Building Briefs – August 23rd

MSPs visit Scottish Borders Housing Association renovation project

MSPs Christine Grahame and Paul Wheelhouse paid a visit to a Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) project in Skirling which is helping to improve the energy-efficiency of some post-war houses.

The four houses have timber cladding and had a very poor energy-efficiency rating, making them difficult to keep warm. The work involves replacing existing cladding and applying wall insulation to ensure that heat is retained. The project also includes a further five houses in Broughton, Romanno Bridge, Eddleston and Manor Valley.

SBHA is working with contractors James Swinton and Co., which provided some photographs and example construction materials to assist in highlighting how the works have progressed, as well as the challenges faced.

Ms Grahame and Mr Wheelhouse were given the opportunity to visit a house which had been completed, as well as one in which work was taking place, and one in which the work was yet to start. This enabled them to see the difference that the work is making. They were also able to talk to tenants about the work.

Highlands leisure centre refurb complete

Work on a £2.4 million refurbishment programme at Craig Maclean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey is now complete.

The scheme involved the complete renovation of the swimming pool and changing area as well as updates to the fitness suite.

The new leisure centre will open to the public on August 26.

South Queensferry water mains improvement project to begin

A £180,000 water mains improvement project is to begin in South Queensferry.

Scott Fraser, Scottish Water’s corporate affairs regional manager, said the project in Farquhar Terrace is part of a wider programme across Scotland to address low water pressure issues, improve security of supply and reduce the overall risk of burst mains in the network.

The three-month scheme will get underway on August 28 and residents are being advised of road traffic management during the works.

Views sought on River Peffery flood alleviation proposals

Residents are being invited to submit their views over a proposed flood protection scheme for Dingwall and Blairninich.

A Flood Protection Study (FPS) is being developed for the River Peffery to help alleviate the risk of flooding to locations in the towns.

A public exhibition showcasing designs for flood prevention measures will be held from 12pm until 7pm at Dingwall Town Hall from August 28. Residents are encouraged to come along and views what types of measures are currently being considered, their locations and their impacts.

Council staff and consultants CH2M will also be in attendance to discuss the project and answer any questions from the public.

Career opportunities at Queens Cross Gala Day

A number of companies will be advertising work opportunities to visitors at Queens Cross Housing Association’s annual Gala Day on August 26.

Housebuilding company Keepmoat and CAS Contract Cleaning will have career stalls at the event at the Firhill Sports Complex. They are looking to offer work experience placements to successful applicants in a bid to bring employment opportunities to the local area.

P&D Scotland had confirmed it is looking to hire at least one apprentice, with the company also keen to offer work experience to a number of suitable candidates.

The repairs and maintenance company, which employs plumbers, joiners, plasterers and electricians, is encouraging those interested to come along to the Gala Day and apply by filling out an application form.

There are no age requirements for the post, with the organisation recently hiring a 34-year-old in an apprentice role.

McDermott Contract Services, which specialises in ground maintenance and landscape projects, will also have a careers set-up at the event.

The stalls are part of Queens Cross’ annual Gala Day – which brings together local communities in North Glasgow for a fun day of entertainment, events and activities.

The event is free and open to all.

Work to start on A77 North of Stena resurfacing

Resurfacing work is to begin on the A77 North of Stena in Dumfries and Galloway.

The scheme aims to address the poor condition of the carriageway and continuing deterioration of the road surface. The project will be carried out from September 1-8.

To carry out the work safely, a full weekend closure of the road will be in place from 8pm – 6am between September 1-3, as well as four overnight closures from 8pm – 6am between September 3-8.