JR Scaffold Services has been shortlisted for the prestigious Project of the Year (large category) at the Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2026, recognising its outstanding work on the complex restoration project at the B-listed Walton Building at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
The Scaffolding Excellence Awards are widely regarded as one of the industry’s most respected accolades, celebrating the very best in scaffolding and access solutions across the UK. This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries, with submissions increasing by 40% compared with 2025, making competition fiercer than ever before and highlighting the significance of being named among the finalists.
JR Scaffold Services has been recognised for its delivery of one of Scotland’s most technically demanding scaffolding projects, supporting essential roof renovation works at the historic Walton Building, part of the Glasgow Royal Infirmary estate.
Acting as lead contractor on the project, the company designed and delivered a bespoke scaffolding solution that enabled safe access to the building while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the live hospital environment.
The project presented a series of highly complex engineering and logistical challenges.
Located within Glasgow’s Central Conservation Area, the Walton Building sits above a historic tunnel network, meaning the scaffolding could not place traditional load-bearing pressure on the ground beneath. Working alongside Gallery Access Solutions and Coltart Earley Architecture, JR Scaffold Services delivered an innovative beam-supported, double-gabled scaffold before installing a fully rolling temporary roof to protect the building throughout the renovation works.
Adding to the complexity, all surrounding roads and access routes had to remain fully operational throughout the project to ensure uninterrupted access for ambulances, hospital staff, patients, deliveries and pedestrians.
The company also demonstrated its commitment to developing industry skills by recreating the bespoke scaffold design at its headquarters ahead of the project, allowing operatives to undertake practical familiarisation training before work commenced on site.
The shortlist of these awards recognises not only the technical excellence of the project but also JR Scaffold Services’ collaborative approach, meticulous planning and unwavering commitment to safety on one of Scotland’s most challenging live construction environments.
John Horne, Managing Director of The JR Group, said: “To be shortlisted for a Scaffolding Excellence Award is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved and reflects the exceptional standards our team delivers on every project. These awards represent the very best of our industry, so to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s leading scaffolding specialists is something we are incredibly proud of.
“The Walton Building was an exceptionally complex project that demanded innovative engineering, detailed planning and seamless collaboration with our client and project partners. Our team embraced every challenge, delivering a safe, high-quality solution while ensuring the hospital could continue operating without disruption.
“This recognition is testament to the expertise, professionalism and dedication of our people, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding results on even the most technically demanding projects. We look forward to celebrating with our industry peers in September.”
The winners of the Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2026 will be announced on 11 September during the annual awards ceremony at Manchester Central.
