Industry firms partner to install sunken protest pontoon at COP26

ADVERTISEMENT

A sunken protest pontoon has been installed today at COP26 for the Climate Coalition thanks to a partnership between ScaffFloat and scaffolding specialists i-Scaff.

The protest pontoon was erected for press photos this morning (9 November) at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. Leaders and negotiators from around the world are meeting to discuss making fundamental changes to try to avoid global warming.

Toby Budd, Managing Director at ScaffFloat said: “The pontoon was mobbed at short notice and installed with the help of our local Approved Installer, i-Scaff, who are one of Scotland’s largest independent specialist scaffold contractors.

The duo installed an 8m x 4m scaffold platform that was sunk just below the waters surface, and supported by a set of plastic ScaffFloats on deck. “This gave the impression of a ‘flooded’ floor which the charity utilised for a creative photo showing world leaders meeting on a flooded stage,” Tony said.

Ross Brown, MD at i-Scaff said ”We love helping our customers find innovative solutions to their problems, and this has been a great example of the sort of work we can do. We worked in partnership with the ScaffFloat team who did all the design, project management, RAMS and on water safety, whilst we supplied the scaffold and an experienced scaffolder to help with the build.”

The sunken protest pontoon installed this morning at COP26 in Glasgow.
Image credit: ScaffFloat

Toby added, ”This is such a great example of how we add value. Initially, the client only wanted a floating pontoon with a banner, then we suggested we sink the pontoon to create this great photo opportunity.

We knew the objective was press coverage so worked hard to give them a photo that would get traction in the worlds media – and within an hour it was on BBC News Glasgow Daily Times Sky News to name but a few.”

Daniel Norton
Daniel NortonEditorhttps://www.scaffmag.com
Dan our Editor looks after Scaffmag's daily news service, he started his career as a scaffolder before creating and founding Scaffmag in 2008. Dan now spends his days visiting projects and writing about the scaffolding and access industry.

Most popular ↑

KEWAZO builds first UK sales team as demand grows

German robotics company KEWAZO is establishing its first dedicated...

Considering a move to New Zealand? An established Auckland scaffolding business opportunity

For an experienced scaffolding operator looking to expand, acquire, or relocate, Sidewall Scaffolding offers something that normally takes years to build: an established Auckland business with equipment, customers, systems, and a platform for further growth.

M R Scaffolding named Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year

M R Scaffolding Services has been crowned Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year at the 2026 Construction News Specialists Awards, with Allen & Foxworthy also taking home a major project award.

Scaffolder awarded $752k after fall through skylight

An Australian court has awarded a scaffolding worker more than A$752,000 in damages after finding his former employer negligent over a fall through an unprotected skylight at a defence site in Canberra.

Australian scaffolding group enters administration with over 650 jobs at risk

A group of companies linked to one of Australia’s...

Latest news

Scafom-rux to launch new VECTA roof and beam system at ScaffEx26

Scafom-rux will use ScaffEx26 in Manchester to launch VECTA, a new aluminium temporary roof and beam system designed around shared components and larger clear spans.
- Advertisement -
More from

M R Scaffolding named Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year

M R Scaffolding Services has been crowned Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year at the 2026 Construction News Specialists Awards, with Allen & Foxworthy also taking home a major project award.

KEWAZO builds first UK sales team as demand grows

German robotics company KEWAZO is establishing its first dedicated UK sales team as it looks to support growing demand...

Major fire hits scaffolding yard in Mitcham

Around 125 firefighters were deployed to a major fire in Mitcham that affected a scaffolding yard, workshop and nearby property, with investigators now examining the cause of the blaze.

£260k Newcastle Cathedral scaffolding contract opens for bids

Newcastle City Council has opened a £260,000 scaffolding tender to provide specialist access for conservation repairs to Newcastle Cathedral’s historic 15th-century Lantern Tower.
Latest articles