The Scottish construction equipment industry is preparing for its largest event of the calendar year as ScotPlant 2026 returns to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. Taking place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April, the sold-out exhibition will feature a record-breaking 215 exhibitors, including global manufacturers and local Scottish dealerships.

The event follows a highly successful 2024 show, which saw more than 6,600 unique visitors. This year's line-up includes major international brands such as JCB, Volvo, Hitachi, Komatsu, Liebherr, and Kubota. Several firms are also making their ScotPlant debut, including JLG Industries, Ainscough Crane Hire, and Flannery Plant Hire, while returning exhibitors include SMT GB and Ifor Williams Trailers.

Innovation remains a focal point for 2026, with several machines making their first appearances in Scotland or the UK. Highlights include the UK launch of the CASE 1121G+ wheel loader and the UK exhibition debut of the all-electric SANY SW965E wheel loader. Visitors will also see the new Develon Series 9 smart crawler excavators, the T-REX vacuum excavation system from Suction Excavation UK, and the Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 telescopic mobile crane.

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In addition to static displays, the event will feature interactive elements, including operator challenges hosted by Scot JCB, Takeuchi, and Sibbald Training. Notable industry figures such as Amy Underwood, known as 'The Digger Girl', will be in attendance, alongside Dave Vickers of 'Digging with Dave' fame, who will oversee the Takeuchi challenge.

Gary Moug, editor of Project Plant magazine, said: "As always, the appetite for ScotPlant has been phenomenal and we're all looking forward to another stellar instalment of the iconic event. The bar was set incredibly high two years ago when visitors enjoyed two days of glorious sunshine on a weekend that showed the Scottish plant industry at its very best.

"We can't guarantee a repeat of the weather, but we can certainly promise to deliver a truly unique platform for industry stakeholders to network, do business, and check out the latest innovations to hit the marketplace."

The exhibition remains free for attendees, and registration is available via the official ScotPlant website. Support from trade bodies, including the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), ensures a strong representative presence for the wider sector.