January 2026 Project of the Month: JR Scaffold Services Ltd.

Delivering a fully free-standing scaffold to a 25-metre historic monument in the heart of Glasgow’s busiest public square is no ordinary project, and it’s the perfect way to kick off our 2026 Project of the Month series.

For JR Scaffold Services Ltd, this project was an opportunity to showcase 30 years of experience, engineering precision, and professional delivery on one of Scotland’s most high-profile and historically significant sites.

Built on Experience:

JR Scaffold Services Ltd are one of Scotland’s largest scaffold suppliers, operating nationwide across major projects in housing, education, healthcare, MoD installations, and government buildings.

Despite their scale, the business applies the same level of commitment and quality to smaller domestic works, including re-roofing, maintenance, and extensions. As a full NASC member and one of the few scaffold contractors holding an Asbestos Ancillary Licence, JR’s reputation is built on compliance, capability, and consistency.

The Project: George Square, Glasgow

The multi-million-pound refurbishment of George Square required bespoke scaffolding solutions for several of the city’s most iconic monuments. Following a rigorous tender process, JR Scaffold Services were appointed to deliver scaffolds for the Queen Victoria, Robert Burns, and Prince Albert monuments.

On completion of these works, JR were awarded the most complex phase of the programme, the Sir Walter Scott Monument.

Standing 25 metres high in the centre of the square, the monument required a fully free-standing scaffold, with no physical ties permitted. The scaffold also had to support conservation works involving stone sections weighing up to 500kg, while remaining stable in an exposed city-centre environment during the winter months.

Working closely with Rainton Construction, Gallery Solutions, and Glasgow City Council, JR delivered a robust engineered solution that met strict structural, safety, and programme requirements.

Safety, Design & Collaboration:

With the project located in one of Glasgow’s busiest public spaces, safety and compliance were critical. Every scaffold design was carefully reviewed, scrutinised, and agreed by all stakeholders before work commenced.J

R’s experienced operatives, trusted to work on historic and listed structures, carried out the installation safely and efficiently, completing the works fully in accordance with the approved designs and without programme disruption.

SMART Estimator in Action:

SMART Estimator played a central role in the planning, design, and delivery of this project.

The platform enabled JR to produce an initial scaffold design and cost model ahead of early discussions with council engineers. As the scaffold evolved to incorporate block and chain systems and a material hoist, SMART Estimator allowed accurate design amendments and re-pricing without losing control of scope or cost.

Key benefits included:

• Professional, itemised quotations clearly showing clients what was being provided
• Optional 3D visuals, helping stakeholders understand the proposed scaffold layout
• Material load lists, allowing teams to prepare materials in advance and reduce wasted time
• Improved internal communication, giving contracts teams clear visibility of heights, loadings, and scaffold configuration

“Our clients regularly comment on the professional presentation of our quotations. SMART Estimator reflects the level of professionalism we expect from ourselves.”

For JR Scaffold Services, SMART Estimator was not just a design tool, it was essential in maintaining accuracy, transparency, and confidence throughout a complex and evolving project.

Results & Reflections:

The George Square project reinforced the importance of careful planning, clear communication, and the right digital tools. With all parties aligned on design and safety from the outset, JR Scaffold Services delivered a technically challenging scaffold smoothly from installation through to handover.

Looking Ahead

As JR Scaffold Services celebrate 30 years in business, they are preparing to move into a new £6 million headquarters in Govan, close to where the company was founded in 1995.

In January 2026, JR Scaffold Services will also deliver the full scaffold and design package for “The Albion”, a major new-build housing development opposite Ibrox Stadium — a fitting next chapter for a business built on experience, professionalism, and ambition.

Built for Scaffolders Like JR Scaffold Services:

SMART Scaffolder helps scaffold contractors design smarter, price accurately, and present professionally, from historic monuments to complex urban developments.