The latest Scottish Construction monitor survey suggests the industry’s recovery is now in full swing.


The survey is conducted every quarter on behalf of the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) and the most recent survey shows that Scottish construction’s confidence levels have reached the highest point since the construction monitor was introduced in 2008.


Construction leaders in Scotland share the same concerns as much of the rest of the UK’s construction industry, many stating the skills shortages the industry is facing as being the biggest threat to continued growth.


SBF managing director Vaughan Hart said: "With these new survey results, it's great news that the Scottish industry is able to close 2014 on a new confidence high. That suggests that the industry's recovery is now happening.


"The flip side of that is that employers are encountering increasing difficulties in filling certain management roles and there are emerging skills shortages in certain trades. This seems to be particularly true of joinery and bricklaying trades.


"Our members are telling us that current levels of funding provided through Government and CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) grants to help employers recruit and train apprentices are insufficient.


"Given the growing skills shortages the industry is now facing, now is the time to review funding and to explore what additional support can be provided to boost training and recruitment. As an industry, we also need to be more proactive in promoting careers in construction as an excellent prospect for today's school leavers."