April 2026 Project of the Month: Scaffolding & Access Supplies Ltd.

For April’s Project of the Month, we’re proud to feature Scaffolding & Access Supplies Ltd and their work on the Verdant Works solar installation project in Dundee.

Set within a historic jute mill museum that remained open to the public throughout the works, this project required a carefully planned, fully compliant access solution balancing heritage constraints, public safety, and efficient delivery.

Built on Experience and Innovation:

Established in 2017, Scaffolding & Access Supplies Ltd is a family-run business specialising in the supply of safe, reliable, and innovative access solutions for working at height.

With over 35 years of industry experience, the business brings strong expertise across scaffolding operations, project management, and health & safety compliance. Their services include hire, sales, and installation of Aluminium and Cuplok system scaffolds, alongside a wide range of alternative access solutions such as mac-deck safety systems, ladders, podiums, and small access towers.

Their approach is built on attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and rapid response times, with safety and compliance at the forefront of every project.

The Project: Verdant Works, Dundee

Verdant Works is a listed historic jute mill located in the heart of Dundee. The project involved supporting the installation of a solar energy system, requiring safe roof access while preserving the integrity of the building.

Scaffolding & Access Supplies Ltd were responsible for the design, supply, and installation of a bespoke scaffold system, providing full access while maintaining safety, stability, and efficiency throughout the works.

Delivering in a Live Heritage Environment:

Working within a live museum open to the public introduced several complex challenges.

As the building is listed, formal approval was required for any ties into the structure. An initial buttressed scaffold design was considered but ultimately deemed impractical due to restricted courtyard space and ongoing public foot traffic. A tied scaffold solution was therefore developed as the most suitable and least disruptive option.

The scaffold design also incorporated several key elements:

• A loading bay extending into the adjacent car park to allow safe and efficient material handling

• A staircase access tower positioned within the courtyard

• Bridging over existing skylights at lower roof level, requiring careful planning to avoid damage

• Adapting to the building’s natural curvature, ensuring stability while following the façade line

• Additional measures, including debris netting, were installed to prevent falling materials during roof works.

Complex Design and Installation:

The project involved several technically demanding design considerations.

A key challenge was ensuring that the scaffold could be safely tied into a listed structure without causing damage, requiring careful planning and approval processes.

At lower roof level, the team needed to account for leg loadings onto the existing structure, ensuring loads were properly distributed and remained within safe limits. The requirement to span over skylights added further complexity, demanding bespoke solutions to bridge these areas without risk.

The scaffold layout was also reconfigured to suit site constraints. With limited courtyard space, the staircase was positioned within the courtyard, while the loading bay extended into the car park, ensuring safe access and efficient operations without disrupting the site.

Safety, Compliance & Collaboration:

Safety was critical throughout the project, particularly given the building’s historic nature and public access.

The works were supported by detailed risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), a fully trained and competent workforce, and ongoing site supervision. Regular toolbox talks and site briefings ensured all operatives remained aware of site-specific risks.

Strict adherence to PPE requirements was maintained, including the use of harnesses and fall arrest systems, with a focus on collective fall prevention wherever possible.

All works were carried out in full compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards, including:

• Work at Height Regulations 2005
• BS EN 12810 & BS EN 12811
• NASC TG20:21
• SG4:22
• Manufacturer’s Cuplok guidance
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Close collaboration with the main contractor, design teams, and other stakeholders ensured the scaffold design aligned with all project requirements. Regular communication and early planning discussions allowed the team to adapt quickly to evolving site conditions.

Managing Logistics on a Restricted Site:

Logistics presented a significant challenge due to restricted access, narrow streets, and limited storage space.

Scaffolding equipment was delivered in three carefully planned phases, ensuring materials were available at the correct stages of the build. A secure compound was established in the courtyard, allowing works to commence immediately.

Additional materials were delivered to a second compound in the car park. Due to access restrictions, the HIAB could not enter the site directly, requiring materials to be offloaded externally and transported into position using a pallet truck.

This process was carefully managed to maintain safe access routes and ensure sufficient space remained for the installation of the loading bay.

SMART Estimator in Action:

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

The platform supported the development of accurate design concepts, ensuring loading limits were correctly calculated and aligned with the building’s structural requirements. It also streamlined pricing and quotation processes, maintaining consistency with previous projects.

Key benefits included:

• Detailed concept designs and visual outputs, improving client understanding
• Accurate material take-offs, supporting efficient logistics planning
• Faster quotation generation, improving turnaround times
• Improved communication across teams, ensuring alignment between design, commercial, and operations

SMART Estimator also strengthened client relationships, with feedback highlighting the clarity, professionalism, and visual quality of the proposals.

In addition, the system supported cost management and sustainability, allowing adjustments for transport and logistics while reducing reliance on paper-based processes through cloud-based storage.

Results & Reflections:

The Verdant Works project reinforced the importance of effective planning, clear communication, and adaptable design when working within complex, live heritage environments.

Early-stage planning played a critical role in ensuring efficient logistics, enabling the scaffold to be delivered safely, on time, and without disruption to the public.

Looking Ahead:

With a number of large projects in the pipeline, Scaffolding & Access Supplies Ltd continue to utilise SMART Estimator to support design development and project delivery.

Looking forward, the team see strong potential in drone surveys and AI-assisted tools, which could enhance accuracy, improve planning efficiency, and reduce the need for manual site assessments.

Built for Scaffolders Like Scaffolding & Access Supplies Ltd

SMART Scaffolder helps scaffolding businesses design smarter, price accurately, and deliver with confidence, from heritage projects to complex commercial installations.