Over the past month, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) from across the political spectrum have highlighted the crucial role of roofing and traditional building skills in Scotland’s future and the problems facing the industry.
Gordon MacDonald MSP (Edinburgh Pentlands, SNP) mentioned new construction pathways in Edinburgh, including National 5 Creative Industries – Roof Slating courses. These pilots were developed with The City of Edinburgh Council, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), and other industry partners.
Sharon Dowey MSP (South Scotland, Conservative) praised the success of the first “Build Your Future” event in South Ayrshire at Prestwick Academy, where local roofing firms joined other construction businesses to encourage students to pursue trade apprenticeships.
She said: “I enjoyed watching the young people engage with the practical tasks and learn more about the career paths available to them.”
The event was also attended by Siobhian Brown MSP (Ayrshire, SNP).
During a Parliamentary debate, Foysol Choudhury MSP (Lothian, Labour) highlighted the importance of National 5 Roof Slating and Stone Carving pilots as a vital step in tackling heritage sector skills shortages. Government ministers pledged to explore ways to expand these traditional skills courses across Scotland.
At the Economy and Fair Work Committee, Gordon MacDonald MSP asked how widely these National 5 construction-focused courses could be rolled out, with Skills Development Scotland confirming they see huge potential to grow these pathways.
Carol Mochan MSP (South Scotland, Labour) asked the Scottish Government about ensuring roof slating apprentices in East Ayrshire have fair access to training, noting some travel more than two hours to college. Industry voices, including NFRC’s Andy Kerr of Kerr Roofing & Building (Ayr) Ltd, have helped underline the impact of these challenges on recruitment and retention.
Sarah Boyack MSP (Lothian, Labour) tabled questions on the need to keep Scotland at net zero by 2045, particularly regarding the retrofit of older, traditionally built homes. This raises significant opportunities for roofers, who play a key role in making properties wind, watertight and energy efficient.
Scott Miller, managing director of Compass Roofing and NFRC Scotland chair and NFRC Board member, said: “It’s great to see MSPs across Parliament taking an interest in these matters which are of such importance to roofing in Scotland. The interest is a testament to years of hard work across our industry and others in construction. This is only the beginning though, and there is still much work to be done.”
NFRC is set to connect with a wide range during the skills demonstrations on the lawns of the Scottish Parliament on 14 and 15 May.
Carol Mochan MSP is sponsoring NFRC’s Parliamentary Reception in the Scottish Parliament Garden Lobby on 3 June. The reception will celebrate recent progress and advocate for further investment in these successful programs, efforts that have already inspired students from the skills demonstrations to explore becoming roofing apprentices.
