Graham Construction has officially opened its first permanent office in Dumfries and Galloway to help service its involvement in four major projects in the region.

The lead contractor on The Bridge, St Joseph’s College, North West Campus and Dalbeattie Learning Campus, Graham Construction today held a ceremony to mark the occasion, attended by Councillor Elaine Murray, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, deputy council leader, Rob Davidson, as well as pupils from Heathhall Primary, who were completing an art competition.

The move to Heathhall expands Graham’s presence in Dumfries and Galloway where it has been operating extensively since 2013, following its first job in Scotland, delivering work for the MoD in Kircudbright 15 years ago.

Today the entire Graham Group, encompassing Construction, Civil Engineering, Interior Fit and Facilities Management has delivered or is in the process of delivering more than £2 billion of projects in Scotland – with over £80 million of these in Dumfries and Galloway. It has achieved its highest-ever ranking to date in The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250, climbing 10 places to 16th after posting another strong set of year end results.

A total of 28 people from the region are employed by Graham Construction and the firm has created 14 new apprenticeships while supporting 22 existing apprenticeships.

It has also arranged 51 different activities with local schools and colleges, including site visits, work experience and class-room based teaching.

Craig Bridges, Graham Construction’s regional development director, said: “It’s exciting to commence the next phase of Graham’s presence in Dumfries and Galloway, building on links to the region which began over 15 years ago but have intensified since 2013.

“We are currently undertaking four major projects on behalf of the local council in partnership with hub South West, each within the education sector. However we’re keen to reach out to a wider-network of clients and supply chain partners, with the new base helping us to start these discussions.

“We have created 28 jobs for the region since starting these major projects in 2013 and looking forward we’re confident we can further expand the local team, taking on new employees and sub-contractors, alongside a developed supply-chain.”

School pupils who attended the opening event were tasked with designing posters under the theme of ‘What it means to live in Dumfries and Galloway’ with the winning artwork set to take centre place on the wall of the company’s new boardroom.

Council leader Elaine Murray said: “Building the local economy is a top priority for our Council and we’re committed to improving skills levels and creating job opportunities. It’s fantastic news that Graham Construction is opening a permanent office in the region employment opportunities delivered by Graham Construction, including apprenticeships, along with the knock-on effects in the supply-chain, are vital in delivering a diverse local economy.”