A record number of applications has helped create one of the strongest Trades Awards shortlists in more than a decade, with organisers saying this year's response reflects the resilience, pride, and strength of the North of Scotland construction industry.
At a time when many parts of the UK construction sector continue to face economic pressures, this year's response tells a different story in the North of Scotland.
The finalists highlight the breadth of talent within the region, with businesses of every size and individuals at every stage of their careers recognised for the projects, achievements, and contributions they are most proud of.
Now in its 14th year, the Trades Awards has become the region's biggest celebration of the construction industry. Sponsored by WM Donald and open to businesses working across the sector, the event brings together around four hundred people each year for a black-tie evening celebrating the achievements of the North of Scotland construction industry.
One of the biggest success stories this year has been the introduction of the new Inspiring Women in Construction category. Created to recognise the ever-increasing contribution women are making across every part of the industry, it attracted the highest number of individual applications ever received for a single Trades Awards category, highlighting both the appetite for the award and the exceptional talent working across the North of Scotland.
Construction Project of the Year once again highlights the scale and quality of work taking place across the region. While the completed developments are often the public face of success, the category celebrates the designers, engineers, tradespeople, site teams, and contractors whose collaboration turns ambitious ideas into reality.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mike Wilson, Managing Director of Mearns & Gill, said: "Receiving the highest number of applications in more than ten years is fantastic news, but what excites us most is what those entries represent.
"Every application tells a different story. From apprentices taking their first steps in the industry to major projects delivered by teams of hundreds, each one reflects the passion, commitment and professionalism that exists across construction in the North of Scotland.
"The Trades Awards has always been about giving people the recognition they deserve. Seeing so many businesses take the time to celebrate their teams and achievements is exactly what these awards are all about, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who entered."
Elaine Donald, Director at WM Donald and main sponsor of the Trades Awards, said: "Construction shapes the places where we live, work and spend time with our families, but it's the people behind those projects who make that possible.
"At WM Donald, we're proud to support an event that celebrates every part of our industry, from those just beginning their careers through to the experienced professionals who continue to mentor, innovate and inspire the next generation.
"The quality and variety of this year's finalists demonstrates just how much talent we have across the North of Scotland. Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted. We look forward to celebrating your achievements together at Ardoe House Hotel in October."
This year's event will also raise funds for the Russell Anderson Foundation, supporting its work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people and families across the North-east of Scotland.
The winners will be revealed at the Trades Awards 2026 on Friday 30th October at Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen, where around four hundred guests from across the construction industry will come together to celebrate another remarkable year for the sector.
The Trades Awards 2025 ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel in November 2025
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 MISS
Robertson Construction Eastern
Sugplumb
Construction Consultancy of the Year
CWH Safety Ltd
EB Architect
Joe Boyle Ltd
RBK Architecture
Apprentice of the Year
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
Steven 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
The evening will also see the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising an individual whose lasting impact on the North of Scotland construction industry has been chosen by this year's judging panel.
To see the full list of finalists, find out more about the awards, or enquire about attending the ceremony, visit www.tradesawards.com