Tain firm that 'went above and beyond' during Covid crisis gets short list nod for prestigious Construction Awards of Excellence 2021

AN Easter Ross construction company that "went above and beyond" during the coronavirus crisis has been recognised for its efforts with a short-listing at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Tain-based Richard M Mackenzie Ltd (RNM) got the nod for the Scottish Contractor of the Year accolade for the Construction Awards of Excellence 2021 awards, which are due to be revealed later tonight.

That is recognition of its work on a unique project north of Dornoch, Seaview Farmhouse and Seaview Pavilion, which resulted in a stunning home for a client wanting the house "to look like it was built 100 years ago".

Managing director Alan Mackenzie said: "Like many businesses, the pandemic has challenged the way in which we operate. We were fortunate to have a number of new build and restoration projects in progress and with Covid-safety measures in place we have been able to keep going.

"We are a family run business where my father, mother, brother in law Andrew and I are directors. I have since taken over as managing director from my father in January 2020. My dad started up the company from the back of the family car and with the support of my mother they have built the business up to what it is today where we now employ 13 staff locally and have been trading successfully for over 35 years. I hope that we can continue this success well into the future.

"We are proud to be shortlisted for Scottish Building Contractor of the Year for our work on The Seaview Farmhouse and Seaview Pavilion at The Construction Awards of Excellence. We have successfully completed this project whilst navigating our way through the pandemic and being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the hard work and efforts of our entire team. It has provided us all with a much needed boost and we are extremely proud."

The firm embarked on the project to construct Seaview Farmhouse and Seaview Pavilion for a private client whose brief was: “I am looking for the house to look like it was built 100 years ago”. The property contains a master suite with dressing room, guest bedroom, kitchen, dining room, library, family room, drawing room, pantry, study and a basement with plant room, wine cellar and store.

The works were managed as design and build with a high focus on client and architect engagement to ensure the aims of the build were achieved. The design was scrutinised and adapted throughout in order to meet the client’s needs. With this approach RMM had to be flexible and adaptable at all stages throughout the works.

Mr Mackenzie said: "In the end the finished product is a project that the company is extremely proud of and thanks all our employees, sub-contractors and everyone involved in the project for handing over a first class home for our client. We would also like to thank our client for bringing this project to us and would like to wish them many happy years in their new home."

To attend the awards ceremony online register at https://construction-awards-of-excellence.events.idloom.com/caoe

Read more about the firm's involvement with the Tain Picture House project in this week's Ross-shire Journal

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