The event, hosted in the Garden Lobby, brought together politicians, students, industry leaders, and educators, highlighting how collaborative efforts are opening new pathways into the roofing and construction trades.

Sponsored by Carol Mochan MSP and attended by 15 other MSPs, the reception demonstrated strong cross-party recognition of the vital role the roofing sector plays in Scotland’s housing delivery, heritage preservation, and net-zero ambitions.

A standout feature of the evening was the presence of students and teachers from six pioneering schools: Stirling High, Castlebrae Community High, Portobello High, Larbert High, Wester Hailes High, and Prestwick Academy. They shared first-hand insights into their experiences with NFRC Skills Demonstrations and new National 5 construction courses, underscoring the value of early, hands-on exposure to the trades.

Key voices from across the sector addressed the audience:

• Carol Mochan MSP praised the partnership model driving meaningful career opportunities for young people.
• Lee Liddington, 2024 Ronnie Forsyth Apprentice of the Year, shared his inspiring journey into roofing.
• Stephen Kelly, head of education at The City of Edinburgh Council, emphasised the achievements so far—and the need to scale up.
• Scott Miller, chair of NFRC Scotland, and Colin McCorquodale, NFRC National President, called for sustainable funding and more employer engagement to ensure these programmes are accessible nationwide.

Since 2012, NFRC has worked with partners like Historic Environment Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver hundreds of roofing demonstrations and developed National 5 construction pathways now gaining traction with policymakers.

These initiatives are:

• Sparking interest in traditional and modern roofing techniques
• Strengthening school-to-industry links
• Creating clearer routes into apprenticeships, amid a broader UK-wide decline in starts since 2015

NFRC extended heartfelt thanks to all those who make these programmes possible, including participating MSPs, school staff and students, member contractors, and supporters such as Gordon MacDonald MSP, Alex Rowley MSP, Stephen Kelly, Louise Frew, and Compass Roofing Ltd.

Building on this momentum, NFRC has announced that entries are now open for the 2025 NFRC Scottish Roofing Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in roofing across the country. The awards are open to projects completed between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, with the winners to be revealed at a prestigious ceremony on 24 October at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel.

Categories include:

• Green Roofing
• Heritage Roofing
• Solar
• Leadwork
• Roof Slating and Tiling
• Multi-discipline Projects
• Sheeting & Cladding
• And many more—including the Ronnie Forsyth Young Roofer of the Year

Contractors, manufacturers, architects, and suppliers are encouraged to enter, provided the roofing contractor is an NFRC Member or affiliated association member. Entries will be judged on criteria such as craftsmanship, health and safety, aesthetics, complexity, and environmental performance.

Scott Miller, chair of NFRC Scotland, said: “This is a highly regarded event in the Scottish roofing calendar and a fantastic opportunity for members to showcase their best work. The awards luncheon brings the industry together, and I look forward to celebrating the talent and dedication that makes our sector so vital to Scotland’s future.”