From humble beginnings

MacLeod Construction is a family-run business founded on values that continue to define it today: integrity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. What began as a modest two-man operation has grown into a team of over 100 professionals tackling some of the region’s most ambitious construction projects.

The story begins with twins Murdo and Kenny MacLeod, born in 1947. Raised in a Gaelic-speaking household, the family moved from Tiroran on Mull to Lochgilphead, where the brothers began their careers as joiners at D & J Carmichael. In the late 1960s, they moved to London, working with Laing Construction and honing their skills in the capital’s dynamic building sector. They returned home in 1972 and secured their first contract: building Lochgair Parish Church Hall.

In 1975, they formally launched M&K MacLeod, embracing timber frame construction - a method well-suited to Argyll’s environment. This innovation became a defining feature of the company and continues to be a cornerstone of their work. The business soon grew, forming subsidiaries MacLeod Construction Limited and MacLeod (Riverside) Limited to expand their capabilities. In 1982, the brothers purchased Achnaba and Castleton Estates, securing a lasting base for the company.

Today, headquartered in Kilmory Industrial Estate for over 40 years, MacLeod Construction is the largest private employer in the area. Its portfolio spans residential developments like Glenshellach, schools such as Achahoish Primary, and essential community assets like the Mull Progressive Care Centre and Lochgilphead’s Co-op.

A family legacy

Kenny MacLeod still serves as managing director, and Jane MacLeod, the company’s legal director, has been advising since day one. Now, the second generation is firmly embedded in leadership. Kenny’s sons, Greig and Jonathan, and Murdo’s daughter, Mairi, who joined after his passing in 2017, are carrying the torch.

Jonathan, operations director, began with Tulloch Construction before gaining engineering and leadership experience with Rok and Storr Electrical Services. He returned to the family business in 2011.

Greig, now commercial director, also started at Tulloch before heading to the US to deepen his knowledge of site management. After a decade with Interserve, he joined MacLeod Construction in 2013.

Mairi Coleman, construction director, was named one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Construction in 2023. With a background in business and international banking, including as Head of People at Lloyds Banking Group, she later earned a Master’s in Construction Management and Digital Engineering before joining in 2020.

“It’s a privilege to work together as a family,” Mairi says. “Our goal is to honour Murdo and Kenny’s legacy, while continuing to grow. That means sustainable jobs, training opportunities, and giving back to our community.”

Asked what motto best reflects MacLeod Construction, Mairi recalls her uncle’s words: “It’s about hard work and dedication.”

“That’s what drives us—being committed, connected to our communities, and dedicated to quality craftsmanship,” she adds. “Murdo and Kenny always looked ahead—and so do we.”

People at the heart of success

MacLeod Construction’s greatest strength isn’t just its legacy or leadership, it’s people. Employee development and loyalty are central to the company’s ethos. With over 20 team members clocking in more than two decades of service, and two with over 34 years, this commitment to long-term careers sets MacLeod apart.

“We’re incredibly proud of our team,” Mairi says. “We invest in training, and we support our people. Many families have multiple members working with us.”

A strong focus on apprenticeships helps secure the future of skilled trades in Argyll, including efforts to welcome more women into the industry.

“Ten percent of our apprentices are now women, and they’re fantastic,” Mairi says. “We’re committed to making construction more diverse and inclusive, and we’re proud to be making progress.”

They also offer opportunities for young people who may not thrive in traditional school settings but flourish in hands-on work environments.

Pioneers of green construction

Sustainability has long been embedded in MacLeod Construction’s DNA, ever since Murdo and Kenny introduced timber frame building in the 1970s. Today, the company continues to push forward with environmentally conscious building practices and technology.

“We’re now a certified Tesla Powerwall installer,” Mairi notes. “We’ve added solar panels to our office and are incorporating renewable energy solutions into our projects. It’s a huge opportunity—and a responsibility to the planet.”

MacLeod Construction has also partnered with A&L McCrae to operate its  Kilmartin sand and gravel quarry and the Achnaba hard rock quarry. The latter is the exclusive source of Achnaba Stone, a rare green-grey rock formed 600 million years ago.

Highly valued for its beauty and durability, Achnaba Stone has found its way into iconic buildings like the Natural History Museum, Wimbledon, and Inveraray Castle. Once used primarily for aggregate, it’s now a sought-after material for decorative and architectural features.

Over the past 50 years, MacLeod Construction has helped shape the landscape of Argyll and the Isles, from homes and schools to renewable energy and civil engineering projects. Its local expertise gives it an edge in navigating the region’s terrain and climate.

“We know the roads, we know the weather, and we understand the challenges,” Mairi says.

Affordable housing remains a central part of its work, with developments across Islay, Oban, Lochgilphead, Campbeltown, and beyond. Landmark projects like the MAC Pool refurbishment and the MacLeod Centre on Iona showcase the company’s deep roots and community focus.

Reflecting on the past 50 years, Mairi says the sense of pride is immense, but the gaze is firmly fixed on what’s ahead.

“We’ve accomplished so much, but we’re always thinking about what’s next.”