A Perthshire builder has been named the best in Scotland.
Stephen Gardiner Construction, based in Auchterarder, was hailed Scottish Building Contractor of the Year at the 2022 Construction Awards of Excellence gala dinner in London.
The prestigious awards were held at Chelsea Harbour Hotel and hosted by Channel 4 newsreader Cathy Newman.
The event was held to honour the exceptional contributions of companies and individuals in the construction and building sector across the UK.
Mr Gardiner, who founded the Big County business in 1988, said: “Winning this award is a recognition of how hard our team has worked through a very difficult period for us all.
“We are just a small business in Auchterarder but by offering high-quality, bespoke services, we can make our customer’s dreams come true.”
He started the firm as a one-man band and it now calls upon a 50-strong local workforce.
The Lang Toon business has been responsible for many high-end bespoke designed homes around Gleneagles and further afield.
The judges were particularly impressed with the quality of the firm’s construction work and the firm’s local investment.
Other finalists were Muir Construction (Inverkeithing), Thomas Johnstone (Renfrewshire) and Richard MacKenzie (Tain).
Mr Gardiner was presented with his award by Greig MacLeod, president of the Scottish Building Federation (SBF), who sponsored the category.
Mr MacLeod, of MacLeod Construction, said: “The quality of the finalists in this category speaks volumes for the health of the Scottish construction and building sector.
“This year Stephen and his team just had the edge but I am sure the others will be back even stronger next year and looking to win this prestigious award.”