2025 FMB Scotland Master Builder Awards
2025 FMB Scotland winners
Q Build Limited, Business of the Year
Q Build’s management has demonstrated outstanding leadership by investing in strategic planning, creating a Strategic Business Development Officer role, and developing a Quality Management System to ensure sustainable growth. They are proud of growing their work capacity from one major project to three simultaneously (totalling £4.5m), carving a niche in bespoke luxury homes, and expanding their team from three to eleven builders with low turnover due to enhanced employee benefits. A major challenge was transitioning from a founder-centric to a scalable, system-centric business model, overcome by developing a bespoke Quality Assurance system and training Lead Builders. Q Build fosters positive client relationships through a collaborative mindset, transparent communication and clear project pricing.
Spey Building & Joinery Ltd, Sustainable Building Award
The primary objective for Spey Building & Joinery in this project was to demonstrate how small, highly sustainable homes could be designed to suit Scotland's remote and environmentally sensitive landscapes. The design was inspired by the Nordic tradition of remote summerhouses, huts, and cabins, aiming to meet the most stringent standards of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. The team overcame both technical and physical challenges in trying to mitigate environmental impacts, and were described as being very respectful of the delicate nature of the surrounding environment, with stakeholders given opportunity to contribute in regular progress meetings.
Martin & Son Builders, Small Renovation Project
As part of a small renovation project, Martin & Son Builders transformed the property with standout features like stone waterfall countertops and a revamped kitchen that seamlessly connects to the extension. Modern touches such as an electric fire and LED lighting added warmth and style. The primary goal was to create a space that was both functional and elegant. Clear communication was key, with the team keeping clients informed every step of the way. Martin & Son went above and beyond to meet every expectation, ultimately delivering a dream home tailored perfectly to the clients’ vision.
True Build Trade Services Ltd, Bathroom Project
As part of a large renovation project, True Build converted a main bedroom into a master bathroom that met the needs of their client, an interior designer and an architect. The traditional-style bathroom has a walk-in shower and bespoke marble vanity tops on the bath and double sink. Under the encaustic floor tiles, an electric heat mat was put in to add warmth. Unique features were also installed into the south facade of the building that created natural south-facing light. The client praised the team’s work ethic and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to others.
Martin Sneddon of Martin & Son Builders, Outstanding Builder of the Year
Martin was nominated by his client for consistently going above and beyond. He provided invaluable advice and solutions right from the tender stage, even suggesting design improvements like reconfiguring windows around a steel beam. When the project budget tightened, he offered flexible repayment terms to ensure successful completion. Despite being deaf, Martin is an excellent communicator, demonstrating that disability is not a barrier to success in construction. His team's professionalism and manners positively impacted neighbours' perceptions of tradespeople. Martin volunteers through ‘World at Work’ week to encourage young people’s interest in construction, and has raised significant funds for local healthcare providers, showcasing his commitment to the community.
Liam Adamson of Haldane Construction Services Ltd, Apprentice of the Year
Liam has been a dedicated member of the Haldane Construction team since 2013 and has completed 80% of his Bricklaying apprenticeship. He was nominated by his employer because of his commitment, going above and beyond what is expected, as well his growth in confidence and skill over the past four years. He has been pivotal in upholding the legacy of the company’s founder through supporting younger classmates and has become a cornerstone of the team., Described as ‘an exceptional professional who truly embodies the standards of high-quality craftsmanship [promoted] by the Federation of Master Builders Awards.’
True Build Trade Services Ltd, Kitchen Project
This kitchen project by True Build Ltd. showcases their skill in overcoming structural challenges while delivering bespoke design. The team extended and reconfigured the space, adding a pantry, underfloor heating, and limestone tiling. Despite technical tasks like propping and removing ground floor walls, the project was completed seamlessly. They introduced new windows, a double patio door, and a striking corner skylight to flood the space with natural light. True Build’s responsiveness, professionalism, and attention to detail left a lasting impression. The clients were thrilled with the results and now enjoy a beautiful, functional kitchen that exceeds their expectations.
Spey Building & Joinery Ltd, Commercial or Public Sector Project
Spey Building & Joinery were tasked with building a hub on the Isle of Canna to help cater for the influx of seasonal visitors. The building provides amenities such as toilets, showers, laundry facilities and a doctor consultation room. Environmentally friendly materials were used as the island is striving to use renewables to be more energy self-sufficient. Remoteness was a major consideration – the team delivered materials by boat and in enclosed bags to prevent invasion of foreign organisms to the island. The client was grateful to the team for taking on this unique task and delighted with the new facilities.
True Build Trade Services Ltd, Large Renovation Project
The main objective of this project was a comprehensive renovation of a large traditional house, including a rear stone corner extension, loft conversion, and full internal refurbishment to create a comfortable family home within an Edinburgh Conservation area. Key highlights include extensive bespoke joinery and cabinetry work, and rejuvenating landscape gardening. Challenges involved reusing original stonework, painstakingly restoring floorboards with modern upgrades, and technically complex structural alterations for the corner extension, supporting approximately 90 tonnes. The client praised True Build's adaptability, trustworthiness, and collaborative approach to partnership in a project showcasing the team's diverse capabilities and commitment to detail.
Q Build Limited, Housebuilder Award
In this project Q Build were tasked with building a single-story new-build home on a narrow stretch of land between the road and the sea, with the house being suspended over the shore. With wall-to-wall frameless glass, the design draws the eye out towards the sea and creates an atmosphere that pairs well with the view. Natural products were used throughout to reduce the environmental impact of construction and with a tight schedule for delivery due to the construction site’s location, represented a challenging prospect for Q Build. Ultimately it was successfully completed to the architect's specifications, working in close conjunction with external suppliers.
H M Raitt & Sons Limited, Medium Renovation Project
This medium-scale renovation by H M Raitt & Sons Limited focused on restoring and transforming a historic stable and wash house linked to an 1840s manse. Recognising the property's heritage, the team carefully upgraded the space to introduce contemporary comforts while preserving its character. Key features like the original fireplace, decorative stone chimney, and boundary walls were retained and integrated. Through meticulous planning and design, they ensured optimal use of the space. The project exemplifies the seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques, resulting in a high-end finish that met and exceeded the clients’ expectations.
Thank you to our sponsors
Drinks Reception sponsor
We are delighted to be a sponsor of such an important and prestigious industry event such as the 2025 Scotland Master Builder Awards. The talent on show is remarkable and we’re chuffed to join you all in celebrating the achievements of our colleagues in a sector we love so dearly.
St.Andrews’ Timber & Building Supplies is an independent builder’s merchant established in 2002 with 4 branches throughout Livingston, Stenhouse, Prestonfield & Paisley. We specialise in landscaping, timber, doors & floors, insulation, metal, drylining, heavy-side, drainage and so much more. We also have cutting facilities in all 4 of our branches with a spray booth and machine shop at our Paisley branch that can re-size doors, cut mouldings and add fire retardant coatings as well as provide staining and lacquering services.
Event supporters
CITB is the industry training board for the construction sector in England, Scotland, and Wales. It’s our job to help the construction industry attract talent and to support skills development, to build a better Britain. CITB’s dedicated advisers support employers every step of the way with SMEs able to have up to 95% of their apprenticeships training costs covered, as well as providing training support for your current workforce.
For more information, visit www.citb.co.uk
Lindsays is a Scottish firm of experienced lawyers for people and businesses. We are owned and run in Scotland, covering the country from our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth and Crieff. We are local lawyers, close to you and your business.
Sisalwool is a natural, breathable insulation made from British wool and plant fibres. It offers high performance without compromise - safe to handle, easy to install, and effective in managing moisture, sound and heat. Trusted by architects and installers, it’s the quiet, confident choice for healthy, sustainable building projects.
2025 Scotland judges
Alan McAulay
Alan McAulay
Alan McAulay is a Director of the Scottish Building Standards Hub (SBSH). The role of the SBSH is to support Local Authority verifiers and wider industry stakeholders to strengthen the building standards system in Scotland. Alan is a chartered building surveyor with 35 years’ experience within the building standards system in Scotland having previously worked for Glasgow City Council and South Lanarkshire Council. He has also participated on numerous Scottish Government working groups covering a range of topics. Alan is a former Chair and Technical Director of Local Authority Building Standards Scotland.
Fiona Hodgson
Fiona Hodgson
Fiona Hodgson is Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), bringing nearly 30 years of experience to the plumbing and heating profession. A Chartered Accountant, Fiona graduated with an accountancy degree from the University of Dundee and began her career with Deloitte in Edinburgh. She joined SNIPEF in 1995 and was appointed Chief Executive in 2016.
In her role, Fiona oversees public affairs, governance, apprentice training and advocacy, representing members’ interests with policymakers across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Westminster. She also leads SNIPEF’s 2023-2026 strategy, aimed at growing membership and enhancing the profile of the plumbing profession among the public, policymakers and media.
Fiona is a Director of WaterSafe, which champions safe plumbing standards, and BSE Skills, which develops qualifications and apprenticeships. She also serves as Deputy Chair of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) and co-leads its Net Zero initiatives.
Kieran Findlay
Kieran Findlay
Kieran Findlay has been the Editor of social housing publication Scottish Housing News for more than 13 years, providing a major daily resource for housing associations, local authorities and third-sector organisations.
He is also co-host of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, which offers further insight from senior professionals in the sector, and presented this live on stage at the TPAS Annual Conference. Kieran is also the Editor of Scottish Construction Now, delivering comprehensive coverage of Scotland’s building sector.
Having joined a local news agency after graduating from the University of Dundee, Kieran has reported on stories for local and national press on a freelance basis, helped deliver corporate communications for a large Scottish housing association and covered Scottish and UK elections.