I’m delighted to say this year’s awards will take place on Friday 9 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central on Cambridge Street in Glasgow. It’s a fantastic venue that gives us the perfect setting to bring together talented professionals from across Scotland’s construction sector and will be hosted by STV’s Emma Cameron.

One of the things I’m most passionate about is ensuring these awards are accessible to everyone across the industry. That’s why nominations are open now for both CIOB members and non-members alike. This year’s categories include Graduate of the Year, Rising Star, Team Award, Sustainability Award and the Extra Mile Award.

The nomination process itself is deliberately straightforward - this is about celebrating excellence, not creating barriers to entry. If you know an individual, team, or project that deserves recognition, I strongly encourage you to put them forward. You can receive one of our nomination forms by emailing dburns@ciob.org

This year’s event will follow a format that has become a real highlight in the calendar in recent years. We’ll begin with a drinks reception, giving attendees the chance to reconnect with colleagues and make new connections. That will be followed by lunch and the awards ceremony itself, where we’ll celebrate the very best of Scotland’s construction industry. There will, of course, be further networking opportunities afterwards. 

I’m particularly pleased that we’ll be joined for the first time by Victoria Hills, CEO of CIOB, as one of our guest speakers. Victoria took up the post as CIOB’s leader earlier this year, and I know she is looking forward to visiting Scotland and getting to know more about the brilliant talent we have in our construction industry. 

Of course, no celebration would be complete without a bit of entertainment. This year, we’re looking forward to welcoming Robbie Glen, whose unique style will bring plenty of energy and humour to the day. 

It’s also important to recognise the organisations that make this event possible. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, Training LMS and Peace Recruitment, whose continued involvement helps us deliver a glittering event of this calibre. 

Beyond the awards themselves, one of the most meaningful parts of the day for me is welcoming and recognising those who have achieved their MCIOB and FCIOB status in 2026. These are significant professional milestones, and it’s a privilege to celebrate them alongside our wider industry achievements. 

If you’re considering attending, I would encourage you to secure your place soon. While there are still some Silver and Bronze packages available, availability is limited, and interest is always high. You can find out more information here. 

Ultimately, the CIOB Scotland Awards are about shining a light on the people, projects, and organisations that are driving our industry forward. They are a chance to recognise innovation, professionalism, and dedication across every corner of construction in Scotland. I truly believe taking the time to nominate and celebrate excellence benefits us all by raising standards, inspiring others, and reinforcing the value of what we do. 

I look forward to seeing many of you in Glasgow this October.  

• Lynne McKay, CIOB’s Regional Manager for Scotland