Phase 1 of the Perth Transport Futures infrastructure project has been named as Contract of the Year at the 2019 NEC Contracts Awards.

The infrastructure project is a collaborative partnership between Perth & Kinross Council and contractor Balfour Beatty, which includes career development opportunities and skill-building for young people.

Announced as winner of the Contract of the Year Category, the award recognises the collaborative approach taken by the Council as project manager, and Balfour Beatty as the main contractor for the construction.

This award is the latest in a series of national and local prizes recognising the success of individual contributions to the project, and the overall project throughout its life:

• SCOTS Achievement Award for the A9/A85 - Jillian Ferguson, Perth & Kinross Council

• National Social Value Award - whole project

• Perth College UHI Apprentice of the Year Award, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Awards - Liam Boyle, Balfour Beatty

• Perth & Kinross Council Designing Futures Together staff awards, Gold winner in the Strong & Sustainable Communities Category - whole project

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Councillor Murray Lyle, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said: "The scale and impact of the A9/A85 junction and link road works should not be underestimated. This was an extremely important project both in terms of the financial investment by the Council, but also the long-term value it brings for the city as we grow Perth to the west.

"A huge congratulations have to go to all the members of the team involved from both the Council and the contractor side, to deliver this project. They have very much approached this as a collaboration, one which stretches beyond the people who have been on site, to include the wider partnership approach across planning, business development, finance, education and beyond. The recognition they are receiving locally and nationally for the work which has gone into this is very much to be welcomed.

"There are few local authorities who are able to give their staff the opportunity to work on a roads infrastructure project of such significance. It has been fantastic to see how each member of the team has embraced this to not only deliver a major new road layout, but also real benefits to build skills and engage young people in see the potential for a career in this area of work."

Hector MacAulay, Balfour Beatty Managing Director of Scotland and Ireland, also said: "We are delighted that the work of our combined team on the A9/A85 and Bertha Park link has been recognised across the industry.

"Balfour Beatty has collaborated relentlessly with Perth and Kinross Council to support their ambitious infrastructure plans in Perth whilst delivering real and sustainable benefits for the local economy and wider community."

The NEC Award specifically recognised the importance of working between the Council and Balfour Beatty from an early stage in the contract. This approach ensured that both the client and contractor were clear on what needed to be delivered, and worked together to ensure that the project outcomes were delivered on time, and within budget.