As 2024 draws to a close, we would like to thank our team, clients, and suppliers for their continued support in what has been another busy year for Capstone Construction. Our business continues to grow, and we’re excited to take this opportunity to share some of our highlights and milestones.

In the first half of the year, we completed works at Cawdor Road, Nairn, constructing 22 units for Albyn Housing Society. This project included 10 Fit Homes, designed to allow vulnerable and elderly tenants to live independently for longer, and 12 Cottage Flats. We were delighted to receive the Bronze National Site Award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme for this project.

In the second half of the year, we handed over our Campbell Close development in Golspie to the Highland Council, marking their first new-build social housing project in the seaside village in 30 years. This development features 20 new homes, constructed in seven separate blocks. We also handed over 20 new homes at Green Lady Court in Dingwall to the Highland Council. These homes provide much-needed housing in a prime location, just minutes from Dingwall Primary and Dingwall Academy. The development offers a mix of housing options designed for social rent.

Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue the construction of a new residential development in the Slackbuie area of Inverness. Led by Highland Housing Alliance, this development comprises 24 new homes, with the first residents expected to move in during spring 2025. Work is also ongoing at the site of a new care home in Inverness. Owned by Parklands Care Homes, the flagship care home at Milton of Leys is expected to open in the spring. The facility will feature 58 en-suite bedrooms, with many offering picturesque views of the Moray Firth. Additionally, it will include several day/dining rooms, quiet lounges, an activity room, a hairdresser, and a café.

We have also had a busy year supporting the communities we work & live in. This year Capstone Construction, along with many other local businesses, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the 40th Highland Cross. We donated vans to safely transport volunteers, bikes, and equipment to and from the start and finish lines. Our team also helped clear the cycle route by trimming branches and filling potholes, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all competitors. This year, Capstone Construction also became a strip sponsor for the U14s team at Caberfeidh Shinty Club.

Additionally, our Office Administrator, Beth Saunders, and her dance partner achieved a third place in the grand finale of Strictly Inverness 2024, raising an extraordinary £27,200 for the Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre. This set a record for the highest amount ever raised by a female competitor in the competition’s history!

With support from Eastgate Shopping Centre and in collaboration with James Paterson Haulage Ltd, we were also delighted to play a key role in erecting the Highland Hospice 'Light Up the Highlands' Christmas tree for the sixth consecutive year at Falcon Square.

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind the community that, thanks to the generous support of local businesses, a defibrillator was recently installed at our head office in the Longman area of Inverness, ensuring round-the-clock access to potentially life-saving equipment. Located at 11-13 Henderson Drive, the defibrillator is strategically positioned to provide easy access for neighbouring businesses and the general public in case of an emergency. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Rhona, Capstone's MD, would personally like to add: "As we approach the end of 2024, a year of many achievements and milestones, the team and I would like to wish all our clients and suppliers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please note that we'll be closed from 20th December and will reopen on Monday 6th January."

Capstone Construction is proud to announce the installation of a new defibrillator at its head office in the Longman area of Inverness, which will ensure round-the-clock access to potential life-saving equipment.

The defibrillator, a Mindray C1A housed in an external heated cabinet from London Hearts – a charity dedicated to increasing access to life-saving tools – has been strategically placed outside Capstone’s headquarters entrance on Henderson Drive to ensure easy access for neighbouring businesses, and the general public, should an emergency arise.

Capstone’s HSEQ Manager, Brian Morrison, who led the initiative, commented:

“As we align with best practice health and safety standards, a commitment to above-and-beyond compliance is essential. Internal discussions highlighted that adding defibrillators at our head office – and eventually at our larger sites – would be an excellent way to safeguard our workforce and support the surrounding community.”

The installation was completed with the generous support of local business Andrew Robertson Electrical ltd who contributed by wiring and commissioning the electrical installation free of charge, with monetary support from four other businesses located on Henderson Drive: Northern Security Alarms, Jack’s Self Drive, Highland Bodyshop Car & Commercial and GM Leitch Materials Handling, for whom Capstone is currently constructing a new workshop.

Life-Saving Equipment Across Key Sites

Capstone is in the process of acquiring additional defibrillators for three of its major development sites. These include a new flagship care home in Inverness at Milton of Leys for Parklands Care Homes; a residential development in the Slackbuie area of Inverness, led by Highland Housing Alliance, which will comprise 24 new homes; and phase two of the Castlepark housing project consisting of 27 new homes in Dingwall for Albyn Housing Association.

Capstone’s Procurement Manager, Craig MacLellan, commented:

“We’re delighted to support the community by providing this potentially life-saving equipment at our HQ in Inverness s, with defibrillators soon also available at three of our ongoing development sites. For 23 years, Capstone has been building high-quality homes and commercial projects for our clients, and having this essential life-saving equipment available to them and the public is something every community should have. I would like to thank all the local businesses that have made this possible.”

Now fully functional, the defibrillator at Capstone Construction's headquarters, located at 11-13 Henderson Drive, Inverness, is available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our team has grown steadily since the acquisition by GEG Capital in May 2022, with the recent promotions of Michael Cameron and Ian McMillan paving the way for the promotion of Brian Morrison to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Manager. Congratulations to Brian, whose leadership and development of our HSEQ are key parts of the ambitious growth strategy for Capstone.

“Brian Morrison has been with the team since December 2016 and has been instrumental in our investment program in these key areas of our business. His promotion reflects the company’s commitment to the continual improvement of our HSEQ management systems and standards, highlighted by achieving ISO 9001 certification earlier this year.” – Rhona Donnelly, Managing Director of Capstone Construction

Congratulations to the 744 competitors who completed the 40th Highland Cross on Saturday 22nd June — a duathlon that spans 50 miles, combining a challenging 20-mile walk or run with an exhilarating 30-mile cycling journey through the breath-taking landscapes from Kintail through Glen Affric and Strathglass to Beauly.

Capstone Construction, along with many other local businesses, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the event. We generously donated vans, ensuring that volunteers, bikes, and necessary equipment were safely transported to and from the start and finish lines. In addition, our team helped clear the cycle route by trimming branches and filling potholes, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all competitors.

With almost £6 million having been accumulated for good causes over the last few decades, participating teams were required to pledge a minimum of £500 in sponsorship. The four principal charities nominated for this year were Cantraybridge College, Highland BlindCraft, Highland Disability Sport, and L’Arche Highland.

Capstone has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of two director-level promotions, in a strategic move to further strengthen its position within the marketplace. Ian McMillan, formerly the Operations Manager, has been promoted to the newly established role of Construction Director, while Michael Cameron, previously holding the position of Estimating Manager, has stepped into the newly created role of Commercial Director.

Capstone was acquired by GEG Capital in 2022 and has since experienced exponential growth, particularly in the social housing and commercial markets. This growth has prompted a restructuring at the leadership level to ensure the organisation's stability and sustain its ongoing growth and success.

Joining Capstone in July 2023, Ian McMillan has 14 years of experience as a Construction Manager. In his new role as Construction Director, Ian is committed to optimising Capstone's processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and ensure timely project delivery. As part of his role, Ian will support the existing operational staff where required, and mentor staff who are looking to progress within the company.

Michael Cameron, who has been with Capstone since November 2019, brings over 30 years of experience working for various contractors in Inverness and the surrounding area. As Commercial Director, Michael is keen to promote business development initiatives and strategic partnerships to further propel Capstone's growth trajectory.

The team has grown steadily since the acquisition in May 2022, with the promotions of Michael and Ian also paving the way for the recruitment of two graduate positions to the team, one in Surveying and the other in Estimating.

Latest stage of Capstone’s growth strategy

Capstone has secured over £21 million in new works this year, and while it continues to build on its existing loyal customer base, ensuring repeat business year on year, the company is also seeking to develop new business opportunities following the newly formed Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.

Rhona Donnelly, Managing Director of Capstone Construction, expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating: "I am delighted that both Michael and Ian have accepted their new Director roles within the business. Having already secured over £21 million in work this year – including social housing for HHA at Slackbuie in Inverness and Albyn Housing Society at Castle Park in Dingwall, an extension at the bakery for Harry Gows in Smithton, and a new flagship care home for Parklands in Milton of Ley Inverness, the experience they bring to delivering these projects, as well as their assistance in securing new business going forward, is invaluable."

She added, “The restructuring of the leadership team will provide invaluable support to the business after Capstone received planning approval for a major housing development at a site near Rosskeen, Invergordon. We are looking forward to delivering the first housing project in the area since the nearby Inverness & Cromarty Firth was awarded Green Freeport status, and are looking forward to the other business opportunities that the Green freeport will bring to the area.”

Capstone Construction has received the Bronze National Site Award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, thanks to our site manager, Bob Grant, and his team for their great work at our Cawdor Road site in Nairn.

The project consisted of constructing 22 units for Albyn Housing Society, which comprised of 10 Fit Homes to allow vulnerable and elderly tenants to live independently for longer and 12 Cottage Flats.

The construction works included all landscaping, tree protection, and the creation of a bund and acoustic fence. The works also included alterations to the existing access road at the Manor Care Home and the formation of a path linking the 12 Cottage Flats to the car park.

Highlands & Islands MSP Edward Mountain recently visited the site of a new flagship care home in Inverness, in which Parklands Care Homes has invested £11 million, at Milton of Leys on the outskirts of the Highland capital.

The construction project is being spearheaded by Capstone Construction, where the site team have now completed the installation of the bison concrete flooring beams. The next major milestone will see the erection of the steel frame in early June, with the timber frame to follow later that month. At its peak, the site will support 40 – 60 construction jobs.

The care home is expected to create around 120 full-time equivalent jobs upon its opening in April 2025. The new facility will feature 58 en-suite bedrooms, with many offering picturesque views of the Moray Firth. Additionally, it will house several day/dining rooms, quiet lounges, an activity room, a hairdresser, and a café. It will stand as the largest purpose-built home within the Parklands group, which presently operates 11 care homes across the Highlands and Moray. It will be the largest purpose-built home in the Parklands group, which currently has 11 care homes across the Highlands and Moray, and its biggest ever single investment.

The care home is the first phase of an ambitious multi-million-pound plan to create a new care community in the city, the first of its kind in the Highlands. Later phases will see the construction of a living village, comprising 11 two-bedroom bungalows, designed to enable older people to live independent lives within a care home setting, and new rental accommodation for Parklands’ care workers.

Rhona Donnelly commented: “Having previously delivered extensions to their care homes in Muir of Ord and Tain, we are delighted to be working with Parklands to deliver this new flagship care home for the city of Inverness. It is set in a stunning location where, upon completion, the new residents will be able to enjoy views across the Moray and Beauly Firths.

“Securing this prestigious contract will add to Capstone Construction’s expanding portfolio of projects in the Highlands and secure ongoing work for our existing workforce and supply chain.”

Plans for 66 new homes on land at the edge of Invergordon, have been given the green light by The Highland Council North Area Planning committee. The consent for the much-needed housing is the first granted in the area since the nearby Inverness and Cromarty Firth was awarded Green Freeport status. The newly formed Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport company - incorporating Port of Nigg and Port of Cromarty Firth - places the Highlands at the heart of the drive towards net-zero and is expected to create over 10,000 new jobs locally in the coming years.

Speaking about the decision to grant planning permission for the new housing, Rhona Donnelly, Managing Director of developer Capstone Construction said:

“Capstone Construction is delighted to have been granted approval at The Highland Council North Area Planning committee on Tuesday 16th April for the first housing development since the official award of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport announcement. This is an exciting opportunity for Invergordon and the Highlands.

“Capstone is not only looking forward to delivering a housing development which Invergordon can be proud of but also working with the planning department and the local community together with their representatives to safeguard the ancient woodland at Rosskeen for future generations.”

Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive of Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, commented:

“The granting of permission to this much needed mix of affordable and private housing is an extremely positive statement from the Highland Council and is further testament to their commitment to growing the Highland economy and maximising the once in a generation opportunities that the Green Freeport will bring. Not only will the new development in Invergordon mark a significant step in providing housing for skilled workers moving to the area - importantly, it will also provide affordable housing for those that wish to stay and work in the region."

Affordable Housing

Capstone Construction - along with the Highland Council - will build 66 new homes at a site near Rosskeen on the northern edge of Invergordon. The 6.2 hectare development will comprise a combination of affordable housing and private dwellings as well as associated infrastructure and outdoor recreation areas.

The ramping up of activity at the Port of Nigg and Port of Cromarty Firth - as well as in the supply chain for the two industrial sites - resulting from Freeport status is expected to lead to an influx of skilled workers putting pressure on an already stretched Easter Ross housing stock.

Plans for woodland neighbouring the new housing scheme will see quality open spaces developed for the expansion of recreational pursuits for new and existing residents. Informal links will be provided from the developed neighbourhood areas to permeate into the woodland with active travel links for walking and cycling.

Capstone Construction also has plans in place for the long term protection and enhancement of the areas of ancient woodland to the north east and south of the site with the intention of placing the area under community ownership such as that enjoyed at nearby Evanton Community Woodland.

We recently completed groundworks at a new residential development in the Slackbuie area of Inverness, which led by Highland Housing Alliance (HAA), will comprise 24 new homes including 18 two-bedroom cottage flats, four three-bedroom semi-detached homes, and two four-bedroom semi-detached houses.

The homes at Slackbuie View will all be available at MMR tenure which is typically priced lower than private rental costs and slightly higher than affordable housing. This offers residents well-priced rental opportunities as demand for homes continues to soar across the Highlands.

The development is also a natural extension of the existing Slackbuie community that is well connected to public amenities located nearby. As part its developer contribution, HHA has provided more than £180,000 that will benefit local primary and secondary schools, and community facilities.

Funding for the development has been supported by the Scottish Government, The Highland Council, and the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.

“HHA is a trusted delivery partner with an ambitious and commendable vision to improve the housing market across the Highlands. The 24 new homes in Slackbuie will be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood, offering close proximity to a range of local amenities and community services, as well as Inverness city centre just a short distance away. Completion of the groundworks marks a significant milestone in our construction timeline and we’re looking forward to seeing the homes take shape.” - Rhona Donnelly, Managing Director at Capstone Construction

We are on track to complete construction of the homes in early 2025, with the first residents expected to move in during 2025.

As part of plans submitted for a much-needed housing development in Invergordon, Capstone Construction will gift part of the land’s ancient woodland to a local community group to be enjoyed for generations to come.

In what is the first major application for new housing in the area since the Cromarty Firth was granted Freeport status, Capstone Construction and the Highland Council have submitted plans to build 79 new homes at the site near Rosskeen on the northern edge of Invergordon. The development - to be sited on a virtually tree free site extending to approximately 6.2 hectares - will comprise a combination of affordable housing and private dwellings as well as associated infrastructure and outdoor recreation areas.

The ramping up of activity at the Port of Nigg and Port of Cromarty Firth -as well as in the supply chain for the two industrial sites - resulting from Freeport status is expected to lead to extensive job creation in the area, with the expected influx of skilled workers putting pressure on an already sparse Easter Ross housing stock.

Plans for woodland neighbouring the new housing development will see quality open spaces developed for the expansion of recreational pursuits for new and existing residents. Informal links will be provided from the developed neighbourhood areas to permeate into the woodland with active travel links for walking and cycling. Trim trails, features for natural play and outdoor gyms are among the facilities which could be created in already occurring clearings along these pathway links

As part of the planning application Capstone Construction is in process of preparing a woodland management plan for the long term protection and enhancement the area of ancient woodland to the north east of the site. The plan will include works to improve biodiversity and foraging opportunities incorporating the recommendations in the ecology report of removing the rhododendron, felling/cutting of dead and dying trees and arranging on site for habitat, and new under planting. It is the intention to explore this area for community ownership similar that in operation at nearby Evanton Community Woodland.

Another area of scheduled ancient woodland to the south of the site will also be subject to a woodland management plan for the long-term protection and enhancement of this area. It will incorporate planting to enhance the new path routes and recreational facilities that will be provided in this area. This area will be more maintained and manicured for public use and enjoyment of outdoor activities.

Capstone Construction Managing Direction, Rhona Donnelly, said: “We have gone to great lengths to make sure the surrounding woodland is not only safeguarded but has improved access for the local community. Our ultimate aim is to gift the ancient woodland to a local community group so that it will be protected for future generations, and we have reached out to POGS (Invergordon) to explore the possibility of them forming the community company to take over the woodland.”

We were delighted to support Inverness Women’s Aid by donating a range of essential supplies such as high-vis vests, foot covers, painting kits and gloss paint for their ‘Operation Love Your Refuge’ event that took place on Saturday 30th September. At the event, volunteers united to ‘pour’ love into the charities refuge's accommodation, which encompasses 7 flats and 4 bedsit rooms. With new families moving in very soon, the focus was on rejuvenating the building through cleaning, painting, maintenance, and sprucing up the garden.

Since 1979, Inverness Women’s Aid has been a beacon of hope for women, young people, and children facing domestic abuse in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch, and Strathspey. Funded by the Highland Council and Scottish Government, and affiliated with the Scottish Women’s Aid network of domestic abuse services across Scotland, Inverness Women’s Aid receives around 500 referrals per year, a number that is constantly growing.

Pictured: Craig MacLellan, Capstone's Procurement Manager, alongside Lisa Buchanan, Manager of Inverness Women's Aid.

We're delighted to announce that Beth Saunders, our Receptionist & Admin Assistant, recently achieved her SVQ in Business & Administration. This achievement not only underscores Beth's commitment to professional growth and a passion for excellence, but also adds significant value to our team. We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and Beth's accomplishment is a testament to that. Congratulations, Beth!

Commenting on the completion of the course, Beth said: "I really enjoyed completing my SVQ through JB Management; they were efficient and helpful. This course has enhanced my understanding of the various procedures within the company and highlighted the importance of team communication. It has also taught me how to handle specific situations should they arise. Overall, pursuing my business qualification has given me a better understanding of my day-to-day tasks here at Capstone and emphasised the importance of adhering to the correct guidelines in the workplace."