Housebuilding is set to provide a growth boost for Scotland's construction industry, according to new research.

The Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast revealed that the strongest area of industry activity over the next five years will be in the housing sector.

It is predicted both public housing (3.6%) and private housing (4.1%) will grow over this period, while repair and maintenance of buildings will improve year on year by 2.3%.

CITB said this growth is down to large infrastructure projects, such as the Queensferry Crossing, Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and extensive motorway upgrades, being completed within their time periods.

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However, the research indicates Scotland will need over 21,000 new construction workers over the next five years to meet demand.

Steve Radley, Director of Policy at CITB, said: "Scottish construction has had an incredible few years, operating at record highs, with a string of major infrastructure projects delivered. This report shows that housebuilding will now take over as the prime driver of growth.

"With over 21,000 new workers needed over the next few years, there remain excellent, rewarding career opportunities in construction.

"We want to support firms in Scotland to take on apprentices, and upskill their workforce, while encouraging young people to join the industry to help construction grow in years to come."

Overall growth for Scotland is predicted at 0.5% per annum from 2016-2020 against a UK average of 2.5%, with a 0.7% dip in overall employment.

(LM/MH)