Building Briefs – May 4th

Dumbarton-based haulier Galt Transport has acquired four new Scania R-series trucks, two of which feature the firm’s longest reaching lorry mounted cranes.

The new additions will include two artic R490 and two rigid R450 units, all equipped with Palfinger cranes.

The two rigid units will add unique lifting abilities to the firm’s already diverse fleet of trucks and trailers.

The units have an additional stabiliser installed at the front of the vehicle, giving greater support to the crane when operating over the front of the cab when the fly jib is in operation. These new additions, along with the two new Artics bring the total number of vehicle mounted cranes in Galt’s fleet to 28 from an overall fleet of 60 trucks and over 100 trailers.

Established in 1947, Galt Transport is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. The family run business operates throughout the UK, Ireland and the EU from four operating centres across Central Scotland and employs over 60 staff.

The firm specialises in lorry mounted crane hire, abnormal loads, container handling, dangerous loads and driver training.

Residential development plans for Lower Gilmore Place

Edinburgh-based developer Glencairn Properties has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for a proposed residential development at Lower Gilmore Place in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh.

The PAN signals the commencement of a twelve-week consultation period in connection with Glencairn Development’s proposed plans for a high quality development of apartments, which will also include a number of affordable apartments, landscaping and private parking.

The site extends from 4 to 22 Lower Gilmore Place, which falls within the Fountainbridge regeneration master plan laid out by Edinburgh City Council.

Daryl Teague, director of Glencairn Properties, said: “These are early stage plans, which we are exploring in terms of the feasibility of a residential development as part of the wider regeneration plans for the Fountainbridge area. We look forward to consulting with local stakeholders, businesses and residents with a view to submitting a planning application later in the year.”

Plan for new church in Monifieth

A new multi-million pound church development planned for Monifieth will go on display next Thursday.

Plans have been unveiled showing a new church with a multi-purpose sanctuary in the centre of Monifieth, on a plot where the current South Church halls sit.

The project is estimated to cost £2.25 million, and would be funded via contributions from the Monifieth Parish reserves, the sale of the empty Panmure church building and charitable donations.

A presentation of the plans will be given by architects firm Lee Boyd, who will give extensive detail on the new building – which includes a modern sanctuary with seating for 250 people, a small chapel offering solemnity and quiet prayer space, and a technologically enhanced multi-purpose hall.

A statement on the Lee Boyd Architects website reads: “Monifieth Parish Church has taken the bold decision to build a new church rather than refurbish one of the three existing churches they use.

“The opportunity to create a distinct home for the congregation that meets their needs now and into the future, overrides any sensitivities about their traditional buildings that are simply no longer fit for purpose.

“The site for the project is on the High Street in the middle of Monifieth and with such a prime location, is intended to increase links with the local community and provide open doors to modern public spaces and facilities.”

The Parish hopes the hall facilities could be enjoyed by groups of all ages, and a competition involving pupils from Monifieth High School will see the winner design the roof-level stained glass window.

hub South West holds Supplier Showcase in Dumfries

Suppliers for the construction industry in Dumfries and Galloway have a forum to show off their wares and learn about local and national contract opportunities alongside major companies such as Morgan Sindall Group and Graham Construction.

Hosted by public-private project developers, hub South West, and following on from the success of a previous event in Lanarkshire, the Supplier Showcase will be held Tuesday, 13 June, from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Easterbrook Hall, the Crichton Estate, Bankend Road, Dumfries.

hub South West currently has four live sites in the Dumfries and Galloway area, including Dalbeattie High School and two projects involved in the ambitious Dumfries Learning Town, with a third set to go live in the next few weeks.

The Supplier Showcase is eager for local contractors to attend, either through exhibiting stands alongside the Tier 1 contractors.

Those interested in attending can visit the hub South West website or contact Margaret Milton on 01698 464 556. Those who miss out on a stand can still attend the event for free, as a delegate.

Forklift stolen from Aberdeenshire building site

A £70,000 forklift truck has been stolen from a building site in the Strathdon area of Aberdeenshire.

Officers from Police Scotland said a report was received yesterday from Aberdeenshire Council that a red Manitou telelift – registration S66 AYW – had been taken from a quarry site in Candacraig, between Friday, April 28, and Tuesday, May 2.

PC Katie Bain, who is leading the inquiry, said: “I would appeal to anyone with information about the whereabouts of this vehicle to please get in touch. Given the size and type of the machine it would have taken some effort to remove and another vehicle may have been used to transport it from the site.

“I would also appeal to any local companies or workers to be vigilant and let us know as soon as possible if a similar machine is offered for sale. Anyone with information can contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 to remain anonymous.”