New data from the trade body has revealed that 36% of Scots say they’ve lost money to rogue or unqualified builders, with many forced to delay repairs, attempt DIY, or give up altogether. One in four say jobs were left unfinished.

Laying bare the scale of the issue in Scotland, the research found:

• 37% have hired a builder who was unqualified, unreliable or both
• 35% experienced poor-quality work
• 23% had jobs left unfinished
• 34% faced unexpected extra costs
• 35% reported delays or no-shows
• 36% say they’ve lost money due to unlicensed builders

With trust in the sector under strain, many Scots are left with no good options:

• 34% have delayed repairs or renovations
• 36% have attempted to do the work themselves
• 87% say the cost of building work is rising

The research forms part of the FMB’s wider push to call for mandatory licensing of domestic builders. In this way, vulnerable homeowners across the country would be protected from potentially losing their life savings in botched building work. 

Against this backdrop, the FMB proudly unveiled the winners of the 2025 Scotland Master Builder Awards at a sold-out ceremony on Friday, 6 June at InterContinental Edinburgh, The George. 

From a dilapidated 1840s stable transformed into a striking modern home, to a mature apprentice mentoring the next generation, this year’s winners reflected the skill, care and resilience needed to build Scotland’s future. Winners span categories including sustainability, restoration, new builds and apprenticeships, with each one now going forward to compete at the UK-wide Master Builder Awards in September 2025, where they’ll be in the running to win a £42,000 Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck, courtesy of headline sponsor Isuzu.

The evening was hosted by comedian Ray Bradshaw alongside FMB chief executive Brian Berry and FMB Scotland director Gordon Nelson, and attended by over 100 guests from across the sector, including clients, architects, apprentices, suppliers and contractors.

The winners were as follows:

Outstanding Builder of the Year - Martin Sneddon, Martin & Son Builders (Kilwinning)

As a deaf builder, Martin Sneddon has not only mastered the building trade, he’s redefining it. As the founder of Martin & Son Builders, Martin combines technical skill with extraordinary empathy, leadership and community commitment.

Known for hands-on problem-solving and a client-first mindset, he’s delivered projects that blend old and new with creativity and care, including an extension that perfectly complemented a 125-year-old home, where he even continued work without payment to help a family in need. Martin mentors schoolchildren, fundraises for NHS hospitals, and leads a team known for loyalty and respect. His story is a powerful reminder that construction is as much about people as it is about buildings.

Judges’ comments:

Fiona Hodgson said: “Martin’s communication with clients is excellent and he is proactive offering solutions to problems encountered. The nomination is made by one of his clients who clearly had a wonderful experience and was not only impressed with how Martin worked with her but also how he managed and supported his team. This is evidenced by a fundraiser he organised for the Beatson following the illness of one of his employees. He also raised funds for Crosshouse Hospital for a charity close to his heart.

“Martin annually takes part in the ‘World at Work’ week in local schools to encourage children into the industry.”

Sustainable Building Award – Spey Building & Joinery Ltd (Kingussie)

Built entirely off-site and transported over a mile from the nearest road, Taigh na Coille—“House of the Woods”—is a serene, off-grid timber cabin designed to meet RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets. 

Despite being located in a National Scenic Area, Special Area of Conservation and SSSI, this home exceeds net-zero, featuring solar panels, recycled heat systems, triple glazing and zero-concrete construction. The oak-lined interior was completed with no wet trades, creating a low-carbon retreat that’s both technically advanced and visually poetic. A future-facing model for rural sustainability.

Client testimonial:

“Angus, George and the team from Spey Building and Joinery did a wonderful job on our new build delivering a project of the highest standard and quality. The team, meanwhile, worked on through wind, rain, gales, ice and snow without complaint. They were very respectful of the location, taking great care not to spread beyond the boundaries into a highly sensitive SSSI. We are absolutely delighted with the result!”

Judges’ comments:

Kieran Findlay said: “This project is an outstanding example of sustainable building, successfully balancing design, environmental responsibility, and technical challenges.”

Commercial or Public Sector Project – Spey Building & Joinery Ltd (Kingussie)

22 miles off the mainland, Spey Building & Joinery Ltd delivered a multi-functional, sustainable visitor hub for the Isle of Canna—complete with showers, surgery, rangers’ office and tour base. Materials included reclaimed stone and local timber; energy is powered by solar and PIR-controlled systems within a 9kW cap.

Beyond the tech lies a community story: the team trained to operate their own boat, repurposed every salvageable item, and became honorary islanders—treated to lobster, baking and dog-walks from residents. A remote build with huge heart.

Client testimonial:

“Constructing a new public building on the Hebridean island of Canna was always going to be a challenging task. It is the kind of project that demands determination, resourcefulness and a can-do attitude. We are grateful that Spey Building and Joinery were prepared to take on the task, and delighted that they have successfully delivered a valuable addition to the island’s facilities.”

Judges’ comments:

Alan McAulay said: “This project had to overcome huge logistical challenges and has resulted in a highly functional and attractive space of which, I’m sure, the people of Canna are very proud.”

Kitchen Renovation Project – True Build Trade Services Ltd (Edinburgh)

Stripping a historic home back to its bones, True Build transformed the space into a luxurious kitchen-diner with quartz worktops, limestone flooring, underfloor heating, and a corner skylight. Structural changes included removing 600mm stone walls and installing beams to support a 90-tonne load.

By blending reclaimed stone and period charm with sleek design, True Build created a warm, light-filled centrepiece of the home, delivered with phased works to suit the client’s move-in timeline.

Client testimonial:

“True Build have done a great job for us. It was a huge project and they were involved from Day 1. It has felt like a real partnership and they were always prepared to adapt when required and make suggestions where needed. We found them responsive, considerate, trustworthy and reliable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

Judges’ comments:

Anna Thompson said: “A stunning kitchen in a complicated extension which has totally met the client’s expectations of this Master Builder.”

Medium Renovation Project – H M Raitt & Sons Ltd (Musselburgh)

In South Lanarkshire, a derelict 1840s stable and wash house has been reimagined into a contemporary rural home. With retained stonework, copper detailing, and thoughtful internal design, Raitt created a unique living space within strict conservation guidelines.

Facing tight access, archaeological oversight and on-site living by the client, the team used digital planning, strong client relations and craftsmanship to deliver a project that feels timeless and new all at once.

Client testimonial:

“When we decided to carry out this work there was only one company who we felt was a good fit for our requirements. Expertise and consistency of the tradesmen who carried out the work were paramount to the decision, and this was again achieved by the way that the site was managed, and how the Tradesmen completed the works.”

Judges’ comments:

Mr Simon Ayers said: “The project achieved a high-end finish with exceptional visual standards, reflecting the quality expected of a Master Build.”

Large Renovation Project – True Build Trade Services Ltd (Edinburgh)

This £1.4m conservation area renovation saw a derelict home reimagined from top to bottom: two-storey extension, loft conversion, dressing rooms, custom libraries, re-roofing, and every room brought to life with artisan detail. Even 90 tonnes of structure were supported while removing a corner wall.

True Build preserved heritage—reusing original stone, restoring floorboards—and created something modern, elegant and entirely bespoke, all while letting the family move in mid-works. A bold, beautiful project that blends vision, planning and heart.

Judges’ comments:

Kieran Findlay said: “Excellent submission with strong technical execution, high-quality craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.”

Bathroom Project – True Build Trade Services Ltd (Edinburgh)

In a home-wide restoration, True Build converted a bedroom into a master bathroom featuring marble vanities, walk-in shower, sash window and underfloor heated encaustic tiles. Structural changes included a new stone-framed window and drainage installation in a previously dry room.

Working with an interior designer, True Build managed trades and heritage considerations to create a bathroom that feels both luxurious and completely in keeping with the home.

Judges’ comments:

“This is a strong nomination with clear evidence of skill, collaboration, and problem-solving. It is particularly pleasing that the submission answers everything asked with direct reference to the project in question.”

Business of the Year – Q Build Limited (Paisley)

Q Build has grown from a single-project firm to a multi-site contractor managing £4.5m of complex builds across Scotland. Their focus: architecturally ambitious homes in remote locations. Through strategic planning, leadership training and robust quality frameworks, they’ve expanded their team from 3 to 11 while maintaining craftsmanship and transparency.

Their culture includes four-day weeks, generous leave for travel workers, and a reputation for fairness and clarity with clients. Q Build is proving that ethical growth and great buildings can go hand in hand.

Judges’ comments:

Kieran Findlay said: “This is a well-written and compelling nomination that clearly demonstrates Q Build’s strengths in leadership, growth, service, and resilience. Taking these steps in such a professional manner means the company can go to expand even further in the next few years.”

Apprentice of the Year – Liam Adamson, Haldane Construction Services Ltd (Falkirk)

Liam Adamson defies expectations—not just because he’s 34, but because his journey from general labourer to near-qualified bricklayer shows what apprenticeship routes can offer at any stage of life. Since joining Haldane Construction in 2013, Liam has become a key part of the business: respected for his leadership, admired for his resilience, and trusted to mentor younger apprentices—especially during a difficult transition after the founder’s passing.

Liam’s impact goes beyond the building site. He’s featured in industry blogs and FMB campaigns promoting apprenticeships, showing others that it’s never too late to train in a trade. A role model for mature learners and younger colleagues alike, Liam’s story is one of grit, growth, and giving back.

Judges’ comments: 

Fiona Hodgson said: “Liam is a great example of how its never too late to start an apprenticeship. He is a real team player who binds the team at Haldane Construction together and is showing great leadership potential. Not only is he a mentor to one of the new apprentices but also showcases and promotes apprenticeships in the industry.”

Gordon Nelson, director, FMB Scotland, said: “Too often, the skills and dedication of small and medium-sized construction companies are overlooked. The FMB’s Master Builder Awards-known as the Oscars of the building industry-celebrate the outstanding people and businesses delivering building excellence across Scotland.

“Local builders restore heritage buildings, construct new homes, and renovate properties, while also training apprentices to build a stronger future for Scotland’s construction sector. On Friday 6 June, builders from across Scotland gathered to celebrate those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and teamwork. The awards highlight the vital role local builders play for domestic, commercial, and public sector clients, proving they are best placed to manage projects within their communities.

“Amid ongoing labour shortages and rising costs, running a building business is challenging. The FMB remains a strong voice for local builders, working with the Scottish Government to support the sector. For now, I look forward to honouring the dedication and excellence of Scotland’s Master Builders.”