On Tuesday 3 June 2025, more than 130 guests gathered in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament for an NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) hosted reception celebrating the progress being made to tackle construction skills shortages across Scotland. 

A strong show of political support

The evening was sponsored by Carol Mochan MSP, who welcomed guests and 15 fellow parliamentarians. Their presence underlined cross-party recognition of the vital role roofing and wider construction trades play in delivering Scotland’s housing, heritage-repair and net-zero ambitions.

Young people centre stage

Students and teachers from six pioneering schools—Stirling High, Castlebrae Community High, Portobello High, Larbert High, Wester Hailes High and Prestwick Academy—shared their experiences of NFRC Skills Demonstrations and new National 5 courses at tables throughout the venue. Their enthusiasm provided a tangible reminder of why early, hands-on exposure to the trades matters.

Voices from across the sector

A series of addresses reinforced that message:

• Carol Mochan MSP praised the partnership approach that is opening doors to rewarding careers for young Scots.
• Lee Liddington, NFRC Scotland’s 2024 Ronnie Forsyth Apprentice of the Year, spoke passionately about his journey into roofing.
• Stephen Kelly, The City of Edinburgh Council’s Head of Education, highlighted the important work that has been done and the challenge ahead.
• Scott Miller, NFRC Scotland Chair, and Colin McCorquodale, NFRC National President, called on employers to match government support by taking on more apprentices and engaging with local schools. They also made the case for providing sustainable funding for these programmes so that every young person throughout Scotland is given access.

Advocacy delivering results

Since 2012 NFRC, with partners such as Historic Environment Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council, has run hundreds of practical demonstrations and piloted National 5 courses that are now gaining traction with policymakers. The reception celebrated how those initiatives are already:

• Sparking interest in traditional and modern roofing techniques.
• Building stronger school-to-industry links.
• Creating a clearer route into apprenticeships at a time when UK apprenticeship starts have fallen by a third since 2015 according to the CITB.

Thanks to

NFRC is immensely grateful to all those who have come together to support these programmes. Particular thanks must go to the following;

• Carol Mochan MSP for her steadfast support of the programmes and for sponsoring the reception,
• Gordon MacDonald MSP and Alex Rowley MSP for their continued support and for sponsoring the Skills Demonstration on the lawns of Scottish Parliament,
• Historic Environment Scotland,
• The City of Edinburgh Council, with special mentions for Stephen Kelly and Louise Frew,
• All MSPs who made an appearance at the reception, including Sarah Boyack, Miles Briggs, Siobhian Brown, Foysol Choudhury, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Emma Harper, Craig Hoy, Daniel Johnson, Ben MacPherson, Beatrice Wishart, and Rachel Hamilton,
• The schools who attended and who have helped lead the way with the programmes, including Stirling High School, Wester Hailes High School, Castlebrae Community High School, Prestwick Academy, Portobello High School, and Larbert High School,
• The NFRC Members who make these demonstrations possible by lending their time and expertise, with special thanks to Scott Miller and Lewis Miller from Compass Roofing Ltd who have taken the initiatives to new heights.

Looking ahead

NFRC will continue to press for every secondary school to host annual Skills Demonstrations and for National 5 construction pathways to be available nationwide, ensuring every young person can explore a career in roofing and other trades.

The evening closed on a note of shared purpose: industry, educators and government standing together to secure Scotland’s roofs and its future workforce.