New Access Road—Skene Group Ltd have carried out the installation of a new access road into a private rural dwelling house for a private owner.  The Skene Group Ltd are happy to undertake jobs of this nature where an individual Client can come along and engage with us to ensure what they get is exactly what they want.  On this occasion our Client insisted on a job which allowed the property access road to become hard wearing with limited maintenance, all within a budget the Client wanted.  This project was delivered to the Client ahead of programme and below his budget allowance.

Rosyth Docks—Forth Ports Authority— The working space within the Rosyth terminal for Forth Ports Authorities has been under pressure for some time. SKENE GROUP LTD have undertaken to install a terminal base fit for purpose.  The works to be undertaken require a vast reduced level dig and removal off site, followed by a large import of stone before concrete the wearing coat to provide a much improved working platform for the coming and going of the containers into and out of the port terminal. Skene have engaged with their designated appointed designers to fulfil the requirement whilst utilising their own material where possible. All hardcore, concrete and the transport being carried out by Skene Group Ltd direct.

Forth Ports Authority—The commencement of the major upgrade works within the docks at the Grangemouth terminal has got underway.  SKENE GROUP LTD carried out the enabling packages recently to allow the upgrade works to be undertaken.  The works package involved: Demolition of existing buildings, petrol interceptor and removal off site,  the installation of new drainage carrier system, along with diverting existing services, installation of new service chambers and the general civilisation of the area prior to handing over to the appointed contractor.

Aldi Store  – Edinburgh—SKENE GROUP LTD have commenced onsite with the new retail outlet for one of the major players in the industry.  The earthworks package along with main line drainage, foundations with retaining walls incorporated, suds system and car parking are all being undertaken utilising the very best of the Skene Group Ltd materials from their Soutra Mains depot.  The concrete is produced form the quarry utilising the stone and locally distributed.  This job is a very good example of the complete solution with which Skene Group Ltd have become known for within the construction Industry.

Morrison Construction Ltd—The lovely village of Bridge of Earn in Perthshire is preparing itself for the arrival of the new convenience store within the main street.  SKENE GROUP Ltd are currently putting the finishing touches to the external works of the new store in preparation of the opening next month.  The sub structure works, including foundation underpinning, drainage and service ducting along with the floor slabs had been carried out prior to this months update.  Skene and our Principle Contractors have delivered the new store under very tricky access/egress conditions whilst keeping distruptions down

Aldi—The SKENE GROUP LTD have concluded the works to the new store at Inverurie.  The works was carried out within a time restraint which didn’t allow for any errors or mistakes.  The full works package for the Skene Group was done in tandem with their industry companions.  The works package involved all sub structure works including driven sheet piling retention schemes to the perimeter of the site, Drainage to tie into the Scottish water system, including the underground suds system,  all access roads and car parking and the preparation for landscaping works.

Forth Ports Authorities.  Works has just been completed on the damaged quayside at Grangemouth docks.  A vessel had managed to dislodge coping stones and seriously damage the quayside at the entrance into one of docking stations within the dock terminal.  Skene Group Ltd managed to, with assistance from their working partners, salvage the coping stones from the water, repair the damaged walls, reinstate the coping stones and pour a new structural slab over the damaged area.  Working progress has resulted in the barrier being fully reinstated and the area made safe again for the reuse of the area.

Aldi Store— Works is well underway with the extension of the already very busy Dunfermline store.  The works being undertaken by SKENE GROUP LTD consists of the downtakings of the existing perimeter walls and the inner walls, the removal of the existing floor slab, pouring of a new slab once the internal drainage has been upgraded and revised layout added.  Skene Group Ltd are also undertaking completing the new front entrance layout to the extended shop prior to hand over.  The works has been carried out ensuring minimum disruption to the Clients shoppers.

Muir Construction Ltd—Kitty Brewster Aberdeen— SKENE GROUP LTD have undertaken to assist by delivering the infrastructure and sub structure works on the project for one of neighbouring companies working in Aberdeen.  Skene Group through the industry acquaintants and industry knowledge can cover all of Scotland delivering experienced work operatives to give quality service to the construction industry.  Skene Group Ltd are installing foundation with hung bolts for steel frame building, along with a sewer diversion to allow the building to be placed.  All kerbing and preparation work for the layout.

New Student Accommodation—Aberdeen.  All the sub structure work is now completed and SKENE GROUP LTD are off site awaiting on the external works package being made available to them for concluding the project.  The sub structure works involved cutting down steel tube driven casings, filling with concrete, installing reinforcing bars, tying in the ring beam foundations, installing sacrificial shuttering and pouring the concrete.  The floor slabs were cast and polished finished prior to protecting during the build process.

New Ready Mix Plant—Glenrothes—Skene Group Ltd have carried out the preparation of a new concrete bearing slab to allow the installation of the new concrete batching plant.  The new plant is one of the most up to date computer operated batching plants within the current market place.  Skene Group Ltd have undertaken all the civil’s work utilising all of the Group’s best resources, Labour, Plant, quarried materials and concrete.

New Student Accommodation—St Andrews – The existing student accommodation at David Russell Halls in St Andrews being brought down to make way for modern high end student living.  SKENE GROUP LTD have carried out the demolition works for the project.  The works has been done with our team of demolition operatives, fully experienced in this type of work.  We have salvaged a lot of existing furnishings, timber and white goods.  In conjunction with our recycling partners on this job we have had a near zero landfill percentage.  The timber totally recycled, biomass, the masonry all crushed onsite and reused. Skene are happy to be associated to the job offering minimum carbon discharge to the environment.

New Student Accommodation—St Andrews The existing children’s nursery being demolished at St Andrews East Sands to make way for the development of the student accommodation units being built.  SKENE GROUP LTD carried out the demolition and crushing of the existing building as part of the enabling package.  Our own team of demolition operatives made light work of the single storey building, whilst the crusher and fully trained operatives crushed the materials for reuse on site.  All of these works are something with which the Group promotes heavily, ensuring our environmental impact is one of high efficiency.

New retail unit – Fairmilehead – Edinburgh – The new retail outlet unit is located prestigious site over looking the artificial ski slopes at Edinburgh.  The unit has tiered levels rising from the sub structure basement.  SKENE GROUP LTD have carried out all the concrete form work, steel fixing and pouring of the concrete to the walls on the job.   The quarried material from the Skene Group Ltd’s Soutra Quarry outlet has supplied the materials including the ready mix concrete form this outlet.  The Contracts Division’s experienced operatives have delivered an excellent job where curved walls and stepped levels have made for difficult working.

                     Glenrothes Gazette 160714

Following the excitement of the XX Commonwealth Games, children – big and small – are getting ready to enjoy a fun-packed

day out in Leslie next week, thanks to the continued support from the Skene Trust.

 The annual Gala Day, which will be held on 2 August, has been sponsored by the Skene Trust since it burst onto the community calendar in 2008. Over the years, the Trust has donated more than £30,000 to help provide a lively, family-focused event offering a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Organised by the Leslie Community Trust, the Gala has grown in both size and popularity and around 1500 people are anticipated to come along on the day.

Events include tug of war and wrestling competitions as well as the much-loved parade, which will get underway at 12pm at the Greenside car park.

Children can also look forward to receiving one of 500 free goody bags, which will be handed out at the gate on arrival.

John Greig, Chairman of the Leslie Community Trust, said: “We would like to extend a big thank you to the Skene Trust and to all the local businesses that have provided support over the past eight years. With their involvement, those living in and around Leslie can enjoy a great day out at the heart of their community.”

Andrew Forgan, joint managing director of Skene Group Ltd, the Glenrothes based company behind the Skene Trust, said: “The annual Children’s Gala is a wonderful family day out and we are delighted to be able to continue supporting our local community in this way.

“The Trust was established with the purpose of supporting local events, organisations and businesses seeking opportunities to bring about a benefit for the community. Over the 20 year Lomond Quarry duration, Skene Group Ltd will donate around £400,000 through the Skene Trust and we look forward to playing our part in the Children’s Gala for years to come.”

ENDS

For further information, contact Lally Cowell at Morrison Media Strategies on T: 0141 229 6707 or E: lally@morrisonmediastrategies.com

For more information on Skene Group Ltd and the Skene Trust, go to www.skene-group.co.uk

For more information on the Children’s Gala Day, go to www.lesliecommunitytrust.co.uk

Contractor NRS Group from County RoscommonIreland, there were 3 turbine bases each pour was 160m3.

The site is 1 hour drive from Viewfield plant, concrete specification include the use of GGBFS @ 70% replacement. The slump on site was required to be 150mm to achieve this we also used a retarder to compensate for the travelling time. Also with the warm weather the contractor was expecting to have the base completed within 4 hours.

We agreed to start on site at 5.30am; with 14 trucks used we had 144m3 batched before the first truck return to plant, each pour of 160m3 were completed within the 4 hour period.

Kelty Marian Colts F.C. is a community run club with over 120 children attached.

Their ages range from birthdays from 1995 up to 2008. The 2003-2008 age group play at Pitreavie in the FSSFD league on Saturdays and Sundays, whilst the age group 1995-2002 compete in the AFYFC league also on Saturdays and Sundays.

Kelty Marian Colts are run by volunteer coaches who give kids of all abilities the opportunity to play football.

The Skene Group are a new sponsor in 2014. Skene, who kindly donated rain jackets, which were well received by 5 and under age group.

Tony Fraser, Skene Groups Concrete Products Director, commented. “We are very pleased to be able to assist these types of clubs where the volunteer spirit very much exists. We are well aware the difficulties of volunteer groups ability to raise monies for the activities they run and congratulate the volunteers of Kelty Marian Colts F.C. on their efforts for the Kids in the local community.

Works are now nearing completion on the effluent waste pump plant for the local livestock haulier at St Andrews.  Skene Group Ltd have been instrumental in coordinating all the works for the project.  The Client requested Skene Group Ltd to site source a water supply to feed the plant, arrange all bore hole, pumping, storage and pressure feed for washing out the vehicles.  The project is expected to be complete and operational by the end of March 2014.

Skene Group Ltd Contracts Division have commenced works on the development of the old bus
garage at Linlithgow town centre, overlooking the town square with it’s old clock. Skene Group have
carried out the bulk earthworks in conjunction with archaeologies ensure all ancient findings were
recorded. Skene are now progressing with installing the infrastructure and sub structure works
prior to concluding the project with the hard landscaping. Works are expected to run
through to the start of 2015.

Works got underway prior to the Festive break at Leven on a small retail and
residential site . Skene Group Ltd have secured the infrastructure, sub structure and
hard landscaping works at the site. The foundations of the development were cast
giving curing time over the break prior to the structure being erected January. Part
of the works includes the installation of the main sewers to Scottish Water specification within the live carriageway.

The allocation of the yard repair package within the docks at Grangemouth was awarded to Skene
Group Ltd prior to the festive break. Skene undertook to deliver prior to the break a substantial
area so that the curing time could be started prior to the holidays. Utilising the in-house concrete
divisions resource this was successfully carried out. Subsequently we have been awarded further
works within the docks adjacent to the quayside, these works are also underway and require disciplined implementation of health and safety requirements being next to a live port.

SSE have now moved into their completed new office, storage yard in Dundee. Skene
Group wish them all the very best in what is a very good facility. Skene Group carried
out the groundwork’s package on the job in conjunction with their Principle Contractor partners. It is hoped that repeat work can be negotiated on the back of this job.
Skene Group Ltd would also take the opportunity to thank our workforce on a job
well done, the quality of the workmanship is there for all to see, well done to all.

We have now successfully handed over the extension to the car parking area at the
Lundin Links Golf Club. The Skene Group Ltd, utilised all the in house resources to
provide the necessary materials , plant and labour to conclude the works. Both the
Clients representatives and the members all passed comments on the works carried
out. We thank the members for their consideration during the construction phase.

W. Walker and Sons the local Livestock Transport haulier has appointed Skene Group Ltd to install
their new washout facilities at their yard in St Andrews. The facility shall consist of a new concrete
hardstanding where the effluent shall be filtered out prior to being held within a new treatment
pumping chamber, the hardstanding run off water shall kept separate from the effluent and shall
also be treated in a oil separator all before being discharged under control into the existing sewer.
The facility shall have a control booth and high pressure washer unit. 

Skene Group Ltd have been awarded as the principle contractor for the construction of a new car
parking facility which is tagged onto the existing facilities. The works consist of the site clearance,
topsoil scrape, reduce level dig and removal off site, installation of suds system, forming of access
road and parking bays along with associated installation of street lighting and cctv for the new
facilities. All car parking bays shall be done in using a porous block paviour . Skene Group shall
supply the concrete, aggregate and utilise all their own in house plant and labour.

Skene Group Ltd have been awarded the Groundwork’s, infrastructure works at the site of a
Proposed new flatted development within Aberdeen City centre. The site clearance is being carried
out currently and ground stabilisation is being undertaken. Skene Group Ltd in conjunction with
their business contacts shall bring together the drainage attenuation pipework with 900mm precast
concrete pipes, installation of ground beam foundations, create a new access road and car parking
facilities for the flats and conclude the job by installing all of the hard landscaping. 

The initial concrete pour has been undertaken at the site this week 16/01/14. The current sie pro-gress has been good with the steel structure erected on the back of Skene Group Ltd pouring the
foundation. The car parking areas have been formed and blocked prior to the Principle Contractor
landing their temporary welfare facilities. Skene Group ltd have concluded drainage works to the
building and car parking along with applying base tar to the access road. The conclusion of the in-ternal floors shall result in Skene Group then preparing the external yard for concrete works.

Progress todate at the new premises for Craigdon Mountain Sports has been good. The residential
units retaining structure has all bee cast with internal floors now being poured to form the basement.
The retail unit retention scheme is very tricky with radius insitu concrete walls being formed with
recesses and bolt columns for the above ground structure to bear on. The Skene Group Ltd fully ex-perienced labour, along with the in house concrete has meant the job has been carried out efficiently
and effectively with little delays. Site works shall continue on the basement and backfill to the struc-ture prior to commencing with car parking and drainage works being undertaken by Skene Group.

SKENE GROUP LTD ALONG WITH ONE OF THEIR PREFERED CLIENTS HAVE

COMMENCED WORK ON A NEW NURSING HOME. THE WORKS CONSISTS

OF NEW ACCESS ROAD , CAR PARKING, BOTH FOUL AND

STORM DRAINAGE WITH ASSOCIATED SUDS., FOUNDATIONS AND FLOOR SLABS.

THE CONTRACTS DIVISION HAS  EXPERIENCED LABOUR THROUGHOUT

SCOTLAND WHICH ALLOWS OUR CLIENTS TO KNOW WE CAN DELIVER.

WORKS ARE WELL UNDERWAY WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING

CAR PARKING AT LUNDIN LINKS GOLF CLUB. THE WORKS SHALL ALLOW

THE CLUB TO ENSURE THAT THE EVER INCREASING VISITORS

TO THE CLUB HAVE A SAFE AND EFFICIENT PARKING AREA FOR WHICH

TO LEAVE THE CAR IN. THE CLUB REQUESTED THE ACCESS ROADS BE

TARRED AND THAT THE CAR PARKING SPACES BE GRAVEL.

NEW DRAINAGE AND KERBING SHALL ENSURE THE AREA REMAINS WATER FREE.

THE NEW YARD IS NOW COMPLETE AND SUCCESSFULLY HANDED OVER TO THE CLIENT.

SKENE GROUP LTD WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN ENSURING THE END USER GOT A SITE THAT

EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS. THE  NEW PLANT SHALL BE FITTED OUT WITH STATE OF THE

ART NEW RECYCLING EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO OPENING FOR BUSINESS.

THE EXISTING FLOOR SLAB OF THE OLD BUILDING HAS BEEN GRUBBED UP IN PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL
OFF SITE AT THE PROPOSED NEW RETAIL OUTLET AT KILSYTH. ALONG WITH ONE OF OUR PREFERRED
CONSTRUCTION CLIENTS WE ARE INSTALLAING THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUB STRUCTURE WORKS FOR
THE DEVELOPMENT. OUR NATIONWIDE NETWORK CHAIN SUPPLIERS AND PARTNERS ARE CAPABLE OF
ALLOWING US TO DELIVER PROJECTS OF THIS NATURE THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND.

THE PILING MATTRESS HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE READY FOR THE PILING CONTRACTOR
ON A NEW JOB WHERE SKENE GROUP LTD SHALL BE SELF DELIVERING THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUB STRUCTURE WORKS FOR A CLIENT SPECIALISING IN RETIREMENT HOMES.
WE SHALL BE PROVIDING THE CONCRETE FROM OUR OWN PLANT.

SKENE GROUP LTD HAVE UNDERTAKEN THE PRINCIPLE CONTRACTORS ROLE WITH ONE
OF OUR CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS ON A DEVELOPMENT FOR A PROSPECTIVE COMMER-CIAL DEVELOPMENT. SKENE ARE CURRENTLY INSTALLING ALL INFRASTRUCTURE, SUB STRUCTURE, CAR PARKING, ACCESS ROAD AND CONCRETE HARDSTANDINGS.

SKENE GROUP LTD HAVE COMMENCED WORK ON A NEW HIGH PROFILE RESIDENTIAL AND RETAIL
DEVELOPMENT IN A PRESTIGE AREA OF EDINBURGH. THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF CONSTRUCTING
INSITU CONCRETE RETAINING WALLS TO CONTAIN THE BASEMENTS OF BOTH BUILDING. THE CAR
PARKING SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG WITH ALL THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUB STRUCTURE USING
SKENE GROUP LTD CONCRETE AND QUARRIED MATERIALS.

The Skene Group has hosted a group of school pupils from Glenrothes High School as part of ENABLE Scotland’s work experience programme.
Concrete Products Director, Tony Fraser, showed the group around the Fife based company’s Lomond Quarry and the concrete block production facility at Crossgates.  The young people were given the opportunity to see the machinery in operation and the various processes carried out at the concrete block production factory. The material from the quarry is used to produce bricks, blocks, kerbs and slabs that are used across the UK in the construction industry.
TransitiSkene Group Welcomes Glenrothes High School Pupilsons Coordinator for ENABLE Works East, Terry Kirk, said: ” ENABLE Scotland’s work-related visits and classroom activities are designed to give young people with learning disabilities a better understanding of business and employment. As Scotland’s leading learning disability charity, we know that people with disabilities want to work and, with the right support, employment can be achieved.”

He added: “Thanks to the support of companies like the Skene Group we are able to expand on our classroom activities, making our programme unique and tailored to build the skills and experience we know employers are looking for.”

The Skene Group is one of Fife’s largest employers and hopes that this is the first of many work experience trips. The company is looking forward to maintaining links with ENABLE Scotland’s Fife Employment Team and will continue to support their work experience programme.

Joint Managing Director of the Skene Group, Andrew Forgan, said: “The Skene Group was delighted to help ENABLE Scotland’s work experience programme. We have more than 200 employees and understand that young people are the future of our economy. The Skene Group has many different types of jobs and it is a great opportunity to offer school pupils experience in the working world.”

The finishing’s are now nearing conclusion for the grand opening of the new Aldi Store, Leven.
SKENE GROUP LTD have installed all street furniture to the store and are now having the internal
road markings carried out. The peripheral works associated to the store are also being undertaken
by SKENE GROUP LTD, this includes the upgrading of existing street lighting columns and ducting
along with the introduction of a Tucan crossing point. Skene and their working partners wish Aldi
every success with the new store.

The Internal floors for the building have now been poured by SKENE GROUP LTD. The site is pro-gressing well and to date no delays have meant that the follow on trades have been given the building
early in an effort to ensure the Client takes possession on time. The external finishing’s are all that is
left for the SKENE GROUP LTD on this project. The Client has been impressed with our efforts.

A new concrete yard is being constructed along with a new office, welfare building for a local scrap merchant to occupy within Dundee port. Skene Group ltd are principle contractor for the works associated to the constructyion of a new weighbridge, new drainage inc oil interceptor, fencing, lighting and groundworks. The 10 week programme is underway and progress currently is good.

ALTERNATIVES TO AERATED BLOCKWORK

The Skene Concrete Division has stepped in to solve many national and local house builders supply problems by offering our 300mm Foundation block. There is a growing national shortage of aerated Foundation and super structure block work and the Skene group have a ready available alternative to the superlite blocks.

Skene Foundation blocks are 440 x 100 x 300mm and are 7.3n or 10.4n/mm2 in strength, considerably stronger than the 3.6n generally on offer with aerated. The blocks are below 20kg each and are produced locally at our works in Fife.

Skene also produce 2 ranges of medium dense blockwork, our Glentherm range has a density of 1300kg/m3 and our GlenEcoLite range with density of 1100kg/m3. These blocks offer considerably improved thermal performance over dense blocks.

All the ranges of blocks are readily available for delivery with a few days notice.

Archaeology can be a significant issue for quarry developments, impacting upon carefully planned schedules and budgets. Specialist guidance on the legal and technical procedures surrounding archaeology, however, can offer a swift resolution to any difficulties.

Guard’s archaeologists have extensive experience and a proven track record working in advance of quarries, from undertaking archaeological assessments prior to planning applications to providing a rapid response to the accidental discovery of archaeological remains. A few examples will now follow.

Lothian Plain

A good example where Guard has undertaken work to meet planning conditions, following an assessment during the planning application process, was the archaeological investigation carried out over the winter of 2010-2011 on the summit of Soutra Hill in the Scottish Borders.

The work was in advance of extension to Skene Group’s existing Soutra Quarry and revealed an early Bronze Age burial cairn at the summit. This contained a cremation burial, which was discovered by Guard specialists to be an adult buried around 1750 BC. A total of 52 sherds of pottery from a decorated vessel were also recovered from the cairn. It was possible to piece almost all the sherds together to form one early Bronze Age beaker, a type of pot associated with beer drinking and often buried in graves of this period.

The cairn and the remains of nearby timber circle, similar to a stone circle but originally comprised large wooden posts, suggest that Soutra Hill was a significant place for rituals and burial overlooking the Lothian plain in the early Bronze Age landscape of south-east Scotland.

However, this wasn’t all the archaeology the team discovered. The foundations of a late medieval beacon truncated the cairn. This corroborates an Act of Scottish Parliament in 1455 that established a system of beacons, including Soutra Hill, to warn of English attack. Further evidence for later use of the hillside consisted of plough furrows, which may relate to agricultural activity of the nearby Soutra Medieval Hospital. Of course, all this archaeological evidence for Soutra Hill’s place within the prehistoric and medieval landscape would not have been discovered if Skene Group had not extended their quarry, thus requiring archaeological mitigation.

The installation of the petrol interceptor concludes the drainage system at the new depot in Dundee. The works is part of the depot for the SSE, which shall have a 3 acre concrete yard with new modern offices for their staff. Skene Group Ltd are partnering Ogilvie Construction Ltd in delivering the modern premises to SSE.

Video of site click here

Concrete pad grows daily as the works programme is pushed as fast as we can deliver our concrete to site. We are currently eighty percent of the way across the 7 acre site and progressing very well.

The finishings are now concluded on the 8 house development in the grounds of the estate at Kenmore for a local housing association. The factor was delighted with the end result on what has turned out to be a very sought after part of the country. Skene Group Ltd delivered the infrastructure and sub structure package in what was considered a good working partnership with Campion Homes.

Wood processing plant in Tayside where the suds system is now progressing well. The large catchment pond has now been shaped and is ready for the bentonite matting prior to soiling. Currently the works are ahead of programme.

Congratulations to Kirsty Ritchie from Hamilton for guessing the number of balloons in the cab of our Scania mixer truck. Scania Newbridge provided the model fire engine prize and we hope that Kirsty has loads of fun soaking her friends!!

A special thanks to our marketing/ promotional experts, driver’s Johnnie Mack and Davie Brown who both did a fantastic job looking after our “Rugby Ball” mixer over the two days at the Borders Union Show held in Kelso.

The new Scania P365 8×4 chassis is fitted with an 8m3 Schwing Stetter mixer, this truck is one of five mixers we have taken delivery in June adding to our fleet.

The Skene Trust gives Leslie Bowling Club a “Short Cut” to success!!
The Skene Trust has recently funded a New Mower for Leslie Bowling Club. The club approached the Trust due to ongoing maintenance problems with the existing mower which left the club in the difficult position of looking at a large capital expense the club had not budgeted for.
The Skene Trust answered the call in time for the commencement of the new season and the playing surface has already been noted by members and visitors alike as being amongst the best in the area.
Club President Mr Derek Lowe commented “the provision of the new mower which includes a groomer kit which the old mower did not posses along with other improvements made by the club has already transformed the condition of the green. The Skene Trust have been very supportive of the club funding a separate junior bowling initiative previously and we are delighted that they have been able help us in our hour of need.”
The Skene Trust is set up for the benefit of the town of Leslie and its environs. Should you have a funding request that you wish to be considered then please apply in writing to:-
The Skene Trust,
Skene House,
Viewfield Road,
Viewfield Industrial Estate,
Glenrothes,
KY6 2RD

Our picture shows, from left to right, Harry Lessells (Asst Greenkeeper), Andrew Forgan (Joint Managing Director) and Derek Lowe (President, Leslie Bowling Club)

Glenrothes based Skene Group has secured several construction and civil engineering contracts in Fife, Tayside, Angus and Perth and Kinross with a value of £8 million pounds that will allow the company to increase its work force by 10%.

The Skene Group will carry out the groundwork, drainage and hard landscaping at a new supermarket in Leven.   In Glenrothes, Skene will carry out all the groundwork and the civil engineering for the sub structure of the new Glenwood Health centre.

Skene Group will provide the groundwork and civil engineering services for a new depot for a multi national Energy company in Dundee and will also will carry out the civil engineering works on two Biomass projects in Perth and Kinross and Tayside.   The car parking and environmental aspects of a new retail outlet in Perth and the demolition and groundwork for an extension to a school in Angus will also be carried out by workers from Skene.

The Managing Director of Skene Group, Neil Skene, said:  “This is good news for the company and the local economy.   The new contracts mean that we will be recruiting about 20 new workers, increasing the number of employees by 10%.   Where at all possible we employ local labour and sub contractors, which means the money goes directly into the Fife economy.”

He added:   “The Skene Group is winning contracts for different types of work across north east and central Scotland.  This demonstrates the benefits of providing a fully integrated range of services, from quarrying to civil engineering to bricks and blocks for the building industry.   The company is still winning contracts at a time when the economy continues to struggle.”

Glenrothes and Central Fife MP, Lindsay Roy, welcomed the announcement from Skene Group: “This is excellent news and Skene is to be congratulated on winning the contracts.   The new business, which was won in the face of stiff opposition, will not only secure existing employment but will bring more jobs to the area in continuing difficult financial times.”

Mr Roy added: “Skene is a big employer in my constituency and elsewhere in Fife and these contract gains are a major achievement.”

Glenrothes based Skene Group has bought 10 new Scania HGV lorries as part of a move to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

The environmentally sensitive engines in the lorries will comply with the new Euro 5 standard, which  substantially reduces emissions of carbon monoxide and particulates.

Skene Group has also bought new Vauxhall mini buses to transport staff to and from the sites operated by the company, further reducing road distances travelled in addition to cutting fuel usage and emissions.

The Managing Director of Skene Group, Neil Skene said:  “Every one knows that the construction industry has a large carbon footprint because of the nature of the work involved.   Skene Group is determined to reduce our impact on the environment.”

He added:  “The vehicles operated by the company currently travel more than 80,000 kilometres per week or 4.2 million kilometres over a year.   Our aim is to reduce this by 10% over the next 12 months.   The company has invested more than £6 million pounds over the last 18 months in more environmentally friendly plant and equipment.”

In November last year, the Skene Group announced an investment of £3 million in new plant and machinery at its quarry in Leslie in Fife, to make its aggregate manufacturing process one of the most modern and environmentally sensitive in the UK.

Controlled by computer, the aggregate processing plant uses a wet process that eliminates airborne dust.  The plant is fully operated by electricity and does not require diesel engines or generators, which has eliminated exhaust emissions.   Loading shovels feeding the plants are fitted with the most up-to-date exhaust gas recycling systems.

Products from the quarry in Leslie have a wide range of uses across the UK including the construction of houses, roads, schools and the new Forth Bridge crossing.   The quarry also produces the main materials that are used in the production of bricks, blocks, kerbs and slabs at the Skene Group’s concrete product factory near Dunfermline.