Highland civil engineering firm expands into new Dingwall HQ
RJ McLeod, one of Scotland’s leading civil engineering contractors, has moved into a larger Highland headquarters in Dingwall Business Park to support its growth across the region.
The company has purchased ‘Earl Thorfinn House - a modern 11,000 sq ft office previously owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which will more than double its existing capacity.
The move allows RJ McLeod to double its staff numbers with room for further expansion as demand continues to rise for major infrastructure projects in the north of Scotland.
The firm, established in 1951 by Roderick John Macleod from Elphin in Sutherland has added more than 70 new jobs in the Highlands over the past year. It now employs around 150 people regionally, most of whom are local to the Highland and Islands.
The company’s long-term pipeline of energy, transmission and civil engineering projects is expected to support up to 600 jobs across the Highlands in the years ahead.
Hamish Seaton, RJ McLeod’s north of Scotland director, said:
“Our investment in a new, larger office in Dingwall reflects our long-term commitment to the region. It keeps us close to our existing base while giving us the space we need to grow. We expect our direct workforce to expand significantly in the coming years, creating skilled roles that support local employment and sustain communities across the Highlands.
“Training and developing our people is central to how we operate, and we’re already supporting more than 10 graduate apprentices who are earning and learning.
Area manager for HIE's Inner Moray Firth team Audrey MacIver said:
“RJ McLeod’s expansion is great news for Dingwall and the wider Highlands and Islands. Their decision to remain and grow in Dingwall demonstrates confidence in the region’s economy and its future opportunities. We’re pleased to see the building being used to support high‑value jobs and to help deliver projects that will benefit communities across the north of Scotland.”
RJ McLeod has delivered major infrastructure projects across the Highlands for decades, from early hydro‑electric schemes to today’s modern renewable energy and transmission developments. The company’s continued expansion reinforces its position as a key contributor to the region’s economy and engineering capability.