Scotland’s construction industry accounts for 10% of the economy and employs over 200,000 people. With commitments to upgrade homes and buildings, deliver major energy infrastructure projects, and accelerate the delivery of new housing, Scotland faces the largest construction and infrastructure pipeline in its history.

However, the sector lacks a dedicated cabinet voice responsible for all aspects of construction.

FMB Scotland director Gordon Nelson said: “We are facing the largest construction and infrastructure pipeline in Scotland’s history, yet our industry doesn’t have a cabinet-level minister. From housing delivery to major infrastructure projects, from energy transition to skills development, construction touches every aspect of Scotland’s economic and social future.

“The next Scottish Government must recognise this by appointing a cabinet-level minister for Construction & Infrastructure who can drive the coordinated action our sector needs and ensure we have the resources and focused political attention to deliver.”

FMB Scotland president Pam Wilson added: “Scotland’s construction industry is critical to our economic prosperity and our ability to meet our climate and housing ambitions. We have over 200,000 people working in our sector, contributing 10% of our nation’s economy, yet we have no political champion at the cabinet table.

“If the next Scottish Government is serious about upgrading our homes, delivering renewable energy infrastructure, and building the housing we desperately need, they must give construction the cabinet-level leadership it deserves.”

As well as the appointment of a cabinet-level minister for Construction & Infrastructure, FMB Scotland is calling on the next Scottish Government to develop a comprehensive construction sector strategy that addresses housing, retrofit and energy efficiency, infrastructure, and skills, and to ensure construction is represented in all major policy discussions affecting the built environment.