Builders upbeat despite dip in construction output

Cruden's Allan Callaghan said builders in Scotland 'will not be too disheartened' by the figures

Official data from the Office for National Statistics show that output in November was 0.5 per cent lower than the previous month.

The figures were dragged lower by falls in infrastructure and private commercial work of 4.3 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively.

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building & Renewals, said: “While these figures are perhaps disappointing giving the slight rise in last year’s figures, those operating north of the Border will not be too disheartened.

He added: “We ourselves have a wide range of activity across all areas of Scotland, but most notably in the west coast. Demand for our offering remains high and we look forward to bringing a new development to market in the next few months which will go a long way in supporting Glasgow’s housing requirements.

“2016 can be viewed as a real year to change, further diversify and make sure Scotland’s construction offering continues to meet the needs of the Scottish people. I have every confidence that it will.”

Confidence among small Scots businesses hits three-year low

Gordon Reid, business development manager for Kier Construction in Scotland, said: “While it would have been nice to start January with a positive set of figures, you only need to look at the fluctuating pattern of releases over the past few months to see that we shouldn’t be too disheartened. The one constant is the ever-changing nature of the construction sector.

“The positivity and confidence have long been here in Scotland and this year may very well be the 12 months where market requirements and sector offering come together to support consistent growth. All those operating in construction will of course hope that they do, as the sector continues to play its leading role in the economic recovery.”