The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is urging the new Scottish government to consider a Cabinet-level Minister for Construction & Infrastructure, ahead of the Holyrood elections on 7 May
The appointment of a Scottish construction minister, the FMB argues, will help to maintain Scottish commitments to housing and infrastructure targets.
A dedicated minister will provide a single unified voice for all aspects of the construction sector.
Scotland has more in the construction pipeline than ever before
With upgrades to housing, high-rise buildings, and major infrastructure projects, the Scottish construction pipeline is healthier than ever.
In August 2025, the Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool showed that the Scottish pipeline hit a total of £18bn with 1,192 projects up to 2035, with £7.2bn of this is set to be delivered by 2030.
Further data has shown that the remediation of dangerous cladding on high-rise buildings is a strong part of the pipeline, with more than 5,000 private and public buildings awaiting remediation as of September 2024, and in April 2025, the Scottish & Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) announced a distribution investment over nine sub-regions of the North of Scotland network licence area.
Minister could help oversee a purpose-built construction strategy
Aside from keeping projects on track, a Cabinet-level minister could develop a construction-sector strategy to address issues in housing, retrofitting, energy efficiency, infrastructure, and skills. A single voice will also allow for easier representation of all sectors in the industry when policy affecting the built environment is under discussion.
FMB Scotland director, Gordon Nelson, said: “We are facing the largest construction and infrastructure pipeline in Scotland’s history, yet our industry doesn’t have a Cabinet-level minister. From housing delivery to major infrastructure projects, from energy transition to skills development, construction touches every aspect of Scotland’s economic and social future.
“The next Scottish Government must recognise this by appointing a Cabinet-level Minister for Construction & Infrastructure who can drive the coordinated action our sector needs and ensure we have the resources and focused political attention to deliver.”
FMB Scotland president, Pam Wilson, added: “Scotland’s construction industry is critical to our economic prosperity and our ability to meet our climate and housing ambitions. We have over 200,000 people working in our sector, contributing 10% of our nation’s economy, yet we have no political champion at the Cabinet table.
“If the next Scottish Government is serious about upgrading our homes, delivering renewable energy infrastructure, and building the housing we desperately need, they must give construction the Cabinet-level leadership it deserves.”
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