Readers of Scottish Construction Now may remember the article from last year in which two of our members, Sharon Barrie MCIOB and Janice Steel MCIOB, who’ve also served as awards judges, talked about how “rarely do we praise individual people” and how it’s so important to acknowledge “the ‘unsung heroes’ … who contributed to the success of the project delivery.”

Our annual celebration does just that, offering a much-needed opportunity to both shine a light on our industry and what it delivers for our communities and for society, and also sing the praises of individuals who provide leadership, consistently high standards and often drive creativity and innovation.

Which leads neatly to revealing who’s in the running to take home a trophy on the night. Our fantastic 2025 finalists are:

Extra Mile 

• Paul Dabrera – Morgan Sindall
• Jamie Lothian – SP Energy Networks 
• Smruti Mohanty – SP Energy Networks 
• Philip Shannon – Highland Council 
• David Smith – Veitchi Group 

Graduate 

• Tom Lacey – Tilbury Douglas 
• Dara Mathieson – Graham 
• Scott McIntosh – Kier 
• Jaimie Steele – Graham 
• Ross Weir – Glasgow Caledonian University 

Rising Star 

• Alasdair MacNiven – CCG
• Rachel Topping – Morgan Sindall
• Jonathon Watson - Tilbury Douglas
• Matthew Wong – Atkins Realis
• Alice A Yu – Atkins Realis

Sustainability 

• Elizabeth Halliday – Morgan Sindall
• Hugo Mota - Graham
• Ed Murison – Veitchi Group 

Team 

• Achmelvich Car Park – Highland Council 
• Auchtergaven Primary School – Perth and Kinross Council 
• Edinburgh Tattoo Stadium - Tilbury Douglas 
• Glen Turner Distillery – Colorado Group 
• Hunterston Project Team – SP Energy Network 

In addition to all the talented people who’ve made it to the finals, we will also welcome some of our new CIOB members and fellows, as well as our first Scotland-based TechCIOB, to mark their achievements and to join us in helping to celebrate with all the finalists and winners of the CIOB Scotland Awards. 

It is worth taking a moment to reflect on the thinking behind the awards – the nominees are people who have made a positive impact, not just for their own projects but for the whole industry and, of course, the people who make use of and benefit from their work. These construction professionals solve problems and deal with huge challenges - cost cutbacks, supply issues, traffic restrictions, unforeseen technical problems, even archaeological finds. You name it, people on the finalists list have solved it. 

They are also driving innovation, through effective collaboration with their supply chains and thoughtful use of digital technologies. This is moving our industry forward. But it is not just about high technical standards of quality and performance - it is also about leadership, about being an example to others and, hopefully, inspiring new people to take up a career in construction. 

Do feel free to come and join us in celebrating our industry – this fantastic event is set to take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central Hotel on 10 October 2025. At the time of writing, we are close to being sold out – so if you do want a ticket, get in touch soon. 

The celebration will be hosted, once again, by radio broadcaster Nicky Marr. The entertainment will be provided by the hilarious Willie Allan, a man who’s well known and loved on the Scotland dinner scene. 

I am also delighted that this year we have new sponsors in Peace Recruitment and Training LMS – thanks to both of them for helping us put on a very special day for our finalists. 

And last, but by no means least, I am pleased to confirm that we will be raising money, as in previous years, for CIOB Assist, which is a vital support for our members and their immediate families during times of need. 

My congratulations to everyone who’s made the CIOB Awards shortlist. I hope to see you on 10 October, joining CIOB members, industry leaders, friends, family and colleagues to celebrate this incredible industry and some of the very talented people in it.