STIRLING-based family business Old Plean Roofing has become the first Scottish specialist roofing company in seven years to be admitted to the Guild of Master Craftsmen.
The firm, run by Mark and Fiona Thornton, has been honoured to gain membership of the organisation, which represents both modern day and traditional craftsmen and promotes excellence and integrity.
The Old Plean team was selected following a vetting procedure which included customer references and an assessment of its workmanship and business practices.
The accolade entitles the business to display the Guild’s emblem, which is recognised as a mark of quality workmanship.
Mark and Fiona set up Old Plean Roofing in January 2019 after several years running Thornton Construction Consultants – a consultancy providing technical advice on roofing to construction businesses.
Since then, the firm has taken on new staff and now employs five roofers as well as an administrative assistant.
The firm specialises in flat roofing and also work with pitched roofs with services including repairing roofs following water, wind or theft damage.
Fiona said, “We’re delighted to have been awarded this accreditation which really reflects the standards we have always aimed for and the type of high quality roofing and customer service we offer. When we launched the business two years ago, we did so with the aim of improving industry standards and offering local people an honest, efficient roofing service with a high level of competency.
“Our philosophy is to invest in training and to promote roofing as a worthwhile trade and career. It’s wonderful to be recognised for the work we are doing and to receive this seal of approval from an organisation as prestigious as the Guild of Master Craftsmen.”
Mark added, “I’ve always been passionate about roofing and achieving the highest possible standards for our industry. We pride ourselves on our reputation and so I’m thrilled we’ve been granted this accreditation.”
The Much Hon. Duncan Paisley of Westerlea, chief assessor (Scotland) for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, commented, “Mark and Fiona Thornton are continuing the rich trade and craft heritage of the historic guilds which date back to the 14th century and embody the traditional values which are essential to be recognised as Master Craftsmen.
“I was overjoyed to see them accredited as members of the Guild and they are to be commended for their undoubted hands-on skills, qualifications, consistent high-quality work and commitment to customer service.”
