George Leslie has secured two major honours at the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards 2026, with its projects recognised among the most significant contributions to Scotland’s infrastructure, environment and communities. The awards, jointly delivered by CECA Scotland and ICE Scotland, are regarded as the highest accolade for engineering excellence in Scotland’s built environment.
George Leslie’s success came with the New Islay Vessel Enabling Works, delivered for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), which was named Project of the Year as well as securing the Marine Award. The company also received the Natural Infrastructure Award for the Loch Katrine Peatland Restoration Phase 1 project, delivered for Scottish Water.
The Project of the Year centred on a transformational programme of marine infrastructure upgrades at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay, designed to accommodate a new generation of hybrid ferries serving the island communities of Islay, Jura and Colonsay. Delivered within live operational environments and under challenging logistical and environmental conditions, the works included dredging, harbour upgrades, linkspan refurbishment, shore power installation and enhancements to berthing facilities. Throughout the 18-month programme, ferry services remained operational, ensuring uninterrupted lifeline connections for island residents and businesses.
Meanwhile, the award-winning Peatland Restoration at Loch Katrine demonstrated how civil engineering can support both critical national infrastructure and environmental restoration. Located within the drinking water catchment that supplies more than 1.3 million people across Greater Glasgow and Central Scotland, the project restored degraded peatland within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Using innovative low-impact techniques and specialist equipment, the team improved water quality resilience, enhanced biodiversity and created long-term carbon sequestration benefits while working in one of Scotland’s most environmentally sensitive landscapes.
Tony Fry, Operations Director at George Leslie, said:
“To see two projects recognised at the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved. Both projects showcase the breadth of expertise within George Leslie and the strength of collaboration with our clients and delivery partners.
“The New Islay Vessel Enabling Works is a project of enormous significance for Scotland’s island communities and we are particularly proud to see it recognised as Project of the Year. The project demanded precise engineering, planning and teamwork to deliver critical marine infrastructure while maintaining essential ferry services throughout the duration of the works.
“Equally, the Loch Katrine Peatland Restoration project demonstrates the important role civil engineering can play in helping to address climate and environmental challenges while protecting essential public infrastructure. These awards are a credit to the dedication, innovation and professionalism of all those who contributed.”
The double success reinforces George Leslie’s reputation for delivering complex projects that combine technical excellence with long-term social, economic and environmental benefits. From enhancing vital transport links for island communities to restoring nationally significant natural habitats, both award-winning projects exemplify the values celebrated by the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards.