Apprentices from across the business, including joinery, painting and decorating disciplines, were involved with the project to refurbish the iconic structure after it spent two years in storage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Grotto was enjoyed last week by over 120 children attending the Lord Provost’s annual Christmas Party and 250 babies who attended Baby’s First Christmas when they met with the Lord Provost and Bailies of the City.

Demi McLauchlan, 3rd Year apprentice joiner at City Building, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with other trades apprentices on this project and refurbish such an iconic structure for Glasgow. One of the big advantages of being an apprentice at City Building is the wide variety of jobs that we get to undertake. A lot of work went into getting this project up to standard and I learnt so much during it.”

City Building is one of the UK’s largest employers for apprentices, with more than 250 trainees taking part in the firm’s training programme. The firm recently completed a new custom-built training college in Springburn, which aims to inspire the next generation of apprentices to enter the construction industry.

Alan Burns, executive director at City Building, added: “City Building has one of the most comprehensive and innovative apprenticeship programmes in the industry. It is always amazing to see the work that our apprentices complete out in the local community.

“Well done to all the apprentices who took part in this project. Your hard work will play a role in delighting visitors to the City Chambers this Christmas.”

Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, commented: “I cannot thank City Building and all apprentices who were involved in bringing the grotto to the City Chambers for these two events, teachers and parents who attended all commented on how professional the grotto looked and I would like to wish them all a very Merry Christmas.”