Building Briefs - August 28th

• Tulloch Homes’ Scott proves he’s a lockdown livewire

Scott is an assistant site manager at Tulloch Homes and has just switched to the firm’s showpiece Ness Side development.

“With the day job, I found it increasingly challenging to fit in the time to study”, said 28-year-old Scott. “But I saw being on furlough as a great opportunity to get cracking, rather than sitting around doing nothing.

“I worked intensively to complete the task and I’m delighted to have received my qualification certificate coinciding with my return to work. It’s a real boost – and lockdown has certainly paved the way for me.”

Scott, who gained an honours degree in Architectural Technology at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, has now achieved his goal of a Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management – Residential Development from the National House Building Council.

Billy McKay, construction director of Tulloch Homes, said: ”We’re very impressed by Scott not putting his feet up during furlough but instead enhancing his career prospects by working to gain this qualification status which site managers are expected to reach.

“It shows he has the kind of commitment, ability and attitude which can land him a site of his own before too long.”

• New Anstruther lifeboat station approved

Plans for a new lifeboat station at Anstruther have been approved by councillors.

Members of Fife Council’s north east planning committee agreed to rubber-stamp the RNLI’s blueprint for a purpose-built facility on the East Shore.

It will accommodate an upgrade of the village’s all-weather lifeboat to a newer Shannon class vessel, which could reduce life-saving response times.

A separate application for conservation area consent to knock down the existing base – which was built in 1904 – to make way for car parking was also approved.

• EX-Glasgow Fopp shop lined up for restaurant with roof garden

Six By Nico Holdings has applied to turn a Glasgow West End premises into a restaurant and bar with roof garden.

The operator’s application involved 358/360 Byres Road which contains the former Fopp music shop on the ground floor and Santa Lucia Restaurant above.

Permission was given earlier this year for the shop to be turned into a restaurant.

• Dumbarton Town Centre improvement project begins

An improvement project in Dumbarton Town Centre which will give pedestrians better access to enjoy the waterfront pathway is under way.

When complete, the area at Riverside Lane will be enhanced by a gathering place and gateway to the walkway along the river.

The £395,000 development will improve the road layout in the area, making it more pedestrian-friendly, as well as adding wider sections of pavement at key locations to create a distinct connection between the High Street and the river.

New quality surfaces will be used to improve the landscape throughout, as well as new railings in the area, improved lighting and enhanced seating.

In addition, a play area for small children will be installed at the site.

The works will complement ongoing plans for the development of a Waterfront Pathway running through Dumbarton to link historical sites including Dumbarton Castle to the town centre.

The project is one of three town centre improvements agreed last year as part of £859,000 funding received from the Town Centre Fund.

• Dunoon Bandstand enhancement work well under way

Specialist contractors are on-site and work is well underway on the £200,000 project to upgrade the lighting, including additional performance lighting, around Dunoon bandstand.

With completion just a few weeks away, ducts are in place and the lighting columns and cabling will installed by the end of this week.

The next step will be to put finishing touches to the blockwork paving, including power washing and spraying for weeds.

Work on the colour-selectable lighting for Castle Gardens will start on August 31.

Once complete the Bandstand provide a focal point for outdoor performances in Dunoon, that offers an enhanced set-up for musicians playing there, with an on-site PA system and upgraded electrical supplies.