The appointment comes on the back of CSIC’s new £10.98 million Phase 2 funding programme and a further funding commitment of £500,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), where the newly-created role will be based.  

Steven Hutcheon, head of technology & engineering at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to fund this post over the next five years as it will facilitate transformational projects to deliver greater innovation and economic impact for the construction sector across the region.”

Lucy Black, head of business relationships at CSIC, said: “This collaboration with HIE supports our commitment to expand our range of services and activities throughout Scotland as part of phase two of our strategy.

“Ross has a vast experience across both industry and academia and I am confident that he will play a vital role in leading, developing and implementing a range of public sector, industry and academia partnerships to create transformational change and growth in the construction sector.”

Having held senior industry roles, coupled with more than eight years’ experience as a lecturer and programme leader delivering the construction degree programme, Ross’s specialist areas include digital visualisation, BIM and innovation.  He has also served as the chair of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Highlands and Islands branch, and has also been instrumental in setting up and delivering CPD sessions on the use of BIM to local contractors.

Ross Cairns said: “I firmly believe there are fantastic opportunities for the construction sector to innovate. We will be delivering an events programme to ensure as many construction businesses as possible across the region can access the latest research and the chance to work together, with a variety of partners, to drive projects forward that will support industry growth and modernisation.”