Molson Young Plant Sales is providing a class-leading Kobelco SK75 8 ton excavator for the qualifier, the ideal machine to challenge plant operators as they compete in the qualifier.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Callum Mackintosh, one of the organisers, said: “The Kobelco SK75’s compact size, mono boom setup and large comfortable cab has gained it a tremendous following in the industry, particularly in the west coast, as well as amongst forestry and peatland contractors. It’s a machine that punches well above its weight.

“We’re very grateful for the support given by Alistair and the team at Molson Young Plant Sales, who are doing great things for the industry at ScotPlant and will have a section of their stand dedicated to a challenge of their own in support of construction industry charity The Lighthouse Club and its #MakeItVisible campaign.”

As ScotPlant is a no-dig show, the challenge for the qualifier this weekend will require operators to lift a concrete lego block into various positions and through obstacles. This will all be done against the clock under the experienced and watchful eye of James Currie. This challenge is not all about speed, it is also about skills, safety, awareness, knowledge and approach.

The standard of competition is expected to be high as Scotland’s plant industry is made up of a high proportion of owner operators, coupled with the fact that employed operators tend to be skilled across a multitude of machines given the diversity of work Scottish contractors are engaged in.

The organisers are therefore expecting an excellent mix of skilled operators taking part in the qualifier of the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge, putting their skills to the test against the clock in a real-world scenario.

The best operator from each day at ScotPlant will win £200 and a Kobelco merch bag.

The top 60 scoring operators from the qualifier this weekend will be contacted, with the top 40 securing their positions alongside those who placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge 2023. This group will go on to the final of Scottish Plant Operator Challenge 2024 later in the summer, competing for a share of the £10,500 prize fund. The remaining 20 operators will be placed on a standby list for this year’s final.

The final of the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge will take place during the Working Vintage Plant Weekend (27th July, Errol Airfield, Perthshire), hosted by Morris Leslie and already a regular fixture for plant enthusiasts in Scotland. The event will also feature a plant and equipment exhibition where leading manufacturers and local suppliers will showcase the very latest equipment and innovations. It will be an excellent opportunity for visitors to try out the machines they have viewed at ScotPlant in a relaxed environment.

The qualifier for the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge 2024 is taking place at the SPOA’s stand at ScotPlant (Avenue C 13).