Building firm beats strong competition to win award for Highland Justice Centre
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A construction firm has won a prestigious award for its work to build the landmark £24 million Inverness Justice Centre.
Robertson Construction Northern Ltd was awarded gold in the National Site Awards category in this year’s Considerate Constructor Site (CCS) National Awards.
The firm also earned the most prestigious award category, "Most Considerate Site", for Inverness Justice Centre.
The old Inverness sheriff court is now being transformed into a visitor attraction.
David Currie, property services unit director at the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, said: "Congratulations to Robertson Construction.
"With nearly 40 years’ experience in construction I can say this has been by far the safest and well-managed site I have worked on.
"In addition, the range of community engagement with, for example, local school visits has been impressive.
"To win this award ahead of 6000 other sites is testament to the work undertaken by Jeff Hedley, Robertson project director, and his team."
The judges said the site was a great example of leading-edge practice and showcased what can be achieved with dedication, consideration and effort.
They added: "Overall, this project provided a fantastic example the rest of the industry can follow."
Scotland’s first purpose-built Justice Centre in Inverness opened on March 30 this year, bringing under one roof integrated justice services to support victims, witnesses, litigants and other users.
Robertson Construction Northern project director Mr Hedley said: "Working with Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service during the three-year build, we were involved with the community through a host of school activities and work placements.
"We strived to protect the local environment, developing technology to offset the carbon footprint generated by the measured electricity usage of the temporary site set-up, and supported local charities whilst continuing the ongoing professional development of our site team.
"I am extremely proud of everyone involved with the project for the part they played in the achievement of this award."
To save time during the build, the precast concrete columns for the intricate façade were created off site.
An exhibition is now open at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery telling the story of how the former Inverness Castle home of the old court will be transformed into a visitor attraction.
The transformation of Inverness Castle is supported by £15 million from the Scottish Government and £3 million from the UK Government through the city region deal.
