Scottish government extends £600m civil engineering framework

The Scottish Government has approved an extension of its flagship Civil Engineering Framework (Scotland), allowing it to remain in place for up to four additional years despite no construction packages having been awarded since its inception. Originally scheduled to expire in 2025, the £600m framework has been extended by an initial two years, with an option to renew for a further 24 months.

The decision was issued under Regulation 72(1)(c) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, which permits contract modifications in response to unforeseen circumstances. According to a voluntary ex ante transparency notice, the extension reflects continued uncertainty surrounding public funding availability for civil engineering schemes valued between £5m and £100m.

No changes have been made to the scope or overall value of the framework. Contracts were originally awarded in March 2024 across three distinct lots. Lots 1 and 2 cover general and structural civil engineering works ranging from £5m to £25m, while Lot 3 includes major civil engineering projects up to £100m in value.

Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, and Graham secured positions across all three lots. Galliford Try and RJ McLeod were appointed to Lots 1 and 2, with Taziker Industrial included in Lot 2 only. Amalgamated Construction and Farrans Construction, operating as part of Northstone, were appointed to Lots 1 and 3.

The individual lot values are capped at £120m for Lot 1, £80m for Lot 2, and £400m for Lot 3. These figures represent maximum potential expenditure and may not be fully realised due to delayed project pipelines.

A formal modification notice is expected at the conclusion of the VEAT period to confirm the extension. The move provides continued procurement flexibility while funding conditions and project readiness across Scotland’s civil engineering sector remain constrained.