost 20 years with the company. He was well-liked throughout the business. He was reliable, conscientious and a stickler for health and safety. He has worked in various areas of our business and has gained considerable knowledge.
The team at Mackenzie Construction is sorry to see Bobby go but would like to thank him for his loyal service.
Darren Hendry
Role: Contracts Manager
Regional Hub: Inverness
When did you start at Mackenzie Construction and what brought you to the company?
I started at Mackenzie Construction on the 3rd of June 2024 so I am new into the business.
I was first introduced to Mackenzie Construction’s Regional Director, Mark Bramley, before I met the wider senior leadership team in Glasgow. When I met with the senior leadership team, I got a positive understanding of the company and felt I would fit in with the culture and people at Mackenzie.
I felt the size of the Mackenzie Construction was well suited to me, allowing for the opportunity to bring my own experience as well as developing my skill set.
Understanding Mackenzie’s permanent commitment to Inverness further cemented my decision to join the company.
Where is your current position based and can you give me a bit of detail on your typical day-to-day?
I am based in Inverness working closely with a very supportive team.
In the first few weeks as Contracts Manager, I’ve covered most of the project lifecycle having been involved in pricing, preconstruction and the delivery phase across various Scottish Water projects including demolition works, valve replacement, bypasses, tank refurbishments and pipe bridge safety mitigations.
What was your background before joining Mackenzie Construction?
I studied at Edinburgh Napier University before spending 13 years in consultancy. In 2015 I started to work in contracting, working for a contractor in Livingston for two and a half years. Upon relocation to the Highlands in 2017/18 I took a job with Careys before joining a smaller civil environmental contractor in Aviemore. I worked for McGowans for just under five and a half years, first as a Contracts Manager and then as Managing Director.
What part of your previous experience are you most excited about bringing to Mackenzie Construction?
My experience is reasonably wide-ranging, and thus I
am excited about bringing as much as I can to the role. My experience in consultancy, experience with Careys on a large RCC frame and my recent leadership role at McGowans working in the same rural areas should give me a strong basis to be successful at Mackenzie Construction. I look forward to sharing my working knowledge of the wider industry with the Mackenzie team, with the purpose of assisting and growing Mackenzie Construction.
How does the future look for MCL and where do you see yourself in that future?
With regards to business development, we have a lot of work with Scottish Water in the North. As a team, we have a focus to build on that relationship and expand that offering aligning it with the business growth requirement of the company. We are also looking outwardly in Inverness, for other local opportunities.
I feel really optimistic about my future at Mackenzie Construction, given the support I have received thus far. I look forward to consolidating myself in my Contracts Manager role and am energised to play a large part in growing the business and team in the Inverness region.
What have you enjoyed most since starting with Mackenzie Construction?
The people! Everyone has been really supportive since I started with the company, both the Inverness team and everyone in Glasgow.
I was fortunate to meet the whole leadership team in my first week when we had the leadership away day at Scotstoun with Glasgow Warriors and I really appreciate the benefits of a strong company culture and leadership team.
Yusuf Vindhani
Role: Senior Contracts Engineer
Regional Hub: Dundee
When did you start at Mackenzie Construction?
I started with Mackenzie Construction in 2019 as a Graduate Engineer following my graduation from Abertay University where I studied a BSc in Civil Engineering. CECA Scotland introduced me to Mackenzie Construction where I did my first interview with Mark Wilson and Mark Brown. From the onset, there was a big emphasis on the family business feel, and it was clear the large opportunities that were available to me. I could see a good progression path and this solidified my decision to join Mackenzie Construction.
Where is your current position based and can you give me a bit of background about your career history at Mackenzie Construction?
I am based in Mackenzie’s office in Dundee. In our Eastern Regional Hub in Dundee, we cover the North East of Scotland from the Forth ferry crossing to Elgin and the Islands (Shetland, Orkney etc).
I started in Dundee as a Graduate Engineer working on the distribution reservoirs for treated water storage, focusing on structural refurbishment and civils work on these reservoirs. I progressed to Contracts Engineer and have recently been promoted to Senior Contracts Engineer.
When you first join Mackenzie Construction you are given responsibilities based on your role and as you move up the ladder your responsibilities increase, gaining more exposure on the commercial and client side of the business. When I was a graduate, I was mentored by seniors who would take on the commercial aspect of the role and as I have grown in my career and built my experience, I’ve been able to take on more responsibilities relating to the commercial aspect of the projects.
Over my 5 years with the company, my responsibilities have grown and the progression path within Mackenzie Construction is clear. There are many long-service staff at Mackenzie which is a testament to promotion from within, which is a good sign for me as I look to develop myself in my career.
What do you find is the best part of your day-to-day job?
No two days will be the same. It keeps the job exciting. There is lots of travelling and I get to meet a lot of people; clients, commercial and third parties such as land estates and council personnel. I enjoy the people aspect of the job, meeting and speaking with new people.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Refurbishing reservoirs is always a highlight for me. Dealing with structures that can be almost 100 years old. The water we drink in Scotland comes from treated water storage reservoirs and being able to save these and bring life to the assets is fulfilling. To give them a guarantee of life for another 20 years is satisfying; seeing the difference from start to finish, saving money on building a new tank, reducing carbon emissions and helping Scottish Water ensure they provide their customers with a consistent water supply.
How does the future look for MCL and where do you see yourself in that future?
When I first joined Mackenzie Construction, the turnover was at 30 million and now we are at 60 million, so it has doubled in my 5 years with the company. As the company has grown it has invested heavily in-house, developments in our commercial team, quality team and procurement team. Mackenzie invests in the company, ensuring they have the right people to keep on growing.
For my personal career, I enjoy seeing the growth and expansion of Mackenzie Construction, all while holding a family business feel. I see myself remaining in the Dundee regional hub and growing up the ladder as I develop, all while further developing Mackenzie’s Dundee base. Seeing the number of long-service staff at the company fills me with confidence in my progression path and I look forward to seeing how far I can go.
Mark Brown
Role: Structural Refurbishment
General Manager
Regional Hub: England
Can you tell the history of Mackenzie Construction’s expansion into England?
Our close working relationship with Scottish Water allowed us to specialise and hone our skills in the art of Service Reservoir Repair and Refurbishment. When an opportunity to apply for the Severn Trent Framework occurred in 2019, we were keen to apply and felt that we had all the tools required to be successful. We were delighted to be appointed to the Severn Trent Water & Hafren Dyfrdwy DSR Concrete Repair Framework in early 2020 and from there, things have gone from strength to strength. Since we started the framework, turnover has increased twofold, and we have established an excellent collaborative working rapport with our client which has resulted in us now delivering planned allocated projects to help them meet their regulatory requirements. In 2021, we then had the opportunity to apply for the Northumbrian Water DSR Concrete Repair Framework and again we were successful and our North East Regional Hub followed shortly after this was awarded.
What is your role in the team and how does a typical day-to-day look for you?
As General Manager for Structural Refurbishment, it is my responsibility to take a strategic view across all of our national regional hubs. However, within our frameworks for Severn Trent and Northumbrian Water, I also take a more hands-on approach at a Contracts Manager level. This allows me to ensure that all site operations are being carried out to the high standards of health, safety and quality that we expect, review productivity on key projects, ensure client satisfaction and oversee all commercial aspects of the site delivery. I find this incredibly rewarding as it allows me to help and support our regional teams on a day-to-day basis and build strong relationships with our clients.
Can you tell me about how Mackenzie Construction’s investment in people in England has aided growth?
Our strategy in England from the outset has always been about growing our brand organically within the regional hubs and recruiting regional people. Given the recent complications the industry has faced with recruitment, this has been a challenge indeed. However, it is satisfying to see that the hard work of our regional teams is now bearing fruit. Our regional hub in the North East for example now fully operates with people from the North East of England, from Project Manager, to Quantity Surveyor and our site operational squads. Similarly, our team within Severn Trent is starting to grow with regional talent from across the Midlands. But the journey doesn’t just stop with recruitment, we pride ourselves in the continuous development and personal growth of our people at all levels of the business regardless of their location and we work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of the ‘One Mackenzie Team'.
What do you see for the future of Mackenzie Construction in England?
At present, we are seeking to establish our second Regional Hub in the Midlands as we consider this a key factor in promoting our growth. Also, with the new AMP8 Investment Period on the horizon, we expect that the workload demands are going to increase significantly, with a particular focus on both drinking water quality and the storage/treatment of dirty water. For us, this brings more growth opportunities and demonstrates the strength of our people and our flexible approach to ensuring clients’ requirements are fulfilled.
Connor Johnstone
Role: CECA Academy Graduate
Regional Hub: Glasgow
What is your background and what led you to Mackenzie Construction?
I applied for the Civil Engineer course at Dunfermline College, which was an 18-week course teaching me basic skills. I then had interviews from a number of companies, one being Mackenzie Construction, which I decided to choose following the interview process.
How was the transition from the CECA Academy into the workplace?
I felt really confident from what I learned in the CECA Academy, which made the transition going into work much easier
How have you enjoyed the last 6 months at Mackenzie Construction, and do you have any favourite moments so far?
I have really enjoyed my time with Mackenzie Construction over the last 6 months, learning and getting experience in the industry. My favourite moment was when a pump shot off unexpectedly and I was soaked.
Do you have a favourite project you have worked on, and why?
My favourite project so far was Pitt Scottie because it was the first project where I was there from the beginning of the project and saw the progress all the way through until it was completed.
What are you looking forward to in the future at Mackenzie Construction?
I’m looking forward to all the future projects with the company. I also am looking forward to all the new things I can learn and the experiences I will gain.
7 months, 41 new starts
Mackenzie Construction places people at the heart of our success. Our professional, highly skilled and engaged workforce has helped us to become one of the leading civil engineering and construction firms in the country.
Our aim is to create an environment for our people that allows them to progress, develop and thrive. We invest in our team and ensure they are afforded the opportunities to realise their full potential, encouraging promotion within and aiding long-service careers with Mackenzie Construction.
/ COMMUNITY
Kelpies 10 Announcement
Mackenzie Construction becomes an official Sponsor for Kelpies 10 Celebration.
Mackenzie Construction is proud to announce that we were an official sponsor of the Kelpies 10 celebration, taking place on the 10th Birthday of the Kelpies on 27th of April 2024.
The monumental 30m high structures, the kelpies, were designed and created by Glasgow-based sculptor Andy Scott in October 2013 and officially unveiled by HRH Princess Anne on the 8th of July 2015. The pair of sculptures stand on the canal link between the Forth & Clyde Canal and the River Carron, at The Helix, an eco-park situated between Falkirk and Grangemouth.
The entire project took over ten years to realise and the sculptures were commissioned by Scottish Canals. Since the launch of the Kelpies in 2015, Helix Park has welcomed over seven million visitors from all over the world; the Kelpies play a huge role in contributing to a £85 million tourism spend in the Falkirk region annually.
“Mackenzie Construction was delighted to be an official sponsor of the Kelpies’ 10th birthday and enjoyed welcoming local visitors to celebrate the heritage legacy of Scotland’s canals, which continue to bring so many benefits across Scotland’s communities.”
Andy Dalrymple Managing Director, Mackenzie Construction
The Kelpies 10th birthday celebrations consisted of a one-off event that took place at the Kelpies in Helix Park, Falkirk. There was a free daytime event from 10.30am— 3pm, featuring fun-filled family activities. Followed by a ticketed evening concert from 5pm with performances from Callum Beattie and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Highland Business Dinner Sponsor
We are delighted to announce we were the associate sponsor for the 2024 Inverness Chamber of Commerce Highland Business Dinner.
This year’s Highland Business Dinner was being held on the 17th May at The Drumossie Hotel, recognising the diversity of the region’s business landscape, its professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the region’s successes over the past year while remaining focused on its collective ambitions for 2024 and beyond. The dinner also welcomed writer, podcaster, campaigner, and communicator Alastair Campbell as the keynote speaker.
The team at Mackenzie Construction enjoyed attending the event and meeting professionals and industry experts, making new connections and building on the relationships with existing connections.
At Mackenzie Construction, we work hard to ensure that our teams create value in the communities we live and work in, from our giving back initiatives to respectful site conduct, or ensuring we communicate clearly and regularly with those affected locally by our works.
Mackenzie Construction’s Regional Director for the North, Mark Bramley said of the sponsorship, “As a reliable partner in the North of Scotland, Mackenzie Construction is eager to connect with industry leaders and build on those key relationships within the region. We were delighted to be an Associate Sponsor at the Highland Business Dinner this year, to celebrate the success of the region in the past year and look forward to seeing the ambitions and aspirations for the North of Scotland as we progress through 2024 and beyond”.
Our Nominated Charity 2024 Homeless Project Scotland
We are committed to giving back and each year Mackenzie Construction supports a local charity by raising money and awareness for a cause close to our hearts.
We are delighted to announce that this year we will be fundraising for Homeless Project Scotland, an organisation that aim to provide nourishment and support to the homeless and vulnerable people across Scotland. Our growth in recent years through expanding our offices into Inverness, Dundee and Newcastle will encourage regional fundraising and increase the reach of our support for this great cause.
Homeless Project Scotland runs a number of critical services to showcase their commitment to tackling the issue of food poverty and making sure that no one goes hungry.
A key service that Homeless Project Scotland runs is the soup kitchen, which is an integral part of the organisation’s aims to provide nourishment and support to the homeless and vulnerable people across Scotland.
The soup kitchen is a vital service for many individuals who may not have access to regular meals or other forms of support. Homeless Project Scotland has a dedicated volunteer street cycle team that provides invaluable assistance to homeless and rough sleepers throughout cities and towns. They travel around the city, delivering food, water, clothing, and other essential items to individuals who are living on the streets. Homeless Project Scotland also has volunteer street teams, that operate throughout Scotland, providing vital
assistance to homeless and rough sleepers across Scotland, such as distributing food, water, clothing, and other essential items to those who are living on the streets. As well as but they also provide emotional support, listening to people’s stories, and offering a friendly face and a non-judgemental ear.
Homeless Project Scotland launched the first national homeless helpline in Scotland, staffed by trained professionals who offer support and advice to individuals experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.
The organisation believes that everyone has the right to a safe and secure home, and their helpline is a critical resource for those in crisis. They are committed to addressing the root causes of homelessness and working to provide sustainable solutions.
Having previously supported the Wooden Spoon Charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Cancer Support Scotland and local mental health charity Chris’s House, we are humbled to be raising money and awareness for another wonderful cause in our local areas.
In previous years our team have had great fun coming together to raise money and awareness through taking part in running events, cycling challenges, football matches and even Christmas jumper competitions. Our Health and Wellbeing Committee have been working on an exciting programme of events for this year and we look forward to coming together for another great cause.
Our Health and Wellbeing Committee Chairperson, Nina Devaney shared:
“Choosing our annual charity is an important and difficult decision for the business, with so many well-deserved organisations in need of support. This year, we are delighted to be supporting Homeless Project Scotland and are looking forward to getting everyone together and raising money for the organisation”.
You can visit our JustGiving link here for donations, where all proceeds throughout 2024 will go to Homeless Project Scotland.
Kieran Gibson—Kilt Walk
“I have only recently started at Mackenzie in August, so around about 8 months ago now. I first did the Kiltwalk 4 years ago because I wanted to raise some money for charity and take on a challenge I hadn’t done before. For previous years I have done it for Calum’s Cabin, a Childrens Cancer Charity, who have helped a friends daughter when they had Cancer when they were only 4 years old. I have also previously climbed Tinto Hill for St Andrews Hospice. I enjoyed raising money for Homeless Project Scotland and completing the challenge yet again.”
Team Mackenzie Construction’s Charity Bake Sale for Homeless Project Scotland
On Monday 15th April, our team at Mackenzie Construction held the annual coffee & cake morning at our Glasgow Headquarters. The event, organised by the Health & Wellbeing Committee, raised £680 for our chosen charity, Homeless Project Scotland.
The annual coffee & cake morning was well received by all employees, allowing all to participate in either baking, enjoying the baked goods, donating a prize for the raffle or entering our raffle to win one of the prizes. We would like to thank all our employees who got involved, for such a great cause.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who donated to our bake sale whether you baked, provided raffle prizes, or purchased them! It was great to see those who managed to pop into the office. You’ve all helped raise money for a great cause at Homeless Project Scotland. Big shout out to Alison for your support on the day!”
Nina Devaney Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Committee
We’d like to send a further thanks to our Health and Wellbeing Committee for organising a fantastic coffee & cake morning that helped raise £680 for our 2024 annual charity cause, Homeless Project Scotland.
Mackenzie Construction Proud to Participate in Business Fives
Business Fives were back in Glasgow for the 2024 Scottish event as 25 companies took to the pitches at Glasgow’s Powerleague in a bid to become Glasgow Football Tournament Corporate Champions. The event saw an impressive 421 goals scored in 74 matches and an amazing £2,459 raised for various local and national charities.
The Mackenzie Construction team, made up of Team Captain Danny Brown, Danny Veitch, James Quinn, Jason Mair, Josh Buchanan, David Greer and Mark Greer did us proud, qualifying from the group stages of the ‘Champions League’ before eventually being defeated by a strong team from Scottish Water who went on to win the competition.
Ending up relegated to the ‘Europa’ League where competition was fierce, the team continued to play well eventually reaching the final where unfortunately they faced a 4-0 defeat against Armour. Despite the defeat, we are extremely proud of our team, scoring 21 goals over the full event and raising important funds for our chosen charity, Homeless Project Scotland.
Speaking about the tournament the team commented,
“It was friendly and played in good spirits, well organised and we would definitely do it again. It was a great experience and gave us a chance to talk to a few other companies involved in construction”.
The team also recognised it gave them the opportunity to get to know others in the business better, “Friday went well, it was good to talk to people I’ve not really had a chance to talk to while being in the company and was good to sit down at the end as well with everyone from the team when the Q and A was on.”
/ PARTNERSHIPS
Scott Meenagh’s Olympic Journey
Our People Ambassador, Scott Meenagh, shares an update on his journey to the Paralympic Winter Games in 2026.
“I came back from the World Championships in the middle of March where I had three weeks of unstructured training to allow me to spend some time with my family and recharge the batteries. There is always that differentiation of ‘Scott’ and ‘Scott the athlete’ and ensuring I get that mental switch off from the complete discipline from full training. Having that break starts to fire the hunger to get back to training and I look forward to the programme starting up again.”
“Each year we complete an annual review and planning meeting which we did back in March. This is a fun day where myself, my psychologist, coaches, and physio, all come round one table and we review the previous training year, looking at trends, and stats and look to the year ahead, contrasting it to the bigger picture of the Olympics in 2026. We plan out the road to Milan there.”
“I am currently on a programme of structured training, which runs for 6 days a week, 2 sessions a day, building up volume. It is a simple life, making as much room for training, eating and sleeping as possible. This deliberate doing is what helps build habits. My goal is to achieve long, low-level big miles with lots of hours of low intensity to build up my breadth of fitness, to sharpen up the intensity come August. Low-level aerobic exercise can include swimming, roller skiing and cycling.”
“It is a real privilege to be an athlete, but it requires a lot of commitment. I build my good habits through the summer and begin my racing in December. I put in my hard work now to earn the right to go racing. I need to do the right thing when no one is watching so I can go into the upcoming racing season with the quality I want to bring to the next games”.
“I am going to a training camp in Majorca in October and get the last boost of warm sun in my bones, and take advantage of the extra vitamin D. I carry out the majority of my training programme at Stirling University or Stirling Institute of Sport and get my long miles in on the canal paths kept by Mackenzie Construction.”
Mackenzie Construction is an Official Company Supporter of The Lighthouse Club
We are proud to announce that we are an official Company Supporter of Lighthouse Club- a construction industry charity, that provides emotional, financial, and physical wellbeing support through a range of services.
These services include a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and a Text Support Service, which offer confidential support free of charge, a Self-Support App to help monitor and assess your wellbeing, as well as a Wellbeing Academy covering topics which include (but are not limited to): building resilience, managing stress, tackling debt, and suicide awareness. They have also established over 160 ‘Lighthouse Beacons’ around the UK, which are their volunteer centres, where workers in the industry can drop in and speak to individuals who share similar experiences and struggles.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.
A crucial element of the charity’s strategy is to provide a wide range of free and widely available pro-active resources to support the industry.
This incredible effort to improve mental health and support services within the construction industry is a cause that we believe is integral in stabilising and advancing our industry. In the name of this progress, Mackenzie Construction has made an annual pledge to help the Lighthouse Club achieve its goals of reducing construction industry suicides, improving workforce welfare and wellbeing, and keeping support services free and accessible for everyone in the industry.
Mackenzie Construction’s success is credited to its invaluable employees, and therefore we will always support ways to make their lives in and outside of work, safe, enjoyable, and carefree– and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is another step towards this.
“I’m so pleased we have become a company supporter of the Lighthouse Club. I think we’ll all benefit from the connection; the range of support Lighthouse Club provides will be amazing for our staff. I look forward to working closely with the charity.“
Nina Devaney Health & Wellbeing Committee
If you would like to learn more about Lighthouse Club and the work they do, please visit their website: https://www.lighthouseclub.org/.
Mackenzie Construction makes positive impact with Crinan Community Fund
Community groups across Crinan have benefited from a Mackenzie Construction's community fund.
Mackenzie Construction has been delivering the Scottish Canals winter works programme for three years along the Crinan Canal. We launched the fund to give something back to the communities that have become a second home to many of our team over the multi-year works programme.
The first call for applications in the summer of 2023 was a resounding success. Applications were submitted by many worthy organisations and initiatives and following a review of applications, donations have been made to 10 organisations and improvement works projects have been scoped and started for a further eight.
One organisation to benefit from additional funding is the Lochgilphead Red Star Youth Football Team, who were awarded a lump sum to pay for new kits and equipment, making the club more accessible and open to a wider number of enthusiastic young footballers.
Fraser Knox, Club Chairman, commented:
“Lochgilphead Red Star Youth Football Club would like to extend a huge thank you to Mackenzie Construction Community Fund for the funding they kindly donated to our club towards the purchase of reusable equipment. This has allowed us to purchase new equipment for the club that will allow the children the ability to progress and build their skills.”
Works have also begun to support the Ardrishaig Community Garden with pathways, drainage, levelling, and preparation works for their planting, helping them to establish a community garden for all to enjoy.
Sheila Groat, ACG Secretary, commented:
“We at Ardrishaig Community Garden are delighted that Mackenzie Construction has selected us as one of the projects they will be supporting. The application process was simple and everyone we have met, or spoken to, at Mackenzie has been very helpful and supportive of our project. The work the team are going to carry out will make a significant difference to the development of the garden, especially the levelling of the site and the improved drainage. This productive green space within Ardrishaig will benefit greatly from Mackenzie Construction’s support.”
Community engagement has always been a key factor for Mackenzie Construction throughout the project and the Community Fund further reinforces that commitment to those in Crinan and the surrounding communities.
Mackenzie Construction Invests for Growth Across the UK
Mackenzie Construction completes a number of key investments as we focus on future growth.
Strengthening our national presence, the business has invested in the establishment and upgrade of key regional hubs, in Inverness, serving the North of Scotland, Dundee, serving the East Coast and in Newcastle, serving England.
Further to this investment, the company took delivery of a new fleet of 87 vehicles for deployment across the country.
The new fleet provides a range of new vehicle types to support efficient operations on all contracts, custom fitted interiors for civils and structural repair work and new equipment, ensuring that all drivers are kept safe.
With our impressive portfolio of ongoing undertakings and past project successes for Scottish Water, Scottish Canals, Northumbrian Water and Severn Trent, we are actively recruiting in all areas to bolster the existing team. Creating a pipeline of talent is central to the growth strategy and the business’ recently established Training Academy will play a key role in maintaining a strategy of self-delivery.
Headquartered in Glasgow and operating across the UK, Mackenzie Construction is a leading Civil Engineering and Structural Refurbishment contractor.
Our success has been built on its investment in people and collaborative relationships with clients continually striving for better, more innovative ways of working. Most recently the company successfully retained its Investors in People Platinum status and launched our Carbon Plan, where we are actively working towards being net zero by 2040, five years ahead of the Scottish Government’s goal.
Andy Dalrymple, Managing Director of Mackenzie Construction, said:
“The recent investment in company infrastructure will play a key part in the continued growth of our business and ensure we do not compromise on our commitment to provide an industry leading level of service to our clients and a safety driven culture for our employees.”
Mackenzie Construction Partners with Make it Glasgow to Create Lasting Community Impact
Mackenzie Construction is proud of the sponsorship with Make it Glasgow, and we were delighted to attend the unveiling of the completed mosaic work on the Beithir sculpture at Stockingfield Bridge in March.
The Mackenzie Construction team has been involved with the project since the early stages, initially working on the groundworks for the sculpture, installing the concrete slab where the Beithir now sits. Working closely with Scottish Canals, Scott Associates Sculpture and the artist Nichol Wheatley, the Beithir was fabricated locally and then carefully transported by our team in sections to their final position as part of the impressive sculpture.
Braving the elements over the winter, the Mackenzie team installed scaffolding around the perimeter of the Beithir head providing cover and access to the top of the 121m mythical serpent.
As Scott Associates began to shape the contour of the Beithir using chicken wire mesh with a ferrocement coating, the Make it Glasgow team began their mosaicking works on the artwork.
Despite harsh winter conditions and stormy weather, the mosaicking works have progressed over the course of the winter reaching completion at the beginning of February. The Mackenzie team have had to provide ongoing support to navigate the challenging conditions including installing a power supply within the Beithir to run several heaters, ensuring the ferrocement was at the required temperature for applying the mosaic.
To support the Make it Glasgow team, Mackenzie Construction established a compound area for them to base themselves throughout the works and this will eventually become their permanent home, creating a last community impact for the project as well as allowing the team to facilitate work on other artwork pieces around Stockingfield Park.
Ahead of the grand unveiling, Mackenzie Construction was delighted to install a temporary custom cover and finish some landscaping works around the head, ensuring the reveal will be impressive.
The partnership with Make it Glasgow has created an opportunity for Mackenzie to support the successful launch of their tile making workshops, with several volunteers from the local area able to give their time and contribute to the mosaicking works. These tiles, made by the community, are incorporated in the Beithir’s head, leaving an inspiring community legacy.
/ ROAD TO NET ZERO
Net Zero Case Study—Souters Wood DSR
Client: Scottish Water
Project Value: £507, 279.59
Location: Manorhill Road, Selkirk, Scottish Borders
Timeframe: 16 weeks
Background
The site is located on the outskirts of Selkirk, at the Scottish Borders, and accessed via a single-track road. The site is located on a very steep hill within farmland making access very difficult for even small vehicles.
The site welfare was set up 300m away from the tank at the foot of the hill. A temporary lay-down area was created using aluminium track mats to limit the transportation of materials on and off the site.
Project Scope
• Stockproof fencing to be erected along the access road with integrated sheep crossing points.
• Tank roof to be stripped and gravel set aside for reuse using conveyor belts.
• Removal of the existing waterproofing.
• Application of low carbon waterproofing system.
• Wash the existing gravel and place it back on the roof ensuring cleanliness measures are met by turbidity test.
• Application of 600m of internal joint overbanding.
• Application of 400m of external joint overbanding
Carbon Saving initiatives used at the site
• Eco Welfare units and site setup.
• An aluminium trackway system to replace the imported stone.
• Gravel washing and recycling, ensuring cleanliness levels are met.
• Electric conveyor belts transporting materials onto the tank roof.
• New low-carbon waterproofing material on the tank roof.
• All power onsite was generated using HVO-fuelled generators and battery storage, including the heating and lighting within the tank.
Impact/Community benefit
Throughout the duration of this project, Mackenzie Construction worked closely with Scottish Water and landowners to limit the impact on the surrounding farmland and the drinking water supply. This project has accelerated the Scottish Water supply network programme, meeting the needs of the locals, and has ensured the quality of the drinking water is maintained for another 20 years.
Carbon
Significant Carbon savings can be demonstrated when compared with compatible alternate technologies. The tables below shows just some of the Carbon saving initiatives implemented throughout the duration of Souters Wood DSR works.
and reinstate
55,500kg traditional methods reduced to 1332kg C02 using Carbon saving methods resulting in a massive 54,168kg (54Tons) of C02 saved.