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As we move into spring, and celebrating our 30 years of front line services to the threes Councils, I want to begin by acknowledging what has been an exceptionally wet and challenging winter period. Despite difficult conditions, our teams have continued to deliver safely, professionally, and with real determination. This resilience and commitment across the organisation is greatly appreciated. Following this wet period my fingers are crossed to see a repeat of the fantastic summer we experienced in 2025.
This Spring edition provides an opportunity to recognise the contributions made by everyone throughout the organisation I would like to thank all those who has taken the time to contribute articles included in this magazine. These stories highlight the breadth of work we do, the pride we take in it, and the people who make it happen “Delivering excellence at the heart of our communities”
A key focus for our business continues to be Developing the Young Workforce, and we remain a proud pledge partner. I’m personally passionate about supporting young people into meaningful employment and skills development is essential for the future of the organisation, our communities, and it is encouraging to see continued engagement across our teams
Your voice matters and with this in mind, I encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming employee survey. We genuinely want to hear your views
Your feedback is vital in helping us understand what we do well and where improvements can be made, enabling us to continue developing to be the best organisation we can be
As we move further into the year, let’s carry forward the same positivity, collaboration, and determination that have seen us through a challenging winter. I remain incredibly proud of what we achieve together and confident in the strength of our teams
Thank you for your continued hard work and commitment I hope you enjoy this Spring edition and the stories it shares about the people and projects that make our organisation what it is

Best wishes,

Thanks to everyone who shared photos of Tayside Contracts vehicles hard at work keeping our communities safe and moving. We’re delighted to share the winning image here, capturing our team in action.






















































By Graeme Allan, Depute RMP Manager & Ross Smith, Project Engineer
The Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) has successfully completed the final phase of the Broughty Ferry Active Travel scheme, marking a major achievement in a project that has been transforming the coastal corridor since 2019.
The latest works, delivered as part of Area 2B, focused on the Esplanade. This phase introduced a series of raised pedestrian crossings along the route, including the junctions with Rugby Terrace, Panmure Street and Brook Street These improvements shorten crossing distances and create safer, more accessible links for everyone moving through the area.
Project Engineer Ross Smith led the delivery of this phase, supported by Chargehand Daniel MacLachlan and his civils team, who carried out the drainage upgrades and constructed the new crossing points.
Chargehands Rory Keen and Stephen Johnston and their surfacing team completed the carriageway resurfacing and tabletop features, bringing the route up to a high-quality finish.
Since 2019, the DRMP has played a central role in delivering, or supporting the delivery of, almost every major phase of the wider scheme, which aims to enhance the NCN01 coastal path between Broughty Ferry Castle and Monifieth. Securing the final phase through competitive tender was a significant milestone for the DRMP
With an overall project value of £18 million, the scheme has delivered substantial improvements for active travel, creating a fully inclusive walking and cycling route complemented by upgraded public realm, biodiversity enhancements and landscape improvements. Area 2B alone generated approximately £800k in income for the DRMP.


Whether for local residents, daytrippers or those simply passing through, the completed route opens up even greater access to the area’s stunning coastline. The map below highlights how the new infrastructure connects seamlessly with National Cycle Network Route 1, providing a continuous link from Dundee to Monifieth





As the days grow lighter and nature begins to wake from winter, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refocus on our wellbeing After months of darker days, colder weather and heavy rain, this season brings a natural sense of energy, optimism, and possibility Here are some practical ways to make the most of spring for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing
By Leanne Reilly, Strategic Lead HR, IT and Business Support
As the weather improves, it becomes easier to build healthy habits and boost your physical wellbeing.
A daily dose of daylight can improve sleep, boost mood, and lift energy levels. Try:
A short lunchtime walk
Sitting near a window when possible
Taking a few minutes to stand outside, ideally in the morning
Refresh Your Eating Habits
Spring is a great time to lighten up meals and add more colour:
Choose seasonal fruit and veg
Stay hydrated
Keep simple, energising snacks on hand
Movement doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective. Great spring options include:
Light stretching
Gardening
Cycling or walking

Getting up to move regularly throughout the day

Mental Wellbeing: A Spring Reset With the Five Ways to Wellbeing
Spring often brings a sense of clarity, making it the ideal moment to support your mental health
The Five Ways to Wellbeing — Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give are simple, researchbased actions that can help you feel more balanced and resilient. Here’s how to weave them into your spring routine:
Connect Sharing breaks with colleagues
Positive social connections help reduce stress and boost your sense of belonging Try:
Checking in with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
Joining an activity group, or setting one up in the workplace group
Physical activity is a powerful way to support mental wellbeing Even gentle movement releases feel-good endorphins and reduces tension. Combine mental and physical wellbeing by:
Taking a short walk outside
Doing some gentle stretching
Spending time gardening or outdoors
Spring is full of small, uplifting moments blossom, birdsong, new colours. Pausing to notice these can help ground you, reduce stress, and bring calm to a busy day. Try:
A mindful moment on your way to work
Looking up at the sky during a break
Noticing changes in the season each day
Give

Learning boosts confidence and gives you something positive to focus on. This spring, you might:
Explore a new hobby
Attend a workshop or training session
Learn a small skill you’ve been curious about
Acts of kindness big or small support both your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Consider:
Offering help to a colleague
Giving positive feedback
Sharing time, attention, or encouragement


Financial wellbeing is an important part of feeling secure and in control. A spring reset can help you feel more confident about money, without overwhelming yourself.
Review Your Finances
Spend a few minutes looking at:
Subscriptions you no longer need
Small expenses that may have built up
Whether your budget still suits your needs
Choose a manageable financial goal such as:
Building a small savings buffer
Saving for a spring or summer activity
Planning for annual upcoming costs
The Financial Wellbeing pages of our website give details of resources available to you, which include:
Financial wellbeing information through the Employee Benefits Portal
Access to My Money Matters for members of the Local Government Pension Scheme
Access to Lifestyle Savings
These resources can make a real difference when you need clarity or reassurance, so don’t hesitate to explore what’s available.
The Employee Benefits Portal
Remember that as an employee of Tayside Contracts you have access to our Employee Benefits Portal The portal hosts a range of benefits which may support you, including access to confidential external support via the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care, which is a dynamic wellbeing platform offering a range of personal, emotional and financial wellbeing tools. You can register at www.vivup.co.uk/users/sign-in and login or access the portal via the Vivup app.
Spring reminds us that change doesn’t have to be dramatic — sometimes it’s gentle, gradual, and uplifting. By embracing small steps towards our physical, mental and financial wellbeing, we can make the most of the season’s lighter days and renewed energy


By Angie McLellan, Catering Area Manager
We are delighted to share more fantastic news about Carolyn McGregor, Cook at Websters High School, who continues to make us incredibly proud.
After being crowned ASSIST School Chef of the Year at the ASSIST FM Awards ceremony in May 2025, Carolyn has taken another exciting step onto the national stage. Courtesy of ASSIST, she travelled to London accompanied by Angie McLellan, Area Catering Manager - Angus, to attend an exclusive development and tasting day alongside other award-winning public sector chefs The event gave finalists the opportunity to refine and perfect their dishes with Executive Chef, Paul Bates, Hilton Metropole, London ahead of the prestigious national awards ceremony award which was held on 9 April in London where her winning starter dish was part of the menu Look out for further updates in future editions of Target.











We are delighted to share that Kim Ewan has successfully completed her REHIS Advanced Food Hygiene Diploma an outstanding achievement.
Kim began her journey back into education in October, attending an intensive weeklong course in Edinburgh with the City of Edinburgh Council. Following this, she undertook a challenging assignment, with four weeks to complete a paper addressing five key areas of food hygiene. This coursework contributed to her overall final grade.
In December, after a period of dedicated study, Kim returned to Edinburgh to complete a rigorous assessment process This included a three-hour written exam followed by a 30-minute oral examination with an Environmental Health Officer
We’re proud to announce that Kim received confirmation of her success in January, having passed both her coursework and exams
Kim is already looking ahead, with plans to further her expertise by pursuing the REHIS Advanced Diploma in HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points)
Congratulations once again, Kim, on this fantastic accomplishment!
By Caroline Cruickshanks, Catering Services Manager


In Summer 2020 Dundee City Council and UNESCO City of Design Dundee began what became a 3-year long project to design a fully pedestrianised area and create more ways to utilise the outdoor space. The co-design team set up a shop space on Union Street to engage with the local businesses, residents, and general public
People were at the core of the design process, and they were invited to take part in the following activities:
Think Tanks
Collaboration by sharing ideas and suggestions that could be investigated further

Streetscape
Collaboration by sharing ideas and suggestions that could be investigated further

Client Visual

Community Collage
Visual inspirations which allowed visitors to explore their aspirations for the look and feel of the street.

This innovative collaborate approach continues through the construction phase of the project. Dundee City Council approved the £1.4 million competitively tendered contract to Tayside Contracts last year, supported by £11millionof funding from Transport Scotland Dundee City Councils City Engineers and Tayside Contracts successful ongoing partnership has meant the project benefited from early contractor engagement with a continued focus on adding quality and value throughout.
Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) Project Manager, Craig Getty is taking lead on this prestigious project with the continued support from The Business Improvement Team and Chargehands, Daniel McLachlan and Martin Brown.

Site works began in January; to date we have set up the site, completed site clearance and earthworks as well as commencing major drainage improvements Tayside Contracts’ Sign Shop has produced additional signage to highlight to the public that businesses are open as usual.
In the background work continues on the bespoke design for seating, shelters, public events space, planting, cycle parking, and improved lighting
A little-known fact is the paving designs are based around Dundee’s rich history in Jute and weaving industry with a local Quarry supplying the majority of paving slabs.
Tayside Contracts is proud to be part of these major works and looks forward to revealing the finished project in Autumn 2026

Photography credit: Grant Anderson click for more images of the development
By Kyleigh Myles, Business Improvement Officer




We are delighted that the live event is back on and we are looking forward to celebrating the excellent work that has been carried out over the last year by our employees. The live awards ceremony will take place in the Invercarse Hotel, Dundee on Friday 22nd May.
Judging was again carried out by the Convenor and Vice Convenors of the Tayside Contracts Joint Committee and Dougie McKay, the Managing Director.
To be chosen as a finalist, in an organisation that employees over 2,500 people, is a wonderful achievement and you should be immensely proud.
The finalists in our Unit awards, those nominated by supervisors and managers are:
Westend Campus, Dundee
Monifieth High School, Angus
Riverside Primary School, P&K

Perth Academy
Stracathro Primary School, Angus Greenfield Academy, Dundee
Outstanding Contribution from an office-based employee or team
Finance Team
Procurement and Stores Team
Chris Brown, Health and Safety Adviser
Construction Excellence:
Fairmuir Depot Slurry Sealing Squad
Ruthvenfield Depot, John Robertson Squad
Kristaps Illmers, Ruthvenfield Depot
FM Excellence:
Greenfield Academy, Dundee
Arbroath High School, Angus
Invergowrie Primary School, P&K
The finalists in our Open to All awards, those nominated by colleagues and peers are:
Apprentice of the Year:
Cole Murphy, Apprentice Roadworker (Dundee)
Findlay Bodle, Apprentice Roadworker (Blairgowrie)
Nathan Grahams, Apprentice Roadworker (Ruthvenfield)
Environment Award
Craigowl Primary School Catering Team
20mph Signage Installation Squad, Ruthvenfield Depot
Collace Quarry
Excellence in Customer Service:
Bertha Park High School Catering Team
Dundee Catering Management Team
Kinross Cluster, Facilities Assistants
Outstanding Individual Contribution:


Galin Zhivkov, Fleet Performance Manager
Lexi Brown, Hub Supervisor, Viewlands Primary School
Greg Campopiano, Quarry Manager, Collace Quarry

Best Service Team:
Catering Area Managers
Kingspark ASN School Catering Team
Timmergreens Primary School Facilities Assistants
By Susie Newton, Training and Development Adviser


As of 1st February 2026, Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) was rebranded to Qualifications Scotland.
As Scotland’s new national qualifications body, they will award all qualifications that were previously awarded by SQA (including National Qualifications, Higher National Qualifications and Vocational Qualifications).
Qualifications Scotland marks a new beginning for Scotland’s qualifications and will bring huge benefits for learners, educators, employers and training providers
In the main, most people will see no difference other than certificates now being issued with the Qualifications Scotland logo.
Every qualification you've achieved with SQA remains valid, recognised and valued by colleges, universities and employers across Scotland and beyond. Your SQA qualification certificates also remain valid.
We were delighted to welcome our first set of certificates from Qualifications Scotland into Tayside Contracts for our approved First Aiders when they successfully completed their refresher training/assessment for “Award in First Aid at Work” which was delivered by Elaine Banks, Principal Health and Safety Adviser.
Well done, Scott Bradley (Collace), Sandy Ninnis (Collace)




By Susie Newton, Training and Development Adviser
Our latest employee survey was issued on Monday 20 April and will run until Friday 1 May 2026.
This is your opportunity to share your views on working at Tayside Contracts and help us continue improving the workplace. The survey will also contribute to our forthcoming Investors in People assessment which is due in December 2027
This year, we’ve made the survey even easier to complete by offering a range of options including on-line access, direct emails or completion via work terminals


It should only take 5-10 minutes to complete and please be assured - your answers are completely confidential!
We have taken on board feedback from past surveys, made further improvements to our policies and practices As a result, we are aiming to retain our Investors in People status.
Please look out for further emails/communications with details on how to take part We strongly encourage you to set aside a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feedback.



The Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) plays a key role in keeping the city moving every day. Working alongside Tayside Contracts, our 65 strong team maintains 580 km of roads, 1,050 km of footways, 25,000 drainage gullies and more than 30,000 items of street furniture
Whether it’s routine inspections, winter gritting, emergency repairs or improving pedestrian safety, our work supports communities right across Dundee.
To help us manage this extensive asset more effectively, DRMP has partnered with Gaist, a company specialising in high definition surveys of roads, footways and street furniture. Their advanced, AI supported technology provides a clear, independently verified picture of the condition of every part of the network. Unlike traditional survey methods, Gaist’s approach picks up the local issues that matter to residents, councillors and frontline teams, giving us reliable, granular data to guide our decisions


Use resources wisely making sure every pound is spent where it delivers the most benefit
Plan ahead with confidence modelling how different investment levels will affect road condition in the years ahead
Improve transparency providing clear, evidence-based updates for Council Members and the public



By Michael Colgan, DRMP Manager
These surveys will also supplement our ongoing inspections, giving us accurate, repeatable comparisons of asset condition from one survey to the next. By combining our frontline knowledge with independently verified data, we can track changes more effectively, spot emerging issues earlier and plan maintenance with greater confidence.
By embracing new technology, DRMP is making smarter, greener choices that support everyone who lives, works and travels in Dundee This collaboration shows how innovation and partnership working help us deliver high-quality, community-focused services across the city.





The Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) has successfully secured, through competitive tender, a significant new project to deliver a major water and drainage system on Lochee High Street, an investment that will support future social housing development in the area.
This project involves installing a new underground surface water conveyance system beneath the High Street, alongside the creation of a new raingarden on the vacant land between Aimer Square and Bank Street. Together, these improvements will enhance flood resilience across Lochee and downstream areas, paving the way for the redevelopment of derelict sites such as Bright Street Church and St Ann Lane. The raingarden will also provide a valuable new community space while boosting local biodiversity.
Valued at approximately £830,000, the contract sees DRMP acting as the main contractor, supported by a strong network of local supply chain partners. Geddes are delivering the initial earthworks with SDB Contracts constructing the sunken garden and gabion baskets, and KEAL, a contractor already well-known to colleagues in the Perth Roads Maintenance Partnership, being appointed to undertake the drainage works.
The project is already progressing well on site. The sunken garden is designed to mirror the success of a similar scheme delivered in Dundashill, Glasgow, and the image below illustrates the high quality outcome the team is aiming to achieve.
By Graeme Allan, Depute RMP Manager



Parent Club is running this campaign to help parents struggling with money or employment worries
If you’re finding it hard with costs mounting up and the thought of applying for benefits you’re entitled to, taking that first step into work, or looking for ways to increase your earnings, can be overwhelming but Parent Club can help. The good news is there is lots of support available and we can guide you to someone you can talk to about applying for benefits and one-off payments, or gaining skills, finding work or childcare.
click the image for more information









Alyth and Blairgowrie camera club have applied for roller banners through the Community Fund. They supplied the images and some information and the Signshop designed up options incorporating all the images
Additional Low Emission Zone signage was ordered for Dundee City Centre




The Orchardbank business park have ordered a replacement signage for the Forfar McDonald’s junction on the A90 to incorporate the business park. These signs were manufactured in multiple pieces and fit together with clips once erected.

Reflective rear hatching kit installed to a PKC vehicle.
Oakbank Primary School
A bespoke pedestrian sign for the school





Tayside Contracts is proud to be a Pledge Partner and will continue to work in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Scotland and the DYW Tay Cities regional group to inspire and prepare Tayside’s young people to succeed in the world of work.
The DYW Pledge replaces the Young Person’s Guarantee and is a commitment from employers to support Scotland's young people to succeed in the world of work - through jobs, apprenticeships, further and higher education, training programmes and volunteering
As a local employer, we have a diverse range of career paths and have seen many employees successfully progress their careers with us
Dougie McKay, Managing Director is passionate about supporting and developing the young workforce as well as our own employees and was delighted to sign the Pledge in February 2026
As a Pledge Partner, in addition to our modern apprenticeship programmes, we committed to offering:
Class Talks within Schools
Workplace Visits for Young People
Work Experience Placements for Young People
Attendance at Career Events/Career Fairs for Young People
Employability Support Sessions including CV Feedback and Mock Interviews for Young People
What we’ve been doing so far in 2026!
We kicked off Scottish Apprenticeship Week which took place from 2 to 6 March 2026 when we joined over 25 local employers at the Developing the Young Workforce, Tay Cities ‘Apprenticeship & Careers Fair’ on Monday 2 March 2026 held at Kingsway Campus, Dundee.
This was a great event attended by Kim Ewan, Mark Melynk, Bernie Woodhouse, Christine Quinn, Mojeed Adeboye and Kyleigh Myles who showcased Tayside Contracts employment opportunities.

Have a read of what they had to say!
“It was extremely positive to attend and promote Tayside Contracts”
Kim
Ewan
CPU Manager
“First time I have attended one and was lovely to get talking to all the young people about their aspirations for the future”.
Christine Quinn Assistant
Catering Manager,
Dundee

“I felt it was really positive, the morning seemed to go by rapidly as students were focused on what they wanted to ask from respective stands. We had a lot of queries relating to the workshop, electrician and construction roles.”
Mark Melynk Businnes Improvement Manager
The team were also joined for a period by Dougie McKay, Managing Director who stated: “It was great to see so many young people in attendance and from speaking to you all, the morning session was even more engaging.”
Natalie Marr, Employer Liaison Officer, DYW Tay Cities stated “Thanks so much for attending and your team were absolutely fantastic. Suzanne, thanks for organising. Your team were very well received by our young people, and they had a lot of the footfall coming through which was approximately 600 which is also amazing. ”
We are delighted with the feedback and looking forward to attending again next year and other events outwith Dundee
Lesley Johnstone and Jane Turver attended Kinross High School Careers Fair on 5 February 2026 This careers fair was open to S3 to S6 pupils and after the school day had finished, was open to S2 pupils and parents/carers.
After Suzanne attended an extremely busy parttime jobs fair held at Abertay University in September 2025, Douglas Irvine and Neil Bovill kindly volunteered to attend on 12 March 2026
Kim Ewan and John Curran (pictured) also attended the Dundee Jobcentre Youth Recruitment Event on 24 March 2026 at Dundee Wellgate
John stated “It was tailored towards young jobseekers, mostly between 18 to 22, I’d say. While some of the attendees had heard of TC, a larger proportion of those who we spoke to didn’t know anything about us and what we did, so it was advantageous to share how broad our operations were. ”
On 20 March 2026, Suzanne Keay attended Morgan Academy to meet with a small group of S4 pupils undertaking an ‘Enterprise Me’ qualification.
Suzanne delivered a presentation to the group on ‘How to Prepare for a Job Interview’ and then returned on 27 March 2026 to carry out mock interviews with them on their preferred job role.
Suzanne thoroughly enjoyed the experience of engaging with the young people and hopes this helps prepare them to smash their first job interview ideally which we hope will be with Tayside Contracts.
We were asked to offer work experience placements to young people from six secondary schools in Dundee Work experiences placements are an important part of careers education, offering young people an opportunity to experience a work environment and help them to plan their future career
We are therefore delighted to have offered:
6 placements within Catering including the CPU and Facilities Operations
4 placements within Facilities Management
1 placement within Corporate Support Services
The work experience placements will take place in April, May and June 2026. The world of work can be a daunting place for a young person and work experience placements can leave a lasting impression on them. Please join us in making the young people feel welcome at Tayside Contracts and show what a great place it is to work








On Wednesday 25 March, ‘Save by the Bell’ SCIO, invited us to join them at The Steeple Church, Dundee to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of empowering young people in Dundee schools over the past 20 years with essential money management skills through financial education
This group applied to the Tayside Contracts Community Fund for the provision of the buffet for their event and they were delighted to be successful in their application.









Feedback from a member of the Brechin Community Garden group stated, ‘I would like to thank you and your squad for the very good job you have done with our new path. And you have taken those horrible mats away and I am very grateful’







By Susie Newton, Training and Development Adviser
As part of Tayside Contracts Wellbeing Strategy, we are committed to delivering training on Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid
Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) course is a nationally recognised training programme designed to improve mental health awareness, confidence, and early intervention skills across communities and workplaces Developed by Public Health Scotland, it equips individuals with practical tools to support someone experiencing mental distress while maintaining healthy boundaries and signposting to professional help
The following is a brief outline of what is covered on the course: guidance on being a Mental Health First Aider attitudes to mental health issues equalities the recovery message the impact of alcohol and drugs on mental health introduction to suicide intervention listening skills
understanding depression how to offer first aid to someone experiencing depression understanding anxiety how to offer first aid to someone experiencing anxiety understanding psychosis how to offer first aid to someone experiencing a psychotic episode


The course does not train people to be mental health workers It offers basic general information about mental health issues. The knowledge presented and understanding developed in the course helps to remove stigma and fear and to give confidence in approaching a person in distress.
Mental Health First Aid is an initial response to distress and all participants on the course understand that this help is given only until other suitable or professional help can be found
The course is delivered in a supportive, interactive environment and runs over two full days (or can be split into several half-days, or shorter sessions).

Feedback on recent courses has been positive, with some comments such as:
Very worthwhile course and I feel much more confident and comfortable handling mental health issues now.
Quality of the training was very high; all topics were approached sensitively

The SMHFA course is open to all
Line Managers
Trade Union Reps
Approved Tayside
Contracts First Aiders
HR Unit

Information was relevant to some situations I have dealt with in the past which gave me a greater understanding of how individuals may have been feeling and what my own actions may have contributed to the persons situation. I found the course interesting and very beneficial to help me support people within the workplace.
This was obviously quite a heavy course to be on and some of the stories and situations were quite tough to hear. A few of the sub-topics really hit home for me Our trainer, Susie had a way about her of making everyone feel very comfortable & regularly checking in with us all I don't know if I would have managed to complete this course if it hadn't been for such a fantastic trainer. Susie really got the core points across whilst also ensuring the mood of the room was lifted at all times I totally appreciate it's an extremely serious subject, but Susie had the exactly correct balance for this course to ensure that it wasn't TOO heavy on us. Thank you.
If you would like to find out more information on attendance speak to your line manager direct.
The Signshop was asked to create signage to be installed on the Heras fence around the works on Union Street, advertising the businesses involved and providing directional signage for the shops along the street

















