More than 60 industry representatives from 37 different businesses attended the event at Mareel Arts Centre in Lerwick, hosted jointly by Shetland Islands Council and Hjaltland Housing Association.

The event presented details on the programme of proposed building works over the next ten years, including new builds, and refurbishments and ongoing maintenance for existing housing stock.

Discussion in small group workshops at the event also focussed on areas that could be improved, to make the best use of skilled resources for future building programmes. Some suggested improvements included – packaging contracts geographically, providing more smaller contracts, streamlining procurement paperwork, better planning for seasonal work, and improving access to workforce training and accreditation. Information gathered during the sessions will be analysed and compiled into an action plan.

Dennis Leask, chair of development, said: “The turn-out clearly demonstrates the importance of housing for the local construction industry and the impact it has on the wider Shetland community. I was pleased to see such a diverse range of attendees from across the local industry, including contractors, suppliers, designers and related professions.

“There are great opportunities for work and employment for the local construction industry to meet future housing demand. The event was a learning opportunity for us all and we’re keen to improve how we work together to ensure we can maintain our existing housing stock and deliver as many new houses as possible.

“Ongoing dialogue and communication are key to delivering this vital programme of work and we certainly plan to continue this forum on a regular basis.”