Cubby Construction named main contractor for Annan Harbour regeneration

Following a competitive procurement process, Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) selected Cubby Construction to deliver the project. This milestone marks the start of a transformative new chapter for one of the South of Scotland’s most historic waterfronts, and a proud moment for a project backed by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Cubby Construction is a well-established name in heritage, conservation and civil engineering projects across the North West and Scottish Borders and is expected to take full possession of the site on 7 April 2026, with the main construction programme running for two years.

The project will draw upon the specialist expertise of other businesses within Cubby Group. Cubby Joinery will manufacture bespoke timber elements, including walkways, the Harbour Master’s hut, a bird hide and the ‘ramphitheatre’. Cubby Plant Hire will supply plant, safety fencing, site offices and welfare facilities. Laidlaw Scaffolding will provide both internal and external scaffolding, while skilled stonemasons from Laidlaw Building will ensure that all stonework is completed to reflect and preserve the site’s heritage character.

The redevelopment will breathe new life into Annan’s historic harbour basin and the adjacent Georgian sandstone warehouse, transforming them into a vibrant destination for local people and visitors alike.

Facilities will include a visitor centre and café, maritime heritage centre, event space, leisure lagoon, training and retail space and accessible nature walks along the Ministers’ Merse, a stretch of land reclaimed after more than 30 years of abandonment.

Kirk Taylor, managing director at Cubby Construction, said: “Cubby Construction is honoured to be appointed as the main contractor for the regeneration of Annan Harbour. The project represents a significant milestone for the community, and we are proud to play a leading role in delivering it.

“We bring considerable experience in delivering key projects that generate significant social and community value and are committed to delivering a sustainable development that respects the historic character of the harbour. Our focus will be on working closely with Annan Harbour Action Group, local stakeholders and the wider community to ensure the works are delivered safely, on time and to the highest quality.”

Mike Rodger, chairman of Annan Harbour Action Group, said: “After many years of decline and neglect, the dreams and vision of a few determined people are about to be realised. Designs have been prepared, the public consulted, all options costed and the necessary funding secured. Now, after six years of preparation, contractors have been appointed and contracts signed, and work will begin next week.

“I am delighted that the project has been let to a local company Cubby Construction, whose enthusiasm and commitment to the project is reassuring. They will do a great job for the people of Annan. It would be fair to say that it has been a Herculean task to get us to this point, and we wish to express our thanks to all those who have helped us to reach it. Very soon we will see the results: Annan Harbour will have been revitalised and we will have an exciting new destination for people to enjoy.”

The project has been made possible through the generous support of the UK Government via the Levelling Up Fund, the Scottish Government via the Low Carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) and the Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP), Dumfries & Galloway Council and the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

By its fifth year, the regenerated harbour is expected to attract 11,000 additional visitors to Annan annually and generate an estimated £27m in socio-economic benefits for the wider area. The project will also create employment, apprenticeship and volunteer opportunities, and the new facilities will host wellness, learning and engagement activities for local residents and attract new visitors to the region.