Taking place at Ardoe House, the event saw 400 attendees and celebrated achievements spanning apprentices and tradespeople through to established businesses, major construction projects, as well as individuals who have dedicated their careers to the sector.

Mearns & Gill, who are the organisers, got a record number of applications for this year’s awards, prompting one of the strongest shortlists in the event’s history.

For this year, two new categories were introduced.

Construction Supplier of the Year recognised the businesses giving essential expertise and support to the sector.

Inspiring Women in Construction brought in the biggest number of individual applications ever received for a single Trades Awards category.

Nicola Fraser of KR Group won the inaugural Inspiring Women in Construction award, with Michelle Forth-Burnett of Safety Scotland receiving Highly Commended.

Robertson Construction Eastern’s John Ogston was hailed Apprentice of the Year, with Jack Torrance of JKR Contractors Highly Commended.

Mike Wilson, managing director of event organisers Mearns & Gill, said: “Every year the Trades Awards remind us just how much talent we have within the construction industry here in the North-east, but the response this year was particularly special.

“We received more applications than ever before and, importantly, they came from right across the industry.” 

Wilson added: “From apprentices at the very beginning of their careers to people who have given decades to construction, as well as fantastic businesses and some incredible projects being delivered here in the North of Scotland, there was so much to celebrate.

“The Trades Awards were once again supported by main sponsor W M Donald, alongside category sponsors representing businesses from across the region.”

Elaine Donald of W M Donald said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the Trades Awards and to be part of an evening that celebrates so many of the people who make our industry what it is.

“What really comes through when you look at this year’s finalists is the breadth of talent we have here in the North-east.”

Donald added: “There are people starting out and building exciting careers, experienced individuals passing on their knowledge, businesses investing in their people and communities, and project teams delivering work we can all be proud of.”

Among the event’s key moments was the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by W M Donald, to Doug McLeod of Barratt Scotland.

McLeod, who is now retired, dedicated over five decades to the construction industry, and was awarded the accolade in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the sector.

McLeod said: “After more than 50 years in the industry, it is a real honour to receive this recognition. 

“Construction has been a huge part of my life, and I have had the pleasure of working with many great people in the industry and Barratt Homes throughout my career.”

The event also supported the Trades Awards’ 2026 charity partner, the Russell Anderson Foundation. 

Russell Anderson, who is the founder, joined guests at the event to highlight the Foundation’s work with children and young people in the North-east.

This year’s Trades Awards winners are:

Community Engagement, sponsored by STV

Robertson Construction

Construction Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Persimmon Homes

Goldstar

Home / Building Improvement, sponsored by JKR Contractors

eb-architect Ltd – Kaizen Coffee & Wellness

Health, Safety & Wellbeing, sponsored by Safety Scotland

Persimmon Homes

Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt and David Wilson Homes

Diversity Energy Solutions

Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Ltd

Lewis Hyde, W M Donald

Inspiring Women in Construction, sponsored by Bethan Customs Consultancy

Nicola Fraser, KR Group

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Ogilvie

John Ogston, Robertson Construction Eastern

Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

David Murray, Murray Roofing Services

Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by James Gibb

Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Construction Project of the Year, sponsored by KR Group

Ogilvie – Netheranden Residential Development

Construction Consultancy of the Year, sponsored by Mearns & Gill

CWH Safety

Construction Company of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual

Maskame & Tait

Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by W M Donald

Doug McLeod, Barratt Homes