MacLeod Construction Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
MacLeod Construction is a family business driven by a core set of values- integrity, hard work, craftsmanship and a dedication to client satisfaction. From humble beginnings to a leader in their industry, the company’s story is a testament to enduring commitment, adaptability and passion for building. Starting out as a two-man operation, they have expanded into a team of more than 100 construction professionals taking on the region’s largest and most complex building projects.
A rich past and bright future
The story of MacLeod Construction began with twins born in 1947, Murdo and Kenny MacLeod. With deep roots in the Gaelic-speaking community, the family relocated from their home at Tiroran on Mull to Lochgilphead. Upon completing school, they cut their teeth as joiners at D & J Carmichael, but the allure of London proved strong, and in the late 1960s, the brothers ventured south to work for Laing Construction. For five years, they further honed their skills in the bustling construction scene of the capital. 1972 saw their return home, and it was here that they secured their first contract, undertaking the build of Lochgair Parish Church Hall.
In 1975, M&K MacLeod was formally incorporated. Drawing on their London experience, Murdo and Kenny championed the use of timber frame construction, recognising its suitability for the climate and landscape of Argyll. This innovation became a cornerstone of the company’s identity and remains a specialty to this day. From this initial partnership, MacLeod Construction Limited and MacLeod (Riverside) Limited were established as subsidiary companies to allow further growth and specialisation. Murdo and Kenny purchased Achnaba and Castleton Estates from Sir John Thomson, their father’s former employer, in 1982.
Since then, the company, firmly rooted at Kilmory Industrial Estate for more than 40 years, has grown into the largest private employer in the area. From housing developments such as Glenshellach and schools such as Achahoish Primary, to community facilities such as the Progressive Care Centre on Mull and the Co-op in Lochgilphead, you can’t drive very far in Argyll without encountering one of their projects.
A family affair
Today, cofounder Kenny serves as managing director, and Jane, serves as legal director, advising the company since inception. The next generation of MacLeods are carrying on the torch, with Kenny’s sons Greig and Jonathan, and Mairi, the daughter of Murdo, who passed away in 2017, now on board.
Operations Director Jonathan MacLeod got his industry start at Tulloch Construction before serving as a project engineer with Rok. He then earned his leadership wings as managing director of Storr Electrical Services and returned home in 2011 to join the company.
Commercial Director Greig MacLeod also began at Tulloch, subsequently venturing to the United States to further his knowledge of site management. Upon returning to the UK, he spent a decade with Interserve and in 2013, he joined the family business.
Construction Director Mairi Coleman was named among the Top 100 Influential Women in Construction 2023. After studying business, she worked in international banking, eventually serving as Head of People for Lloyds Banking Group. She obtained a Masters degree in Construction Management and Digital Engineering before joining the business in 2020.
“It’s nice as a family to work together and support each other,” Mairi said. “Our main focus is on maintaining the legacy that Murdo and Kenny have built, but also continuing to build on that legacy. First and foremost, this is creating sustainable jobs and training opportunities for our community.”
When asked if the MacLeods were to have a motto, what would it be, Mairi looks back to something that Kenny once said- that it all comes down to hard work and dedication.
“Our whole focus has always been working hard to get the job done, and that means being committed to what we do, being connected to the communities that we work in and cultivating quality trade skills,” she said. “I think Murdo and Kenny were incredibly ambitious and always looking for what was next. That’s how we are going forward.”
A foundation built by its people
MacLeod Construction’s strength lies not only in the family’s capabilities, but also in its people. Their employees are valued and empowered, with a focus on training and development that is essential for their growth. This has resulted in a loyal and skilled workforce, and one of the reasons they have achieved the enduring reputation they enjoy today.
“We’ve got an incredible team, and they are really important to us,” Mairi enthused. “We work hard to maintain a loyal workforce, so we invest in and train our team. We have more than 20 employees who have been with us for more than 20 years, and our two longest serving employees have 34 years with us. Quite often we have several members of families working here.”
To make sure that Argyll residents are able to access quality local construction services into the next generation, the MacLeods feel they have an obligation to bring young people into the industry, which is suffering from a shortage in qualified workers. This includes an emphasis on diversity, especially welcoming female apprentices. They also take on students who may find school challenging, but do better in a professional environment.
“We are known locally for bringing on apprentices and that’s something that we’ve always done, because maintaining our workforce is vital,” Mairi shared. “I’m really proud that we can now say 10 per cent of our apprentices are women, and the young ladies that we’ve got on at the moment are amazing. Diversity can be difficult to achieve in construction, but we’re pushing it and we are definitely making inroads.”
On the front lines of the green revolution
Ever since Murdo and Kenny pioneered timber frame construction use in Argyll in the 1970s, innovation has not only kept the company competitive, but it has allowed them to lead the way in incorporating green practices in their projects. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for MacLeod Construction. It’s integrated into their business ethos as they pursue environmentally conscious technologies and designs as well as reduce the carbon footprint of their own activities.
“We’ve recently become a Tesla certified installer for Powerwalls,” said Mairi. “We’ve installed solar panels in our office and we’re using them regularly on other projects. We’re building the green energy side of the business for ourselves and our clients because we see that as being both a huge opportunity and an obligation to the future of the planet.”
Ancient stone for a modern world
MacLeod Construction has recently formed a partnership with A&L McCrae for the operation of their Kilmartin sand and gravel quarry and Achnaba hard rock quarry. A&L McCrae operates and manages the day-to-day operations of both quarries on MacLeod’s behalf, enhancing service offerings and reaching a broader market.
Extracted since the early 1990s, Achnaba Stone® is a distinctive grey green stone that is gaining popularity among designers and builders because of its natural beauty and ease of polishing and carving. The unique rock dates back 600 million years, when intense pressure and heat transformed its mineral composition and created its signature mottled appearance, resulting in a versatile stone perfect for building and decorative material. Remarkably, this formation appears to be exclusive to Achnaba, found within a single ¾-mile outcrop in Argyll. Originally used for aggregate and building stone, Achnaba Stone® is now employed in diverse applications, including fireplaces, tiling, paving and architectural details, and can be found at prestigious locations such as the Natural History Museum, Wimbledon and Inveraray Castle.
Time to reflect
For half a century, MacLeod Construction has been, literally, building Argyll and the Isles, from residential builds and commercial developments to agricultural, civil engineering and renewable energy installations. This diverse portfolio highlights the broad skillset and experience of their team, as well as their capacity to handle projects of all shapes and sizes in a challenging landscape, which is a huge advantage as a local company.
“We know the area and we know the weather,” Mairi said. “We understand the roads, we know where the bridges aren’t wide enough to carry a HGV over- all those logistics that a local company knows best.”
Along with family favourite projects such as the MAC Swimming Pool upgrade and the MacLeod Centre on Iona, affordable housing is a big part of the their legacy. They are proud to include in their portfolio many private residences, along with social and private housing, such as the Fyne Homes development in Lochgilphead, Dunbeg with Link Group in Oban, Imeraval with West Highland Housing Association on Islay and regeneration of Park Square with Argyll Community Housing Association in Campbeltown.
“It’s a huge sense of achievement for us when you look back at what we’ve accomplished, but I think we’re probably better at looking forward than we are looking back,” Mairi admitted. “We’re always looking ahead to the next project.”
The following companies extend their best wishes to MacLeod Construction on their 50th Anniversary.
Argyll Construction Training Group.
www.argyllctg.co.uk/
A&L McCrae ( Quarries - Barrachander, Kilmartin, Achnaba, Clachan).
almccrae.com
Blaney Commercials Ltd.
www.blaneycommercials.com/
City Plumbing Supplies Oban.
www.cityplumbing.co.uk/
CMA Architects Ltd.
www.campbell-morris.co.uk/
Coille Haulage Lochgilphead Argyll.
www.coillehaulage.co.uk/
Cowal Building and Plumbing Supplies Ltd.
www.cowalbuilding.co.uk/
Cowal Design.
www.cowaldesign.co.uk/
D. A. MacDonald Contractors Ltd.
www.damacdonald.co.uk/
Dawson Estate Agents.
www.dawsonsestateagents.co.uk
Deacon Brothers Printers Limited.
www.facebook.com/DeaconBrothers/
Fyfe & McGrouther.
www.decco.co.uk/construction-supplies/
Fyne Homes Ltd.
fynehomes.org.uk/
Huws Gray Oban.
International Timber.
internationaltimber.com/
JC Electrical Services (Oban) ltd.
jcelectricaloban.com/
Lonan Properties Limited.
www.facebook.com/people/Lonan-Properties-ltd/61563965931581/?_rdr
Midton Acrylics.
midton.com/
Oban Joinery Services.
obanjoineryservices.co.uk/
Oban Electrical Services.
www.fes-group.co.uk
Peter McKerral & Co.
www.petermckerral.co.uk/
Pinefield Glass.
pinefieldglass.com/
Scottish Woodlands.
www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk/
W & M Currie & Son - Islay.
William Wilson Ltd.
www.williamwilson.co.uk/
Wyvex Media Ltd
www.westcoasttoday.co.uk/
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