Tag Archives: Aberdeen News

Aberdeen Art Gallery wins architecture prize

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The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced that Aberdeen Art Gallery – designed by Hoskins Architects – is the winner of the 2021 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.

Aberdeen Art Gallery underwent a landmark redevelopment project between 2015 and 2019, supported by Aberdeen City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This is the latest accolade for Aberdeen Art Gallery which was a joint winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020 and a recipient of a 2021 National Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Using a strategy of careful repair and confident addition, Hoskins Architects have refurbished and extended a fine existing building. The result is a civic space fit for today’s visitors – one is which is now more welcoming, more sustainable, and more accessible. The redevelopment demonstrates how contemporary architecture, historic building conservation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

The special character and grandeur of the 19th century category A listed building has been preserved, and a dramatic copper-clad roof is among a series of striking contemporary interventions that have revitalised the gallery and its relationship with the city.

The architects have subtly and sensitively restored original features of the 19th century building and improved fabric performance, alongside confident alteration and the bold addition of new elements that enhance the visitor experience, knitting together a thread of careful conservation and the requirements of a world class, 21st century gallery. They created new exhibition and education spaces, thoroughly upgraded the building’s services and environmental performance, and improved the gallery’s art handling, storage, back of house and study facilities.

The annual Doolan Award is assessed by an expert jury who look at each project’s architectural integrity, usability and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability. All types of building are eligible for the award, which is named in memory of its founder and patron, the architect/developer Andy Doolan, who died in 2004.

The architects of the winning building receive a £10,000 cash prize, making the Doolan Award one of the most significant architecture awards in the world. The award would not exist without Andy Doolan’s extraordinary generosity and vision, and his family have kindly continued their support. The Scottish Government also generously supports the award.

Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson said: “On behalf of the citizens of Aberdeen I’m incredibly proud that Aberdeen Art Gallery has been named as Scotland’s building of the year. The redevelopment project has completely re-imagined and revitalised one of the city’s most important buildings. It has created a welcoming, accessible, safe and inspiring space for all of us to enjoy, whether we live in Aberdeen or we’re visiting the city. I hope that news of this important award will encourage people who may not have visited for some time to re-discover the Art Gallery, or to visit it for the first time and experience for themselves this spectacular building and the outstanding collection it’s home to.”

Caroline Clark, National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “It’s wonderful news that the transformation of Aberdeen Art Gallery, which was supported by National Lottery players, has won this highly prestigious architectural award. It is a well-deserved endorsement of this ambitious project which reimagined and reinvented the Gallery’s historic buildings to revitalise this major cultural attraction.”

Speaking on behalf of the Doolan family, Andrew Doolan’s nephew Ross Findlay said: “Before her passing in 2020, Andrew’s mother Margaret Doolan held her son’s legacy and achievements in high esteem. She took great pleasure in continuing his vision and support of the RIAS. As such, our family is proud to help to promote Scottish architecture at home and abroad and celebrate the creativity, innovation and ingenuity this breeds – exactly the vision that Andrew had when he set out his plans for this award over 20 years ago.

“This year presented a very competitive list of finalists so we are happy to congratulate Hoskins Architects and the Aberdeen Art Gallery on their deserving win.

“Having sponsored this event since 2004, we have seen the award go to many different buildings designed for different purposes and it is great to celebrate a civic building being given a new lease of life that will serve the public for future generations – a very fitting project for the intended ethos of the award.”

First Minister addresses AAM annual conference

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The First Minister today contrasted the Scottish Government’s “Welcome in Scotland” approach with the approach being taken by the UK government.

Nicola Sturgeon set out her determination to keep Scotland in the Single Market even if the rest of the UK leaves, following the Brexit vote.

The First Minister addressed 200 investors at Aberdeen Asset Management’s annual investment conference in London on the themes of growth, empowerment, and the importance of investing in an inclusive economy.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“Scotland voted very strongly to remain in the European Union – by 62% to 38%. Every local authority area in Scotland voted to retain EU membership.

“It is my job, and the job of the whole Scottish Government, to protect our vital national interests. We are currently exploring all options that will enable us to do that.

“More than anything else our long-term economic success will depend on nurturing the talent of those already in Scotland and of those who believe ours is the kind of welcoming country that allows ambition to flourish.

“That’s why I am so personally committed to reducing the attainment gap in Scotland’s schools. Education and skills will always be at the heart of how individuals’ fulfil their potential.

“We also believe freedom of movement helps to enhance and enrich our country. It creates opportunity for those born here and for those who move here.

“The position of the UK Government and some others is very different. From the refusal to guarantee the status of fellow EU nationals living in Scotland and the UK, to the threat to draw up lists of foreign workers, the UK Government seems intent on sending out a “not welcome here” message.

“I am determined that we send out a different message: one that says to all those living, working and studying in Scotland that they are most definitely welcome.

“We want to trade as freely as possible with our EU partners; to continue to welcome people from across the EU and around the world; to maintain ties which have enhanced our prosperity and enriched our society.

“And we want to ensure that Scotland remains an open, internationalist country. Our relationship with Europe has become part of Scotland’s sense of itself. So we will argue for an approach to Brexit which retains as much of that relationship as possible.”

You can read the whole speech here. 

The future of mountain weather forecasts in doubt

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Guarantees over the future of Scotland’s mountain weather forecasts were sought in the Scottish Parliament today (13 Sept) by Green MSP, Andy Wightman.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that SportScotland is to end funding of the Mountain Weather Information Service.

In spite of repeatedly asking the Minister for Public Health and Sport if SportScotland had told the Mountain Weather Information Service at a meeting on July 2016 that its funding would end, Ms Campbell was unable to provide an answer.

Andy Wightman MSP, the Scottish Greens’ Housing & Land reform spokesperson, said:

“I’m glad that the Minister shares my view that the forecast service is an essential service for climber and walker safety in Scotland and that conversations with the government and its agencies are ongoing. However, the public will be looking for more transparency over what the current funding set up is and how that has been communicated to the MWIS. I’ll continue to seek updates from the minister to guarantee the long-term future of mountain weather-forecasting.

“This is a service that has provided trusted detailed forecasting for mountain users for 13 years and SportScotland has funded it since 2007. It’s a service that is trusted and relied upon by hundreds of thousands of users of Scotland’s mountains every year and safety and enjoyment of those who use our mountains is dependent upon accurate reliable, and above all trusted sources of weather forecasts.”

Could tonight’s Lotto winner come from Aberdeen?

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As the whole of the UK awaits a winner of monumental proportions this evening, you have to wonder if lightning will strike twice in the Granite City.

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Although the National Lottery website has crumbled under the weight of traffic, they have been tweeting like mad to encourage more people to enter.

Camelot UK Lotteries Limited, operator of The National Lottery, is announced in December that the £276,669.50 prize from the EuroMillions draw on 20 November 2015 – which had previously remained outstanding in Aberdeen – had been claimed.

Earlier last year an Aberdeenshire winner was announced. One lucky person scooped the £121,729.20 prize from the EuroMillions draw on 17 July, 2015 – which had previously remained outstanding.

Unless the winner of a major National Lottery prize opts to take full publicity and signs an agreement to that effect, no further information can be released about their win.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “We’re delighted that the winner of this amazing prize has now come forward and we hope that they will enjoy their win. It would have been awful if the ticket-holder had missed out on this substantial and life-changing amount of money. We would like to remind all National Lottery players to check their tickets every time they play.”

Energy Taskforce coming to Aberdeen this week

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The Taskforce established by the First Minister to support jobs in the energy sector will meet for the first time in Aberdeen next Wednesday.

The new Energy Jobs Taskforce, chaired by Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson, will report to the Scottish Energy Advisory Board and will focus on jobs across the entire industry, but with an initial emphasis on the oil and gas sector.

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Lena Wilson, chair of the Energy Taskforce, said:

“We’ve made quick progress in forming this Taskforce which represents a strong and united public and private sector partnership that is committed to working together to support this vital industry throughout these challenging times. While current circumstances are difficult, we also need to remember that this is a resilient industry – one which has weathered the storm before and will do so again.

“We have an urgent and immediate task at hand to retain the jobs, skills and talent which is the bedrock of Scotland’s internationally competitive energy sector. The depth of knowledge and expertise this newly formed Taskforce offers will undoubtedly make an invaluable contribution to that task and help shape support to meet the current and future need for our energy sector.”

Ahead of the group’s first meeting, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:

“I am acutely aware from the numerous meetings and discussions I have had with a range of companies, industry figures and unions, that the sector is currently facing extremely challenging times.

“This Taskforce, chaired by Lena Wilson, is an important step to ensure that energy jobs are sustained and supported through this difficult period, and is yet another demonstration from the Scottish Government that the industry has our full support.

“Since oil was discovered more than four decades ago, we have built a world class industrial cluster in the north sea and now export the skills and services required to support it around the world.

“There is a real risk that the current fall in the oil price will lead to the premature decommissioning of assets and the loss of highly skilled workers. Within this context, I think it is vital that the UK Government acts now.

“The North Sea has made an enormous contribution to the Scottish and UK economies over the last 40 years. It is now vital, in order to prolong the life of the industry beyond 2050 and maximise economic benefits, that the UK Government maintains the momentum for fiscal and regulatory change in the oil and gas sector.

“Chief among the action required is an immediate reversal of the 2011 hike in the Supplementary Charge and I made it clear that it is not sufficient for this change to wait until the March budget as Alistair Carmichael suggested last week.

“Last year, the UK Government announced a 2 per cent reduction of the Supplementary Charge rate – this reduction doesn’t go far enough. In boardrooms worldwide, oil companies are now making decisions which will impact on jobs in Scotland. Investors need a strong signal that the North Sea is open for business and that the UK Government understand the needs of the industry – and they need that signal now.”

University of Aberdeen announces major investment in Energy Excellence

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Plans for a new £100 million centre of excellence in research, innovation and teaching to help safeguard society’s energy needs were announced yesterday  by the University of Aberdeen. Details of a public meeting when you can see the plans are at the end of this article.

The 19,000m2 purpose-built Energy Building will contain world class, sustainable facilities to build on the University’s and Aberdeen’s reputation for ground-breaking research and innovation, and create a modern, engaging learning environment for students.

Maximising economic recovery of existing fossil fuels, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy and energy economics are just a handful of areas of research to be carried out in the new facility, whilst retaining a dedication to fundamental research.

The Energy Building represents the latest phase of the University’s half a billion pound campus investment plan which has already provided funding for the Sir Duncan Rice Library, the Suttie Centre and the Aberdeen Aquatics Centre.

The new facility will increase opportunity for industry engagement, collaboration and professional development programmes through the Aberdeen Institute of Energy – the University’s single point of contact for all its energy activities.

An ‘Open Lab’ outreach policy will help demystify science for youngsters, and provide a source of inspiration and encouragement for the next generation of scientists with particular focus on attracting girls into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.

The flexible space will also serve as a venue to host events, functions and exhibitions for the local community, industry and others.

“The University of Aberdeen has a long and proud international reputation for world class research and innovation in energy and science,” said Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University. “Such ground-breaking research requires cutting edge facilities, an environment that encourages cross-collaboration in different disciplines, and a ‘shop front’ suitable for welcoming visits from industry sponsors and other stakeholders.

“The new Energy Building seeks to meet these needs, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and much required capacity, to enhance greatly our research, teaching, collaboration and outreach activities. This building will provide world class facilities for our academics, students and industry partners, as well as a new home for the Aberdeen Institute of Energy; consolidating our position as a global energy university.”

This building will provide world class facilities for our academics, students and industry partners, as well as a new home for the Aberdeen Institute of Energy; consolidating our position as a global energy university.”

The Energy Building will intensify the University’s existing partnerships with industry though the delivery of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development (CPD) teaching to support the employment needs of industry, the provision of innovation space, and the conduct of fundamental and applied research.

A significant part of the new building will be dedicated to the University’s Fluid Dynamics department, which is already ranked alongside a handful of the best facilities of its kind in the world – studying fundamental science which can also be applied to biofarm design and pipeline stability, among many other areas. The new laboratory will be significantly larger than the existing facility and could see the University join an elite class of institutions that boast facilities where scientists can record ‘benchmark data’.

Today’s announcement was welcomed by the leading trade association for the United Kingdom offshore oil and gas industry, Oil & Gas UK.

Alix Thom, Oil & Gas UK’s Employment and Skills Issues Manager, said: “We welcome the announcement of an ambitious new building that will bring together scientists involved in research into oil and gas exploration and enhanced oil production. We are also pleased to see an initiative that encourages the next generation, particularly girls, into science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

The building will not just benefit the researchers and students of today, but also the next generation of bright young minds, and the community as a whole. The Energy Building will feature more space to continue and build upon the wide range of successful outreach programmes already offered, such as the successful science open weekends, and the S6@Uni scheme.

The building’s planned location is close to the Sir Duncan Rice Library, on the site at the corner of St Machar Roundabout and Bedford Road.

It is proposed that its construction will be followed by the planned demolition of the Meston Building on the corner of Meston Walk and Elphinstone Road.

Members of the public are invited to hear more about the University’s vision at a Public Meeting on the first floor of The Hub on the corner of Elphinstone Road and St Machar Drive on Wednesday 10 December 2014 between 6.30pm – 7.30pm.

New boss for NHS Grampian

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Malcolm Wright OBE has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive of NHS Grampian.

Mr Wright, who has 39 years of experience of working in the NHS including a range of senior management posts in both Scotland and England, will take over from Richard Carey in early December 2014.

Richard Carey announced his decision to take early retirement from the board after serving the NHS for 33 years.

Announcing the appointment Health Secretary Alex Neil said:
“I am delighted that Malcolm will be taking on this vital role at the heart of NHS Grampian.

“I would also like to thank Richard Carey for the years of dedicated service he has provided to NHS Scotland and wish him well for the future.

“Malcolm has pursued a distinguished career across the NHS, within Scotland and the UK, and has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence among clinical leaders and management alike.

“His accomplishments include a proven track record of turning around challenging times for the organisations he has led – such as steering the Western Isles Health Board through difficulties in 2006.

“With such a wealth of experience and commitment I believe that Malcolm will lead NHS Grampian with fresh energy and renewed vision.

“An immediate priority will be responding to and taking forward any recommendations from the review of care being undertaken by Healthcare Improvement Scotland at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The Scottish Government will work closely with the board on these issues, just as we have done in the past.

“For example, under this government, NHS Grampian has seen its frontline funding steadily increase. In 2006/07 the board received 9.1 per cent of the total revenue funding for health territorial boards – this has increased to 9.6 per cent in 2015/16.

“The board has been funded above the national average rate for 8 of the last 9 years which means that NHS Grampian now receives over £229 million more in revenue funding than when this government came to office.”

Mr Wright said:

“I am delighted and honoured to be asked to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive at NHS Grampian.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the board, clinical staff and partner organisations to support and develop NHS Grampian.

“Quality of care and achieving best outcomes for patients, as well as supporting all staff will be key priorities for me and for the leadership team in NHS Grampian.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the work of my predecessor Richard Carey. I wish him well for the future.”

Mr Wright has been appointed on an interim basis through secondment from NHS Education for Scotland. The position of new chief executive will be advertised by the end of the year and filled through open competition.

The Scottish Government has protected NHS Grampian’s frontline budget, which has increased by £229.2 million since 2007 and will increase by 4.4 per cent to £812.6 million for 2015-16, both above inflation and the largest increase of any Scottish health board.

The number of staff working in NHS Grampian has also increased 3.6 per cent since 2006.

Housing for NHS Staff

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Craiginches site is to be developed into homes for key workers.

Key public sector workers, including NHS staff, are set to benefit from new homes developed on the Craiginches site in Aberdeen, under new plans announced by Health Secretary Alex Neil announced today.

The proposals will see the site of the former prison sold to Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association who will transform it into houses with the help of Scottish Government funding.

This will include various forms of affordable housing targeted at key workers, in particular NHS workers, as part of a pilot scheme being developed that will ensure important public servants are provided with the opportunity to access the new homes.

Working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association and NHS Grampian, the Scottish Government will now take forward detailed development of the plans.

Mr Neil said:

“There are record levels of staff working in our NHS – more nurses and doctors than ever before.

“But, while we have supported this unprecedented recruitment by boards across Scotland, we know that some local areas like the North East have experienced difficulties attracting staff.

“We need to think creatively and flexibly about helping where we can – which is exactly what today’s announcement is all about.

“Finding affordable housing in Aberdeen in particular has been noted as an issue that is causing difficulties in the recruitment and retention of staff. We hope these new homes will help NHS staff and other key workers find a place to live, so they can make a vital contribution to our public services.

“We will now take forward the plans with partners and draw up a key workers policy to ensure these homes are targeted at the public service workers who really need them.

“This will go alongside our substantial affordable housing programme, which is providing new homes for people not just in Aberdeen, but across Scotland.

“Despite these considerable challenges to our budget, we plan to spend over £1.7 billion to deliver our target of 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament, supporting an estimated 8,000 jobs each year.”

Dr Annie Ingram, Director of Workforce at NHS Grampian said:

“This is a very welcome initiative. Finding affordable housing in the Aberdeen area is a real challenge for our staff and can be a real disincentive to staff who want to work for NHS Grampian, but cannot afford to relocate to the area. We look forward to working with our partners to develop these plans.”

Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing added:

“I recently met with Finance Secretary John Swinney and we agreed that the supply of affordable housing in Aberdeen was a key priority for the Council and the Scottish Government. We welcome the announcement, especially given it comes the day after the Council approved an early action investment programme to bring forward our own affordable housing plans.”

Commonwealth Water Polo Championships this week

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THOUSANDS SET TO FLOCK TO WORLD CLASS AQUATICS CENTRE FOR
COMMONWEALTH LAUNCH EVENT

Prior to the public opening on 5 May, Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) is hosting the third Commonwealth Water Polo Championships at the newly completed £22million, world-class Aquatics Centre this week.

The event is sponsored by BP and Waterfly, and supported by Aberdeen Sports Village, Aberdeen City Council, Homecoming Scotland, Commonwealth Games Scotland, Scottish Swimming and British Swimming.

The competition, running from tomorrow until 12 April, marks the inaugural event at the first-class facility, and is predicted to draw more than 7,000 visitors across the eight days.

David Beattie, Chief Executive of ASV said: “We are thrilled the Aquatics Centre is complete and are delighted that we are able to host such a high profile competition as our first event. It will truly showcase our ability to accommodate such a prestigious occasion, and a great chance for the people of the North East to enjoy a Commonwealth Games Federation endorsed event in the heart of the city.”

“ASV has worked closely with all partners during each phase of the building process and securing high calibre competitions such as this goes to highlight the capabilities of the Centre. The Centre will prove to be a fantastic facility for the people of the North East, and we look forward to attracting many more international competitions.”

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Scottish Swimming, as the governing body for all aquatic sports in Scotland, is looking forward to welcoming eight Commonwealth Nations to this world-class facility in Aberdeen. We are delighted that the event has the full endorsement from the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland. Commonwealth Games Scotland support also includes investment towards the cost of the event.”

As part of the Homecoming 2014 celebrations the competition will also be streamed live on 11 and 12 April at the Scottish Swimming website and will feature the eight challenging nations. Seven men’s and five women’s teams will compete at the new Aquatics Centre ahead of its official public opening on 5 May 2014.

Mr Beattie continued: “The Aquatics Centre will officially open in a month’s time, which gives us the opportunity to go through the snagging phase, commonplace in every new development. During this period we will be working hard to ensure staff are trained to the highest standard, and carry out further test events to guarantee the Centre is 100% ready for the eager public to enjoy the impressive facilities early next month.”

The Aquatics Centre will be one of only two Olympic standard aquatics facilities in Scotland, making it a real asset to the people of Aberdeen and the North East.

The Championships follow the successful events held in Manchester in 2002 and Perth, Australia in 2006. Scotland, England, Wales, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Malta will be represented in the men’s competition, while the women’s competition will welcome Scotland, Canada, England, Wales and South Africa.

Scottish water polo player Mark Speed, part of the 13 player-strong Scottish Men’s Team competing is looking forward to such a high-profile event to accelerate the development of water polo in Scotland.

Mark said: “With the Commonwealth Games only four months away, the excitement and buzz around these Championships is fantastic. Being the first to experience and compete in such a world class facility as the Aquatics Centre is a fantastic honour. It really is an Olympic standard facility, and is a great addition to the city.”

Ken Fussell, Chair of Scottish Water Polo and Championship Director said: “This is a tremendous boost for the sport in Scotland, showcasing some of the world’s best water polo players. The Aquatics Centre is a fantastic centre of excellence, and will help hone the impressive local talent to reach their true potential.

“All stakeholders have invested significantly in these Championships and we’re delighted with the fantastic interest from the public to be part of such an exciting event. It truly is a milestone in further establishing the sport in the Commonwealth Games programme in the future.”

Remaining tickets can still be reserved here, where the tickets for the finals on 12 March can be purchased for £5/£3. More information about the event can be found on the Scottish Swimming website and the event can also be followed on social media with the hashtag #cwpc2014.

Aberdeen firm fined for health and safety breach

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An Aberdeen-based demolition firm has been fined for safety failings after a worker was seriously injured by falling cast iron guttering.

Valentin Taljanov, 61, broke his right arm, seven ribs, and a vertebra; punctured his lung and cut his head in the incident at disused buildings at Aberdeen Harbour on 16 July 2009.

His employer, Lawrie [Demolition] Limited, was prosecuted after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Crown Office Health and Safety Division.

Peterhead Sheriff Court heard that Mr Taljanov, along with colleagues, was working in the vicinity of a substantial piece of cast iron guttering that had been left unsupported for two days at roof height during the demolition of old offices and warehousing at the former Craig Group Buildings at the harbour. Mr Taljanov was moving roofing materials from a platform onto the ground when the guttering gave way and struck him.

After the event one witness expressed surprise that the guttering had stayed up as long as it did.

The HSE investigation found that Lawrie [Demolition] Limited failed to put in place a suitable system to identify hazards that might arise as works progressed, and failed to adequately plan and implement exclusion zones in areas where materials could fall.

Lawrie [Demolition] Limited, of Rigifa, Cove, Aberdeen, was fined £40,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 29 of The Construction [Design and Management] Regulations 2007. Following the case, HSE Inspector Liz Hunter, said:

“This incident was wholly preventable by taking down the guttering in one go and it was probably only Mr Taljanov’s hard hat that prevented him from being killed.

“Lawrie (Demolition) Limited failed to review the constantly changing risks that are created during demolition work. Exclusion zones were not enforced to keep staff out of areas where materials could fall, despite there being two supervisors on site and regular site visits by management. I want demolition firms to learn from this incident. There is no room for complacency and regular risk reviews are essential for site safety.”

Lawrie [Demolition] Limited are part of the Leiths Group that operates quarries, road re-surfacing and plant hire companies in the north east of Scotland.

For more information about safe construction work visit this website.