Iain MacLaren, site manager at the homebuilder’s Culloden West development near Inverness, beat off stiff competition to scoop the top gong at this year’s Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Scotland Awards at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Glasgow.

The prestigious award involves an in-depth judging process, which ensures that the calibre of winners is consistently high. As a result of this, the award has a reputation for identifying the future leaders in the construction industry.

Iain was awarded the coveted accolade for exceeding excellence and professionalism in his role, which sees him lead a team of 70 and oversee the construction of 140 private houses and apartments and 60 social houses, providing much needed, quality homes for the local area.

On the award win, Iain said: “It’s an honour to be awarded Site Manager of the Year. It has been a pleasure to lead the construction of the Culloden West development, and it is a bonus to have received this recognition. I’d like to thank everyone in the site team for their continued hard work and dedication and I look forward to the future, delivering more quality new build homes in the region.”

Iain - who is also the winner of an NHBC Pride in the Job Award 2022 - was commended for his leadership style, his solution-based approach to challenges and relationships with various stakeholders to ultimately deliver a successful site, while maintaining the highest of health and safety standards.

On top of his role as site lead, Iain has acted as a mentor throughout the build – setting an example for assistant site managers, graduates and trainee site managers, while coaching apprentices and helping tradespeople step up into leadership training schemes. In addition, he has supported ex-armed forces retrain into site management roles.

Iain also worked with his team to arrange a monthly coffee morning as a safe space where those working on site can catch up and have open conversations surrounding mental health, in a bid to ensure his team always feel supported.

David Palmer, managing director of Barratt Developments North Scotland, which includes Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “Iain is a real asset to our business, and winning Site Manager of the Year is testament to his leadership, commitment and work ethic.

“Iain’s stand-out attributes are his dedication to delivering excellent standards, while ensuring everyone in his team feels supported and engaged. As Culloden West nears completion, the true impact of Iain’s work is clear, and his legacy will be carried forward into future projects across the North of Scotland.”