As a result of a global shortage of materials, caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish Government has been working with businesses to explore how industry can establish Scottish manufacturing supply chains. Mr McKee wants to strengthen that partnership approach even further and discuss how government can help businesses accelerate the establishment of supply chains to ensure projects aren’t impacted longer than necessary.

Through the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum, chaired by Mr McKee, government and business have been working in partnership to find solutions to some of the long term challenges facing the sector. As well as meeting individually with key industry stakeholders in the coming days, Mr McKee will chair the next meeting of the Construction Leadership Forum on July 15.

Mr McKee said: “The construction industry touches every part of Scotland’s economy and, with its 143,000 jobs and turnover of around £19 billion per annum, is vital to our future prosperity.

“As a result of a global manufacturing slowdown, some businesses are being affected and unable to source the construction materials they need. That is why we have been working at pace with industry to identify how we can find solutions in Scotland to these global challenges.

“The Scottish Government has a strong track record of standing up local supply chains, including creating supply chains for personal protective equipment and other commodities during the height of the pandemic. Through the Construction Leadership Forum we are exploring how we can grow home supply chains which can improve resilience, support net zero ambitions and help raise the economic benefits for Scotland.”

He added: “I want us to consider every opportunity for Scotland to manufacture as many of the construction materials we require and I would encourage businesses to come forward and work with us to ramp up our own manufacturing supply chains.

“Few sectors have such an impact on our communities across Scotland or have the same potential to provide large numbers of high-skilled, well-paid jobs. The construction sector will play a vital part of our economic recovery and we are committed to supporting and growing the sector.”

Mr McKee and employment minister Richard Lochhead will today hold a ministerial roundtable with industry leaders to discuss labour shortages, including how HGV shortages is impacting the construction sector.