THE wait for ScotPlant 2026 is almost over, with a record 215 exhibitors poised to showcase the very best of the Scottish plant sector this weekend (Friday April 24 & Saturday April 25).

The Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston in Edinburgh is the place to find the latest standout machines and innovations from many of the world's leading construction equipment manufacturers and their Scottish dealers.

For three decades, ScotPlant has been the most important event in the calendar for the Scottish plant industry, providing a unique platform to discover the latest solutions, network with sector leaders, and do business in a spectacular yet relaxed and informal setting.

The previous exhibition in 2024 attracted over 6,600 unique visitors over two sun-kissed days. Post-show feedback from both exhibitors and visitors was phenomenal so it is perhaps not surprising that interest in exhibiting this year has exceeded all expectations.

Major brands represented at ScotPlant 2026 will include CASE, Develon, Engcon, Hitachi, JCB, Kobelco, Komatsu, Kubota, Liebherr, LiuGong, Magni, Mecalac, Merlo, Metso, Rototilt, SANY, Steelwrist, Takeuchi, Volvo, Wacker Neuson, and many, many more.

ScotPlant debutants include Ainscough Crane Hire, Flannery Plant Hire, Hirox Attachments, JLG Industries, LGMG Machinery, Parnaby Cyclones, Safety Shield Global, Stevens Equipment Rental, and Stoddart Crane Hire.

One of the event's defining features is the fact it is an exhibition for businesses of all sizes – from global manufacturing giants to sole traders and small family enterprises. As well as the heavy machinery ScotPlant is renowned for, scores of exhibitors will be promoting the latest ancillary products, accessories, solutions and services to hit the construction market.

There will also be a number of operator challenges and competitions running throughout the weekend. Scot JCB and Takeuchi are among those hosting operating challenges, while more simulators than ever before will give attendees the opportunity to experience the realities of life in the operator's seat. The SPOA, Flannery, NPORS, and Sibbald Training – amongst others – will have immersive plant simulators for visitors to try out.

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During the build-up period, we managed to grab a quick word with several exhibitors as they set up their stands.

Pat Bulcock, founder of S Type X, has been a long-time champion of ScotPlant dating back to his days at Steelwrist. He'll be launching a new Novatron Xsite machine control system for the UK over the weekend.

"ScotPlant is just brilliant, isn't it," he beamed. "Good fun, good laughs, good people – that's what it's all about. And even if you don't sell anything during the show, you do later on. We've had six-figure years at ScotPlant."

HRN has increased the size of its stand this year to accommodate a multi-brand line-up that includes the latest models from Kubota, CASE and Mecalac. Highlights will include the Kubota U145 14-tonne excavator and the UK launch of the CASE 1121G+ wheel loader.

Andy Wilson, Kubota construction sales manager at HRN, said, "I'm very much looking forward to the weekend. I love ScotPlant; it's the best show that we do. It's been a long time coming; the weather's nice and it's looking to be very busy.

"I'm excited to show people the new Kubota 14-tonner. It was launched at bauma last year. This is the first one in Scotland and it's sold already. I've been waiting a long time for a 14-tonne Kubota.

"ScotPlant is always very busy. It's good to catch up with people from the islands and everywhere else who you don't get to see (very often)."

The build-up week has been enhanced by sunshine and blue skies, with all current weather forecasts predicting more of the same throughout the show.

In terms of equipment highlights, there are too many to do justice to in this short space, but some of the innovations to look out for include:

• LiuGong's 870HE electric wheel loader, which can be found on the Lloyd Ltd stand

• New JCB A60EH articulated boom lift

• Miller UK's brand new special-edition bucket commemorating the Lighthouse Charity's 70th anniversary

• Bay-Lynx's new Crewmix unit, which makes its debut at ScotPlant 2026

• A Develon DL320-7 loading shovel wrapped in the late Doddie Weir's tartan on Gordons' stand, which is raising money for the rugby legend's My Name'5 Doddie Foundation

• A 'world-first' Volvo FH Aero with patented hidden front stabiliser legs behind the grille on the Mac's Truck stand

• An Eggersmann Forus F38 primary slow-speed shredder, being showcased for the first time at a Scottish exhibition on the Molson stand

• A Kubota U145 14-tonne digger and the UK launch of the CASE 1121G+ wheel loader, presented by HRN

• A Volvo EWR150 wheeled excavator and Arjes Impaktor model on the SMT GB stand

• Strickland MFG's new line of one-tonne hydraulic couplers

• Liebherr's LPO 100 portable battery solution, demonstrated by Ainscough Crane Hire

• New HASDER All-Wolf and Leopard amphibious ATVs, showcased by Buckhurst Plant Hire

• Rototilt's Quick Change product range

• Takeuchi's new range of compact track loaders

• Astrak's new concrete bucket, developed to support efficient handling and placement of concrete on site

• Steelwrist's third generation of tiltrotators

• The UK's first Liebherr LTM 1055‑3.3 telescopic mobile crane

• SANY's brand new 20-tonne SW956E all-electric wheel loader

• The next-gen Komatsu PC220LCi-12 mid-size excavator

• The new Develon Series 9 range of smart crawler excavators

• The first new model AUSA reversible dumper in the UK, on the LCF Engineering stand

• First-of-its-kind SEMIX 100H super mobile concrete batching plant, presented by Blue

ScotPlant 2026 takes place at the Royal Highland Centre, on Friday April 24 and Saturday April 25. Doors open 9am. Entry is FREE.  Register now at www.scotplant.com