THE National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has hailed a month of ‘strong support’ for roofing priorities across the Scottish Parliament.
MSPs from across the political spectrum have been highlighting the role of roofing and traditional building skills.
Gordon MacDonald MSP (Edinburgh Pentlands, SNP) mentioned new construction pathways in Edinburgh, including National 5 Creative Industries – Roof Slating courses. These pilots, developed with The City of Edinburgh Council, the NFRC, and other industry partners, aim to inspire young people into roofing and stonemasonry careers.
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. 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.
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 that 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.
Scott Miller, MD of Compass Roofing Ltd and NFRC Scotland chair, 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.”
Carol Mochan MSP is sponsoring an NFRC reception in the Scottish Parliament garden lobby on June 3. The reception will celebrate progress and advocate for further investment in these programmes.
