JR Scaffold has delivered a complex free-standing scaffold to support the full restoration of the Sir Walter Scott statue in George Square, as part of the city’s multi-million-pound refurbishment programme.
Invited to tender for the specialist works, JR Scaffold was also awarded scaffolding packages for the Queen Victoria, Robert Burns and Prince Albert monuments earlier this year. The awards underline the contractor’s growing track record on high-profile heritage schemes.
The scaffold provides full access for conservation works, including cleaning and the careful removal, repair and reinstatement of damaged stone. Individual stone sections weigh up to 500kg, requiring bespoke lifting points to ensure safe and accurate handling throughout the programme.
Built using a Cuplok system, the structure rises to around 25 metres and is designed to carry significant loads. Concrete precast blocks at the base provide additional stability.
A key constraint was that no ties could be fixed into the historic fabric. As a result, the scaffold was designed to be entirely free-standing. JR Scaffold worked closely with Gallery Access Solutions, with detailed engineering drawings guiding the erection.
The scaffold was built precisely to design, with engineers inspecting and signing off each stage. A five-person team completed the erection within four weeks.
The project marks JR Scaffold’s first job with this client and demonstrates its ability to deliver safe, accurate access solutions on sensitive landmark sites.
John Jack, Contracts Director at JR Scaffold, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the completed structure we have built around the statue. It’s great to say JR Scaffold has played a small part in such a historic project. Being trusted to support the restoration of an iconic monument like Sir Walter Scott’s statue is something we are incredibly proud of.”
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Tens of thousands of women across the UK feel unsafe, embarrassed or scared at work because they are required to wear personal protective equipment designed for men’s bodies, according to new findings from the GMB union.
A survey of hundreds of GMB members found more than 70 per cent had experienced problems caused by ill-fitting PPE.
According to the survey, nearly a quarter of women said poorly fitting PPE made them feel unsafe at work, and almost one in five said it stopped them doing their job properly. More than half reported ongoing discomfort, while over one in five said they felt embarrassed. A small but significant number said the issue left them feeling scared.
One woman custody officer said poorly designed “low-rise trousers that don’t work for a lot of women’s body shapes” had led to prisoners making sexual comments because her underwear was visible.
Another woman working in the textiles industry said the issue went beyond discomfort. She warned oversized gloves created an entanglement risk with machinery, while respirators that failed to seal correctly exposed her to hazardous dust and chemicals, putting her long-term health at risk.
GMB is now calling on ministers to update health and safety legislation to ensure all workers are provided with PPE that fits properly. The union is also urging employers to adopt a new British Standard on inclusive protective equipment, developed to address long-standing gaps in PPE design and provision.
Vanessa Roberts, a British Gas worker, said women had spent years being issued PPE that was effectively men’s equipment “shrunk and dyed pink”.
“We need PPE that is truly inclusive, no matter your size, shape, gender or disability,” she said. “With GMB’s campaign and the new British Standard, hopefully we can have PPE that keeps us safe and makes people feel like we matter at work.”
Martina Vrajitoru, who works at Hinkley Point, said she had seen first-hand how poorly fitting PPE affected safety, confidence and morale.
“Inclusive protective gear isn’t just about equipment,” she said. “It’s about recognising every worker’s worth. I hope the new guidelines finally bring the change so many of us have been waiting for.”
The union said the issue affected women across multiple industries and warned that without action, many would continue to face avoidable risks simply because equipment was not designed with them in mind.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the scaffolding and access industry following the death of NASC President and Chair Wayne Connolly, with messages shared by contractors, suppliers, training bodies and individuals from around the world.
Hundreds of comments have been left on Scaffmag’s LinkedIn channels alone, reflecting the scale of Mr Connolly’s influence and the personal impact he had on those who worked with him.
Many described him as a calm, approachable and principled leader who made time for people at every level of the industry. Others highlighted his role in pushing for change, improving governance and raising standards, both in the UK and internationally.
Several tributes referred to Mr Connolly’s presence at recent industry events, including ScaffEx and international conferences, where he was described as genuine, down to earth and deeply committed to the sector.
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Lydia Stanton, Commercial Director at Star Scaffolding and Chair of the NASC Training and Education Committee, said she admired how he led the industry forward and credited him with lessons she would carry throughout her career. Others echoed similar sentiments, describing him as an inspirational figure who listened carefully and spoke with clarity.
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Comments also reflected the respect he commanded beyond the UK. Contributors from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and further afield noted his positive influence on the global scaffolding and access community, particularly through his leadership roles within the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation and the International Access & Scaffolding Association.
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Many messages focused on his personal qualities rather than his titles. Words such as “gentleman”, “kind”, “honest” and “approachable” appeared repeatedly, alongside references to his willingness to support others, mentor younger people in the industry and lead by example.
Several former colleagues and employees also shared personal memories, recalling acts of generosity and support that left a lasting impression well beyond the workplace.
The volume and tone of the tributes underline the breadth of Mr Connolly’s impact, not only as an industry leader but as a person. Further messages of condolence and remembrance are expected in the coming days as more people share their reflections.
NASC has said details of the funeral service and information on donations will be published on its website once confirmed.
Scaffmag continues to pass on its sincere condolences to Wayne Connolly’s family and friends, and to colleagues across the scaffolding and access industry worldwide following this profound loss.
An online book of remembrance has been opened to allow members of the scaffolding and access industry to share messages and tributes in memory of NASC President and Chair Wayne Connolly.
The book has been created following Mr Connolly’s sudden death and provides a central place for colleagues, friends and industry peers to leave personal messages of condolence, reflection and remembrance.
Since opening, the book has received messages from across the UK and internationally, reflecting the scale of Mr Connolly’s influence and the respect in which he was held across the sector.
Among those to leave a message is Clive Dickin, Group Chief Executive of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation, who wrote in the book of remembrance:
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our President, Chair and friend, Wayne Connolly. Wayne was an exceptional Chair – inspirational, driven and wholly committed – but above all he was a kind and generous man. His leadership, integrity and warmth made a profound impact on me and everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He was not only a highly respected colleague, but a valued friend, and his loss is felt deeply by us all.On a personal level, I am utterly devastated by Wayne’s passing. My thoughts are with Nicola and the entire Connolly family at this incredibly difficult time. Wayne’s contribution, character and legacy will not be forgotten.”
Many other messages in the book echo similar sentiments. Contributors have described Mr Connolly as approachable, principled and generous with his time, while others have shared personal memories of his support, mentorship and commitment to improving standards across the industry.
Several tributes also reference his work through the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) and his wider efforts to strengthen professionalism and governance across the scaffolding and access sector.
The book of remembrance has been made available to give the industry a shared space to come together, particularly for those unable to attend services in person or who wish to leave a message in their own time.
The online book of remembrance remains open and can be accessed at:https://rememberancebook.net/book/wayne-connolly/
NASC has said further information regarding funeral arrangements and donations will be shared in due course.
Scaffmag continues to pass on its sincere condolences to Wayne Connolly’s family and friends, and to colleagues across the scaffolding and access industry, as tributes continue to be shared in his memory.
It is with great sadness that we have to inform our readers that the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has confirmed the death of its President and Chair, Wayne Connolly.
In an internal statement approved by the Connolly family, the NASC said it was “deeply saddened” to announce Mr Connolly’s sudden passing. His death has come as a shock to the scaffolding and access industry, particularly at what is traditionally a festive period.
Mr Connolly was a highly respected figure across the sector in the UK and internationally. His involvement with the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation began as a Regional Chair, before he went on to serve as Chair of the Membership Standards Committee.
He joined the NASC Board in 2022 and, in 2024, was appointed President and Chair of both NASC and the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS).
Alongside his UK roles, Mr Connolly also served as Chair of the International Access & Scaffolding Association (IASA), where he worked to promote collaboration, best practice and higher standards across international markets. He was widely regarded as a global leader in scaffolding and access, respected for his integrity, diplomacy and commitment to improving standards worldwide.
A leading businessman in the North West, Mr Connolly built a successful chain of automotive repair businesses before founding Connolly Scaffolding. Under his leadership, the company grew into a progressive and well-regarded contractor, most recently marked by the opening of a new office and a period of expansion in partnership with several key industry partners.
Within NASC, Mr Connolly was closely involved in the organisation’s recent transformation. He was passionate about raising standards, strengthening governance and ensuring the Confederation remained a credible, forward-looking voice for the industry. Colleagues described his leadership as calm, clear and principled.
Clive Dickin, Group Chief Executive of NASC, paid tribute to Mr Connolly’s impact on both a professional and personal level.
“Wayne was not only an outstanding President and Chairman, but a true friend. His belief in NASC, his commitment to doing the right thing, and his determination to improve our industry will leave a lasting legacy.”
The organisation said it is coordinating with Mr Connolly’s fiancé, Nicola, and that details of the funeral service and information on donations will be published on the NASC website in the coming days.
Scaffmag extends its sincere condolences to Wayne Connolly’s family and friends, to colleagues at Connolly Scaffolding, and to everyone at the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation following this sudden and deeply felt loss.
Several vehicles were damaged yesterday after scaffolding collapsed onto a residential street in Hove. No one was injured. The industry body NASC has today confirmed that the contractor involved was not one of its members.
Emergency services were called to First Avenue in Hove, East Sussex, on Thursday afternoon after the structure fell onto parked cars, leading to a road closure and an emergency response.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted at around 13:30 following reports of collapsed scaffolding. One fire engine from Preston Circus attended the scene. Crews made the area safe, worked with police and cordoned off the road.
Firefighters left the scene shortly after 15:15, handing control back to the main building contractor. No injuries were reported.
Credit: BBC
Images from the scene showed several cars crushed or badly damaged by fallen tubes and boards. Residents described the collapse as dramatic and said it was fortunate no pedestrians were passing at the time.
The incident happened during a Met Office yellow weather warning covering Sussex and much of Surrey. The warning, which remained in force until 21:00, highlighted the risk of heavy rain and strong winds.
NASC response and safety concerns
Following the collapse, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation confirmed that the firm involved was not a member of the organisation.
In a statement, NASC said it was appalled by the incident and stressed that scaffolding should not collapse when it is properly designed, erected, inspected and maintained in line with recognised standards such as TG20 or TG30.
“Scaffolding should never collapse if it has been competently erected to a valid design or recognised compliance sheet, and if appropriate controls and competent personnel are in place,” a NASC spokesperson said.
As 2025 draws to a close and we prepare for the festive break, we’re taking a moment to reflect on another remarkable year for both the scaffolding industry and Scaffmag.
Our website welcomed over 356,000 visitors from around the world this year, generating more than 898,000 page views across our comprehensive coverage of industry news and features. These numbers reflect your ongoing trust in Scaffmag as your go-to source for scaffolding sector updates.
Looking ahead to 2026, we remain committed to delivering the latest trade news, insights, and developments that matter to you. Whether you’re reading on a desktop, tablet, or mobile, or settling down with our quarterly magazine, we’ll continue keeping you connected to everything happening across the industry.
During the holiday period, we’ll monitor for any major breaking news, with our full news coverage resuming on 5 January 2026.
From all of us at Scaffmag, we wish our valued readers, subscribers, and thousands of social media followers worldwide a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Thank you for your continued support throughout 2025.
One of Wales’ established scaffolding contractors has secured a new base at Newport Docks as part of its growth plans across South Wales and beyond.
Spartan Scaffolding, headquartered at Swansea Docks, has taken on a one-acre site that will operate as both a storage hub and an office facility. The company says the move will increase capacity and improve logistics as demand for its services continues to grow.
The Newport site will provide secure storage for scaffolding equipment and a base for office functions, allowing Spartan to deploy resources more efficiently across mid and South Wales, as well as neighbouring parts of England.
Jason Lewis, owner of Spartan Scaffolding, said the new facility was a strategic step forward for the business.
“Securing a dedicated site at Newport Docks gives Spartan Scaffolding enhanced capacity for storage and logistics, supporting our existing contracts and future growth,” he said.
“The site will enable more efficient deployment of our services across South Wales and neighbouring English regions. It is an important step for our growth plans.”
Spartan Scaffolding delivers commercial, industrial and domestic scaffolding services, with the majority of its client base located across mid and South Wales.
The acquisition of the Newport Docks site was advised by Cardiff-based RJ Chartered Surveyors.
One of Scotland’s leading construction and scaffolding businesses has raised £170,000 for the charity Reverse Rett after hosting a major fundraising gala to mark its 30th anniversary.
The JR Group welcomed around 700 guests to its black-tie A December to Remember Charity Gala at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, bringing together clients, partners and supporters from across the construction and scaffolding sector.
The event focused on raising awareness and funds for Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological condition. The charity was chosen following the experience of a long-standing client and friend of the business, whose daughter lives with the condition.
By the end of the evening, £170,000 had been raised through table donations, a live auction led by auctioneer Alex Fleming, and a silent auction featuring a range of high-value lots.
One of the standout moments of the night saw a sculpture created by Sir Billy Connolly sell for £30,000. Several other auction items also achieved five-figure sums, including exclusive golf experiences with Graham Souness, Martin O’Neill and Alan Shearer.
Guests were treated to a three-course meal, live music from The Ambassador Band, and a performance from Scottish DJ and broadcaster George Bowie.
John Horne, founder and managing director of The JR Group, said the response had exceeded expectations.
“The generosity shown at our 30th anniversary charity gala has been nothing short of overwhelming,” he said. “To raise £170,000 in one evening is truly remarkable and says a great deal about the people who came together to support this cause.“Every guest played a part in creating a night filled with compassion and hope. It was a powerful way to celebrate 30 years in business while supporting families living with Rett Syndrome.”
All proceeds from the event will support Reverse Rett’s work in funding research, improving clinical care and raising awareness of the condition.
Scott and Kate McMaster, parents of 12-year-old Kim, said the support from The JR Group and its wider network would have a lasting impact.
“This level of support makes a real difference to families like ours,” they said. “Reverse Rett is a small charity, and the awareness raised alongside the funds will have a lasting impact across the Rett community.”
Norway has become the latest country to join the International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA), following the Federation of Norwegian Industries’ decision to become a member of the global body
The move brings Norsk Industri, which represents a broad range of companies across Norway’s construction and industrial sectors, into IASA’s growing international membership. IASA said the addition strengthens its European presence and supports closer alignment on safety, training and industry standards.
IASA chairman Wayne Connolly said the federation’s values closely matched those of the organisation.“We are delighted to welcome the Federation of Norwegian Industries into the IASA family,” he said. “Their commitment to safety, innovation and professional excellence aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Connolly added that Norway’s involvement would help build a stronger and more unified international voice for the scaffolding and access sector, supporting safer and more consistent working practices across borders
Geir Gule, chairman of the Scaffolding Forum within the Federation of Norwegian Industries, said the organisation was keen to play an active role within IASA.
“We are enthusiastic about joining IASA and look forward to supporting the organisation in reaching its goal of becoming the global voice of the scaffolding industry,” he said
IASA said it expects to work closely with Norsk Industri on shared priorities, including training, the harmonisation of best practice and the promotion of safe working at height internationally
A key constraint was that no ties could be fixed into the historic fabric. As a result, the scaffold was designed to be entirely free-standing. JR Scaffold worked closely with Gallery Access Solutions, with detailed engineering drawings guiding the erection.
The scaffold was built precisely to design, with engineers inspecting and signing off each stage. A five-person team completed the erection within four weeks.
The project marks JR Scaffold’s first job with this client and demonstrates its ability to deliver safe, accurate access solutions on sensitive landmark sites.
John Jack, Contracts Director at JR Scaffold, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the completed structure we have built around the statue. It’s great to say JR Scaffold has played a small part in such a historic project. Being trusted to support the restoration of an iconic monument like Sir Walter Scott’s statue is something we are incredibly proud of.” 
A key constraint was that no ties could be fixed into the historic fabric. As a result, the scaffold was designed to be entirely free-standing. JR Scaffold worked closely with Gallery Access Solutions, with detailed engineering drawings guiding the erection.
The scaffold was built precisely to design, with engineers inspecting and signing off each stage. A five-person team completed the erection within four weeks.
The project marks JR Scaffold’s first job with this client and demonstrates its ability to deliver safe, accurate access solutions on sensitive landmark sites.
John Jack, Contracts Director at JR Scaffold, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the completed structure we have built around the statue. It’s great to say JR Scaffold has played a small part in such a historic project. Being trusted to support the restoration of an iconic monument like Sir Walter Scott’s statue is something we are incredibly proud of.” 
John Horne, founder and managing director of The JR Group, said the response had exceeded expectations.
“The generosity shown at our 30th anniversary charity gala has been nothing short of overwhelming,” he said. “To raise £170,000 in one evening is truly remarkable and says a great deal about the people who came together to support this cause.
“Every guest played a part in creating a night filled with compassion and hope. It was a powerful way to celebrate 30 years in business while supporting families living with Rett Syndrome.”
All proceeds from the event will support Reverse Rett’s work in funding research, improving clinical care and raising awareness of the condition.
Scott and Kate McMaster, parents of 12-year-old Kim, said the support from The JR Group and its wider network would have a lasting impact.
“This level of support makes a real difference to families like ours,” they said. “Reverse Rett is a small charity, and the awareness raised alongside the funds will have a lasting impact across the Rett community.” 
