From Day 1 to Year 3: My Journey with Timberwise Scotland

1 April 2025

By Stuart McGinlay, Senior Surveyor at Timberwise Scotland

The Return of Timberwise to Scotland – A Journey of Growth

It’s incredible to look back and see how far Timberwise has come in Scotland in just three years since re-establishing itself in Scotland. From an initial single base in Glasgow to now operating in Edinburgh, Perth, and expanding even further over the months to come, the journey has been nothing short of transformational. More clients, more surveyors, more services, and more trust in the Timberwise name. And for me personally, it’s been exciting and rewarding to be part of this growth from day one.

But in many ways, joining Timberwise as it returned to Scotland 3 years ago feels more like a homecoming than a new start. For many, even those close to me, it may surprise you to learn this is actually my third time working with Timberwise – a company that has played a huge role in my career.

I started over 40 years ago as a technician when Timberwise was a very different company, before returning for a 2^nd time as a surveyor. And now, with Timberwise back and thriving in Scotland, I’m proud to be part of a team that is growing stronger every year.

Building the Foundations – A Strong Start

From day one, it was clear Timberwise wasn’t here to ‘test the waters’ in Scotland – we were here to make an impact.

The first few months were fast-paced, exciting, and, honestly, exceeded expectations. While there was a lot of groundwork to do in terms of expanding our team, increasing visibility, and reconnecting with the market, the response from clients was overwhelmingly positive.

I always remember (and being ‘old school’, this did surprise me) one of the biggest initial challenges was ensuring that Scottish homeowners and property professionals understood just how comprehensive Timberwise’s services are. While Timberwise has a strong and trusted reputation across the UK, in Scotland, we had to take time to reintroduce ourselves, highlight our expertise, and showcase the industry-leading services we offer – from damp proofing and timber preservation to waterproofing and structural repair.

However, thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations, successful projects, and a team dedicated to excellence, Timberwise has been gradually re-establishing itself as the ‘go-to name’ in Scotland once again.

Expanding and Adapting – The Evolution of Timberwise Scotland

 

What’s been most exciting about the last three years however, is how much we’ve grown – not just in size, but in how we operate. The industry itself has changed, and Timberwise has invested heavily to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.

For me personally, some of the biggest developments include:

• Technology & Reporting – With the introduction of new IT systems and digital reporting tools, allowing for faster survey turnarounds and improved client communication.
• Team Growth & Training – Expanding from a handful of surveyors to a growing team across multiple regions.
• Service Expansion – Increasing our presence in Edinburgh, Perth, and beyond, meaning we can now serve more clients across Scotland with the same high standards.
• Major Projects & Partnerships – Securing high-profile commercial projects (some of which I wish I could talk about, but security says otherwise!)

One thing that hasn’t changed? The Timberwise commitment to quality, expertise, and customer service. For me personally, that’s what’s driving our continued success.

Career Highlights – The Projects That Stand Out

 

On a personal level, being part of this Timberwise Scottish expansion has been incredibly rewarding. It’s been great to work on challenging, high-profile projects that have really pushed my expertise.

The standout for me? The Govan Shipyard project – the biggest job of my career. While I can’t share too many details for security reasons, I can say it’s been an extraordinary experience working on something of this scale. Along with me being a ‘waterproofing geek’, these types of large-scale, technically demanding waterproofing projects are what I love most about the job.

Beyond individual projects, I’d also say one of my biggest career milestones was finally hitting the £1 million sales threshold – something thats been a ‘bucket list’ item to tick off for a long time. I’ve been close many time before, but finally, Timberwise gave me the platform and the support to make it happen.

Lessons Learned & Looking to the Future

Every industry has its challenges, and for us, recruitment has been a big focus area. As we continue to grow in Scotland, we need to bring in more skilled surveyors, technicians, and apprentices to help meet demand. Developing the next generation is something I’m really passionate about, and I’d love to see Timberwise become the biggest privately and family owned preservation company in Scotland. We are certainly on track to do so.

If I had one piece of advice for someone looking to enter this industry in Scotland, it would be: Be prepared to work hard, build relationships, and keep learning. Success in this business isn’t handed to you – it’s earned through experience, reputation, and expertise.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about where Timberwise is going. The momentum we’ve built over the last three years in Scotland is just the beginning. With continued growth, investment in technology, and a team that’s committed to excellence, I have no doubt that Timberwise Scotland will only go from strength to strength north of the border.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on the last three years, I’d sum it up like this: exciting, rewarding, fast-paced, and full of opportunity. Timberwise in Scotland has come a long way in a short space of time, and it’s a privilege to be part of this journey.

Whether you’re a housing association, property developer, or surveyor, if you’re looking for a partner in damp, timber, and waterproofing solutions in Scotland (or the rest of the UK), Timberwise is here to help. Three years down in Scotland, and many more to come!  Give it a couple more years and we will hopefully establish ourselves as the biggest company in Scotland.

Look out for my next blog in 3 years time to hopefully tell that story!