This month, Core Drilling Specialists (CDS) is delighted to announce the return of Steven Halkett to the company. Steven, who previously worked with CDS for five years, initially joined as a labourer and advanced through the ranks to become Contracts Manager for the Fire Protection division.

After three years working in London and the South East of England, where he gained invaluable experience in Fire Protection, Steven has rejoined CDS to focus exclusively on leading and expanding the Fire Protection division.

Steven is stepping into a thriving division that has seen significant growth in recent years. Under CDS’s leadership, the Fire Protection division has established itself as one of Scotland’s premier providers in the sector. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality fire safety solutions, supported by a skilled team and a commitment to innovation.

Managing Director Scott Murray expressed his enthusiasm about Steven’s return:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Steven back to CDS. His wealth of experience and proven leadership will undoubtedly help strengthen our position as one of Scotland’s leading Fire Protection providers. Steven’s vision for growth aligns perfectly with the company’s goals, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this division under his guidance.”

CDS has established a strong reputation in Fire Protection, and Steven is stepping into a thriving division. His focus will be on not only maintaining the high standards set by the company but also driving innovation and growth.

Steven Halkett shared his excitement about rejoining CDS:

“It feels great to be back at CDS and I’m eager to contribute to the Fire Protection division’s success once again. My time in London provided me with invaluable insights into the industry, and I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to help take this division to the next level. We have an incredible team, and the opportunities ahead are truly exciting.”

With the construction and safety sectors evolving rapidly, the demand for innovative, reliable fire safety solutions is at an all-time high. Under Steven’s leadership, the Fire Protection division is well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities, delivering exceptional services to clients across Scotland.

The entire CDS team is thrilled to have Steven back and looks forward to the positive impact his appointment will bring. His vision, expertise, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly drive the Fire Protection division toward even greater achievements in the years to come.

Core Drilling Specialists Commend Outstanding Operator Performance on Robertson Group Projects in East Scotland

Core Drilling Specialists, a leading provider of precision drilling services across the Central Belt of Scotland, are proud to highlight the exceptional efforts of three of their operators currently working on Robertson Group construction projects in the East of Scotland. With three active contracts underway, the commitment and professionalism of these operators have significantly contributed to the success of the ongoing projects.

As part of the collaboration with the Robertson Group, one of Scotland’s most prominent construction and infrastructure firms, Core Drilling Specialists have deployed highly skilled operators to execute complex drilling tasks across multiple sites. Their contributions are critical in ensuring that the projects remain on schedule and meet the high standards expected by the Robertson Group.

Celebrating Excellence on the Ground

The three operators, whose names are synonymous with reliability and expertise within the company, have demonstrated outstanding dedication and technical skill, earning recognition from both Core Drilling Specialists and the Robertson Group.

Thomas McFarlane, Paul Ogg, Piotr Neidzialekhave been key driving forces at the contracts spanning across the Capital city where their precision in executing core drilling operations has ensured the project’s foundation work is completed with unparalleled accuracy. Their proactive approach to problem-solving and commitment to safety protocols has set a benchmark for the team.

A Testament to Core Drilling Specialists’ Commitment

Scott Murray, Managing Director of CDS expressed his pride in the team’s performance: “Our operators are the backbone of our operations, and it’s fantastic to see their hard work and expertise being recognised. The success of these projects is a direct result of their dedication and the strong partnership we have with the Robertson Group. We look forward to continuing this momentum and delivering exceptional results on all our current and future projects.”

The ongoing projects with Robertson Group reflect Core Drilling Specialists’ ability to meet the demands of large-scale construction projects while upholding their commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency. With a focus on innovation and excellence, the company continues to lead the way in the core drilling sector, providing vital services that support Scotland’s thriving construction industry.

About Core Drilling Specialists

Core Drilling Specialists is a Bathgate-based company specialising in precision drilling services for a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects. With a reputation for quality and reliability, the company serves clients across Scotland, providing expert solutions that meet the highest industry standards.

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and meeting the demands of significant contracts, Core Drilling Specialists (CDS) has announced a substantial investment in a state-of-the-art 50K floor saw. This latest addition to their equipment arsenal comes in anticipation of several new contract starts, including a high-profile project at the RAF Leuchars airbase.

The decision to procure the advanced floor saw underscores CDS’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for their clients’ diverse needs. The RAF Leuchars airbase contract, in particular, demands extensive cutting works, fire stopping, demolition, temporary support works, and asbestos removal. The large meterage of cutting works required for this project necessitates specialised equipment capable of delivering precision and efficiency, which the 50K floor saw is poised to provide.

The significance of securing the contract at RAF Leuchars cannot be overstated. As one of the United Kingdom’s key military installations, the airbase plays a pivotal role in national defense operations. By being entrusted with crucial aspects of infrastructure enhancement and maintenance, CDS solidifies its position as a trusted partner in critical projects of national importance.

CDS Managing Director, Scott Murray, highlights:

“We are thrilled to announce our investment in the 50K floor saw, which marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering excellence in our services.

“This acquisition enables us to tackle complex projects with precision and efficiency, ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients.”

The contract at RAF Leuchars adds to CDS’s already robust portfolio, further bolstering the company’s position in the industry. With the second half of 2024 shaping up to be a period of substantial growth and activity, the investment in the floor saw positions CDS to capitalise on emerging opportunities and continue to deliver exceptional results for its clients.

In addition to the contract at RAF Leuchars, CDS anticipates undertaking a series of projects across various sectors, further diversifying its portfolio and strengthening its foothold in the market. The company remains committed to innovation, quality, and client satisfaction, principles that have guided its success thus far and will continue to drive its growth trajectory in the future.

At Core Drilling Specialists, our dedication extends beyond our professional endeavors. We believe in the power of community and the profound impact that collective support can have on those in need. Recently, we had the privilege of contributing to our local community through donations to the local food bank and a mental health charity as part of our diverse community benefit programme.

As a business deeply rooted in our local community, we understand the importance of giving back. Our commitment to social responsibility goes hand in hand with our core values, guiding us to make meaningful contributions that positively impact the lives of those living in the communities in which we operate within.

We recognise that access to nutritious food is a fundamental necessity for every individual. That’s why we were honoured to recently support our local food bank with donations of essential food items. In today’s climate, these contributions can make a world of difference to families facing food insecurity. Through our partnership with the food bank, we strive to alleviate hunger and promote food security within Scottish communities.

In addition to addressing basic needs, we are passionate about supporting mental health initiatives in our community. Mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, yet stigma and barriers to care often prevent individuals from accessing the support they need. That’s why we proudly contributed to a local mental health charity, helping to fund vital programmes and services that promote mental wellness and resilience. By investing in mental health initiatives, we aim to break down barriers, raise awareness, and create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help and support.

The Importance of Community Benefit to CDS:

At Core Drilling Specialists, we firmly believe that businesses have a responsibility to be active participants in building stronger, more resilient communities. Our commitment to community benefit not only aligns with our values but also strengthens our business in numerous ways.

Our healthy pipeline of contracts for 2024 will allow us to continue to deliver a strong community benefit programme as part of our work with main contractors and local authorities, and will form part of CDS’ long-term growth strategy ahead of a new financial year.

To keep updated on our commitment to local charities and support groups, we would encourage you to visit our social media pages.

Core Drilling Specialists, in partnership with Taziker the Scottish government and environmental organisations, is delighted to announce the successful completion of drilling works at the Garlogie Dam, a monumental dam removal project that will breathe new life into Scotland’s natural ecosystems, with the aim of creating a thriving habitat for the magnificent Atlantic salmon.

The Garlogie Dam, once an imposing structure on the River Dee, served industrial purposes for nearly two centuries. However, as the years passed, the dam had become a barrier to the natural migration of Atlantic salmon, impeding their journey upstream for spawning. To address the ecological imbalances caused by the dam and to rejuvenate the river’s biodiversity, the decision to remove the Garlogie Dam was made.

The project, initiated in 2021, was a collaborative effort involving the Scottish government, environmental groups, and CDS. This ambitious endeavour aimed to not only restore the river’s free flow but also to provide an environment conducive to the recovery of Atlantic salmon populations, which have faced various challenges in recent decades.

The removal of the dam was executed in meticulous phases, from the preparatory work to the controlled deconstruction of the dam structure. Core Drilling Specialists played a vital role in this process by employing advanced cutting techniques to safely remove the dam’s concrete and bedrock foundations, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment and to the structure remaining.

The dismantling process involved using our Wire Sawing Technique to section off the blocks in a sequenced manner to ensure we maintained the structural integrity of the structure; each block was the released using drilling and Hydraulic Bursting operations to free it whilst minimising the disturbance to the surround structure and for the main contractor to safely lift from the damn. This was an extremely technical operation as some of the cuts were 4m deep at the bottom of the damn and almost 5m long, all of which had to achieved whilst considering the environmental impacts so ensuring that a substantial bunding system was in place to remove slurry from the cutting procedure as the works progressed as well as interaction to the local residents and farming surrounding the project.

Today, as the cutting works are completed, the Garlogie Dam stands as a testament to environmental restoration and conservation. The Garlogie Dam site has been transformed into a vibrant ecosystem that is expected to become an ideal habitat for Atlantic salmon. These remarkable fish are an iconic species in Scotland and play a crucial role in the region’s freshwater ecosystems.

Edinburgh-based Core Drilling Specialists complete works at the new Scottish National Galleries project located in the heart of the local authority.

Set to open in late-September 2023, the revamp of the new National Galleries will deliver a more spacious and engaging visitor experience and will be home to key pieces from the country’s historic Scottish art collection.

Working on behalf of the Main Contractor, Tilbury Douglas, CDS delivered a turnkey demolition and structural alterations package in support of the tight construction programme which involved extensive excavation activity. In addition to this, CDS was also responsible for the installation of a temporary support system, as well as leading the jacking of the South elevation, builder’s works, and fire-stopping to ensure the client received a seamless, cradle-to-grave solution.

Spanning a five-year duration and a landmark that will be steeped in national history, the redevelopment of the Scottish National Galleries will hold a special note in Core Drilling’s contract portfolio as the business gears up for yet another successful quarter.

CDS Managing Director, Scott Murray, said:

“As a business, we are very proud to be part of the conversation surrounding the revamp of a national landmark such as the Scottish National Galleries.

“We make it a priority to ensure we can provide our clients with a seamless and coherent solution that ensures minimal disruption to the wider construction programme, and our involvement in this project is an excellent example of this.

“Since commencing on site almost five years ago, we have showcased our ability to minimise risk to the client and Main Contractor through the provision of a structured demolition and structural alterations package, and we hope to continue our strong partnership with Tilbury Douglas on several other prestigious projects across the breadth of Scotland.

“On behalf of the CDS team, we would like to express our thanks to all involved in the delivery of this project and hope the public will enjoy the new and improved space that showcases some of Scotland’s most renowned pieces of art.”

The CDS team are delighted to announce that Thomas McFarlane, a CDS Supervisor, was hailed the winner of 2023 Tyrolit Group Cutting Pro Competition. Thomas excelled in the wall saw round coming first by a prolific distance and then second in the other 2 heats given his overall measured timing far better than the other Operators.

The prestigious event which took place on the 19^th of April 2023 in Rotheram, is an opportunity for core drilling and sawing professionals to showcase their skillsets and abilities, and seeks to bring a sporting touch to the world of concrete drilling and cutting.

With decades of experience in the industry, Thomas possesses a wealth of knowledge that has been instrumental in the successful delivery of a number of CDS contracts since joining the business 2015.

Reflecting on his achievement, Thomas said:

“I am delighted to be able to receive this award on behalf of the team at CDS. The competition itself is highly competitive so to be able to take home first place has been a huge achievement. The standard of cutting this year was exceptionally high and I would like to congratulate all of the competitors who attended the Rotherham event”.

CDS Managing Director, Scott Murray, said:

“On behalf of everyone at CDS, I would like to congratulate Thomas on his latest achievement and wish him all the best in the Tyrolit Pro Cutting Finals in Austria.

“Thomas’ knowledge and skillset is a huge asset to CDS and we had every confidence that he would bring home first place Congratulations Thomas!”

Central-belt based Core Drilling Specialists continues its strong investment streak following the delivery of a brand-new Electric Front Loader and Dumper truck to add to the business’ booming fleet.
Both the Sherpa mini-loader and the Twinca Dumper Truck will support the delivery of several live and forthcoming CDS contracts as the business enters a new financial year. The new pieces of ‘kit’ include telescopic lift functions, designed to support the manoeuvring of debris into high-sided skips to allow for more efficient resource recovery.

The new electric models will offer a number of sustainable benefits to the firm’s clients by offering assurance that zero fumes are emitted during the demolition stage of internal projects. The delivery comes shortly after CDS’ investment in an Electric Floor Saw from Husquarvarna Construction back in February 2023.

Supporting the business’ strategy for sustainable growth, the emissions-free front loader and dumper truck will revolutionise CDS operations by assisting the reduction of the firm’s environmental footprint whilst reducing the overall manual labour on the team. With demands from the Scottish Government continuing to accelerate, the forward-thinking Core Drilling Specialists continue to be at the forefront of conversations surrounding Scotland’s journey towards net-zero.

Scott Murray, CDS Managing Director, said:

“The entire team at CDS extend our thanks to Compact Loaders UK for supporting us with the delivery of our new plant machinery which will have a huge impact on our path towards net-zero operations.

“As a demolition contractor of choice for some of Scotland’s most prestigious projects, we understand our environmental responsibility to ensure we consistently monitor our emissions and undertake measures to consistently reduce our carbon footprint.

“The Sherpa mini-loader and the Twinca Dumper Truck will help us bolster productivity and reduce lead times on a number of internal contracts that are set to begin in the coming weeks.

“As growth continues to remain one of our core objectives, we will continue to reinvest in sustainable plant and machinery to ensure we maintain our position as a market leader in the built environment”.