Shetland: famous these days for a TV crime drama series but also home to the FMB’s most northerly members. In late October, I was joined by the FMB’s National President Chris Carr and our Scotland President Pam Wilson on a trip to the archipelago. Pam’s fellow member of our Scotland Board Peter Tait from D.I.T.T Construction was our main host. Whilst I have visited members in Shetland a few times, this was Chris and Pam’s first trip to the far north.
We visited construction and housebuilding projects run by E&H Building Contractors, Garriock Bros and D.I.T.T. Fortunately for us, the weather was excellent and the formidable winds which frequent the islands were absent. Pam Wilson said ‘as an FMB member first and foremost, I got a lot out of connecting with fellow members in Shetland. Running a building company in central Scotland has its own challenges and I learned how members manage the extra challenges of building on islands that are over 300 miles north of Edinburgh.’
Challenges and opportunities
Probably the biggest extra challenge is the build cost. A range of factors, from the rocky terrain, to Shetland’s location, all come together to result in costs which are typically 30% higher when compared to building on mainland Scotland. There are also challenges that builders in Shetland have in common with members elsewhere in the UK. Attracting and retaining labour and skills being the top one. As for opportunities, the chronic undersupply of new homes and long waiting lists for affordable housing are not unique to Shetland. The members in Shetland remain ready, willing and able to build new high-quality energy efficient homes. Indeed this is something Peter, Chris, Pam and I discussed with Shetland News during the visit.
Construction training
Prior to an informal dinner with members, we all attended the AGM of the Shetland Construction Training Group. I gave a brief presentation on FMB’s recent work at the meeting and we learned about how members collaborate to keep on top of training. We also received an update from Billy Baxter of the CITB. Chris Carr said ‘I have never seen so many companies training apprentices in such a small area, and I see the pride they are taking in this. After visiting a number of sites it is clear that the quality of new houses built by members are far superior to the ones in England.’ With these words Chris will be warmly welcomed back to Shetland!
My thanks to all of the members who spent time with us during our visit and especially to Arthur Robertson, Drewie & John Robert Manson, Peter Tait, and James Johnston; Group Training Officer of Shetland Construction Training Group.
Authors
Gordon Nelson
Director, Federation of Master Builders Scotland
