HARPER Macleod and AtkinsRéalis recently hosted an event that focused on enhancing quality and successfully implementing Scotland’s Construction Accord.
The Blueprint 2026, held at Citation in Glasgow, took place against a backdrop of Scotland’s construction industry supporting approximately 157,000 jobs and contributing around £25 billion in annual turnover.
The Scottish Construction Accord is a collaborative commitment to a ‘thriving, high-performing construction sector’ focused on quality, fair work, sustainability, and innovation.
BBC Scotland broadcaster Sally Magnusson hosted The Blueprint, which brought together a panel of experts in design, legal, and commercial, featuring: Euan Pirie (partner and head of major projects and infrastructure, Harper Macleod); Helen Groves (technical director, architecture, AtkinsRéalis); Barry Young (director, head of cost & commercial Scotland, AtkinsRéalis); and Dr Dean Carrick (regional director (QS), AtkinsRéalis).
They explored how early decisions and behaviours fundamentally shape construction quality outcomes. Discussing Scotland’s new Construction Accord, they acknowledged that achieving better quality, value, and trust in construction is less about new rules and more about changing mindsets and actions from the outset of the project.
Euan Pirie said, “Scotland’s construction sector is at a pivotal point. As activity continues to grow, there is a clear opportunity to raise standards. Quality is not something that can be added later, it is shaped from the beginning through clear project briefs, realistic budgeting and a collaborative approach.
“The Construction Accord provides strong foundations for this shift, but its success depends on how consistently it is applied in practice. Procurement choices, commercial models and behaviours across the supply chain all play an important role in determining outcomes. If we continue to prioritise lowest cost over long-term value, we risk undermining the quality that the industry is seeking to build.
“What came through clearly from the discussion is that the tools and frameworks are already in place. The focus now must be on leadership and accountability, with everyone taking responsibility for making better decisions earlier and having a shared commitment to quality throughout every project.”
For more information, read the full Blueprint report here http://harpermacleod.co.uk/the-blueprint-2026
