Simpson Builders Commercial Projects
Simpson Builders has delivered a wide range of exceptional projects across the Highlands—and far more than we can showcase here. If you’d like to explore additional examples or discuss a specific type of project, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Highland Wildlife Park New Discovery Centres & Visitor Centre Refurbishment
Simpson Builders delivered a major project at Highland Wildlife Park, creating three bespoke timber-framed buildings: the Learning Hub, Discovery Hub, and Hilltop Hub. These facilities were designed to enhance visitor engagement and support conservation education.
The works included demolition of the old education bothy, construction of three new timber-framed buildings with timber, stone, and zinc cladding, and installation of green roofs and sustainable technologies such as air-source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting. Each hub was tailored to its location: the Learning Hub provides classrooms and offices, the Discovery Hub offers exhibition and research space with a striking zig-zag rooflight, and the Hilltop Hub is a lightweight structure near the polar bear enclosure for minimal environmental impact.
Following this success, we refurbished the shop and visitor centre, delivering a modern fit-out, new windows, refreshed cladding, roof repairs, landscaping, and preparation for specialist installations. Additional works included maintenance, new roads, and drainage improvements.
This project showcases our expertise in sustainable construction, complex structural engineering, and delivering projects in sensitive environments with minimal disruption.
Control Building – Dalchork Substation
Simpson Builders successfully delivered the construction of a new Control Building at SSE’s Dalchork Substation, providing a robust and secure facility to support critical infrastructure within the transmission network.
The project included reinforced concrete foundations, a structural steel frame, roof and wall cladding, and high-spec external doors and ventilation systems. Internally, we completed a concrete floor slab, blockwork walls, raised access flooring, and full electrical and mechanical installations, including lighting, security, heating, ventilation, and plumbing.
The building was finished with internal decoration, external walkways, and full commissioning to the highest standards.
Private Art Gallery
Simpson Builders delivered a bespoke single-storey structure designed to complement the Estate House and provide a private space for art appreciation.
The Art Gallery offers a flexible environment for hosting exhibitions, meetings, and dining experiences for private guests, while maintaining exclusivity and privacy.
The building combines high-quality timber construction with modern finishes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the estate’s character.
Every detail was considered to ensure functionality and aesthetic appeal, from durable materials to discreet integration of services.
New Co-Op Retail Unit, Gairloch
Simpson Builders proudly completed the new Gairloch Co-op Retail Unit as main contractor. This project demonstrates our ability to deliver modern, high-quality commercial buildings in remote and challenging locations.
We managed every aspect of the build, from the precision-engineered steel frame and energy-efficient roof system to fire-rated external walls and full SBEM compliance. Our team also delivered complex drainage solutions meeting SUDS standards, coordinated all utilities, and ensured seamless integration with the wider site infrastructure.
The result is a durable, sustainable retail facility built to the highest standards, providing long-term value for our client and the local community.
Nairn Links Team Hamish
Simpson Builders is proud to support the Team Hamish vision by delivering Phase 2 of the Nairn Links regeneration. This community-led project creates an inclusive social space designed for all ages and abilities, honouring the legacy of Hamish and Susan Hey.
Our work involves constructing a tiered seating and outdoor auditorium on the existing embankment, providing a stunning vantage point over the Moray Firth. The design includes concrete terraces faced with natural stone, integrated footpaths, and areas for gathering, teaching, and performance. The space will feature bespoke seating and interactive installations created in collaboration with local schools and community groups.
This project reflects our commitment to high-quality, sustainable spaces that enhance community life and celebrate the natural beauty of Nairn.
Achmelvich Beach Carpark & Toilets
Simpson Builders delivered a major upgrade to the Achmelvich Beach visitor facilities, creating a modern, practical space for locals and tourists alike. The project involved removing the temporary toilet block and installing a permanent, high-quality facility designed for comfort and durability.
The existing car park was completely redeveloped to meet modern standards, with an expanded layout to maximise parking within the available footprint. We also addressed long-standing drainage issues by installing surface water management and attenuation systems, ensuring a safe and sustainable solution for the future.
The result is a well-planned, accessible area that enhances the visitor experience at one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.
Canna Farm Shed
Simpson Builders designed and erected a modern farm shed on the Isle of Canna to support local agricultural needs. The structure features a robust steel frame for durability, with walls clad in natural larch to blend with the island’s landscape. A metal-clad roof provides long-lasting weather protection, ensuring the building is both practical and sympathetic to its surroundings.
This project highlights our expertise in delivering functional, high-quality buildings in remote locations.
Corrieshalloch Gorge Visitors Centre
Simpson Builders is proud to deliver our second multi-million pound project for The National Trust for Scotland at Corrieshalloch Gorge.
This thoughtfully designed visitor hub enhances access to the historic suspension bridge and gorge, with new facilities including a café, toilets, EV charging, campervan services, and improved infrastructure.
The timber-framed building features sustainable materials like CLT roof panels and Russwood Larch cladding, with high-spec internal finishes and commercial-grade installations. Extensive external works were completed by our in-house team, overcoming complex ground conditions to create a welcoming and resilient site.
Gairloch Heritage Museum
Winner of best new life for an existing building, and overall best project award, Highlands and Islands Architecture Awards 2020
Simpson Builders had the privilege of delivering the award-winning Gairloch Heritage Museum, now a 5-star TripAdvisor attraction and a landmark for the North West Highlands. Transforming the former 1947 Anti-Aircraft Operations Room into a modern museum was a complex and highly rewarding project.
Our team overcame significant challenges, including cutting and infilling reinforced concrete walls to create spaces for artefact displays while preserving the building’s historic character. The original blast wall was reimagined as the new entrance, and interiors were grit-blasted to reveal the beauty of the original concrete, retaining unique features such as the nails from the original formwork.
The result is a striking blend of heritage and modern design, delivered with precision and respect for history.
NIGG & CROMARTY FERRY SLIPWAYS
We were engaged by Cromarty Community Trust to undertake a Design and Build contract to create an affordable solution for the reinstatement of the Nigg and Cromarty ferry slipways in order to ensure continued use of the well-used ferry.
Concrete lego blocks were utilised to form walls and create a shutter which we infilled and poured the slipway to the new gradient required for the ferry.
KINLOCH BOATHOUSE
Client: Wilderness Holidays
This project was to construct a boathouse for the use of an outdoor pursuits and water activity business. The site provided us with tricky access issues with its adjacency to the existing house, the tidal seas and of course it’s position on the elevated and rocky shore of Shieldaig.
The substructure consisted of a concrete raft foundation and shuttered retaining walls 1200mm above slab level which also allowed for protection against unusually high tides. The concrete used for this was a specialist design mix providing further longevity with the exposure to sea water.
Above this level the boathouse was built with concrete blocks, rendered, a timber truss roof with insulated profile sheeting. A pedestrian access to the attic work space via an accessible ramped bridge from the top of the bank was formed. Externally a path was constructed; drainage was upgraded and general landscaping undertaken. The slipway was a 25m long concrete ramp with beach boulders being carefully placed at the edges to provide further protection. Internally electrics were installed; bespoke joiner and steel work manufactured for boat engines, kayak storage etc; vertical and horizontal winches installed; and full decoration carried out.
No project too small or too large, the team at Simpson Builders is happy to discuss your project with them,
so please get in touch to see how we can help you.