An absolutely fantastic evening of celebration took place at the CIHT Scotland Annual Awards and Dinner on Thursday, 1 October. The event recognised excellence across the transportation sector and provided an opportunity to showcase the breadth and quality of work being delivered throughout Scotland.
 
The Awards Dinner was held at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Glasgow, and brought together representatives from a wide range of organisations, including local authorities, consultancies, contractors and industry partners.
 
The evening was opened by CIHT Scotland Chair, Ravi Grandhi, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the significant contribution being made across Scotland's transport sector, while recognising the importance of diversity, inclusion and investment in future professionals. 

This was followed by an address from Kate Carpenter, President of CIHT, who highlighted the exceptionally high standard of entries received this year, showcasing the innovation, collaboration and professionalism that define Scotland's transport profession.

After dinner, attention turned to the main event of the evening: the announcement of the award winners:

National Transport Project of the Year Award:

Winner - SEStran Regional Bus Strategy and Action Plan - submitted by SEStran and SYSTRA

Local Transport Project of the Year Award:

Winner - North Bridge Refurbishment Project - submitted by AtkinsRéalis, Balfour Beatty, City of Edinburgh Council
Highly Commended – Glasgow Cycle Hire Scheme - submitted by Glasgow City Council
Highly Commended – Culbokie Active Travel Project – submitted by The Highland Council and Culbokie Community Council

Community Benefit Initiative of the Year:

Winner - Engineering the Future Workforce: Inspiring the Next Generation in Transport Infrastructure - submitted by Amey
Highly Commended - Leaving a Lasting Legacy: North Ayrshire Employability and Community Programme - submitted by Amey/Salvation Army
Highly Commended - Aberdeen Rapid Transit:  Bringing Aberdeen Rapid Transit from Concept to Classroom - submitted by Stantec

Emerging Professional of the Year Award:

Winner - Sasha Liwcki (Jacobs)
Highly Commended - Erin Cameron (AtkinsRealis)

Career Achievement Award:

Alison Irvine, Chief Executive, Transport for Scotland

With approximately 35 years’ experience in Scotland’s transport sector, Alison Irvine has made an exceptional and sustained contribution through strategic leadership, public service and commitment to the profession. Beginning her career with Babtie in 1990, she progressed to Principal Engineer before joining AECOM in 2003 with a focus on development planning, and leaving as Regional Director in 2008 to join Transport Scotland.
Also in 2008, she became the first female Chair of the former CIHT Central and Southern Scotland Branch, demonstrating the leadership and inclusive approach that have characterised her career.

A Fellow of CIHT and Chartered Engineer, Alison continues to serve the profession as a regular speaker, mentor and highly visible role model. She champions women in engineering, inclusive workplaces and the development of future professionals, while contributing to Heriot-Watt University’s Civil Engineering Strategic Advisory Board and judging the Scottish Transport Awards. Alison’s career combines technical excellence, strategic vision and dedicated public service, leaving an enduring legacy for transport in Scotland.

Unsung Hero of the Year Award

Malcolm Hall, Glasgow City Council

Malcolm Hall is the quiet force behind some of Glasgow’s most complex active travel improvements. Through Connecting Woodside and Charing Cross, he has combined technical expertise, safety-focused design and strong partnership working to deliver lasting benefits for walking, wheeling and cycling, while generously supporting colleagues with practical advice and mentoring.

Congratulations to all of the winners and commended entries.

The evening was far from over, with the awards ceremony followed by a performance from Aishwarya Patil, a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer, and live music from Talking About Ray, which helped create a memorable atmosphere for guests.

The event's chosen charity partner was Lymphoma Action, a charity that makes a real difference to the lives of people affected by lymphoma, the UK's most common blood cancer. CIHT Scotland was proud to support the charity through donations and a raffle held during the dinner. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of attendees, together with an exceptionally generous donation from JH Civil Engineering, more than £3,850 was raised on the night.

CIHT Scotland would like to extend its sincere thanks to the event sponsors: AtkinsRéalis, Clearview Intelligence, Mott MacDonald, Stantec, Tracsis and Waterman Aspen. Thanks are also extended to programme sponsor Tetra Tech for its support, to the Scottish Roads Archive for providing the historical images, and to Clark James, Andy Dunn and Sean McInally for capturing photographs and video footage throughout the evening.

Finally, CIHT Scotland would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the evening, whether by submitting an award entry, sponsoring the event, volunteering, performing, donating to the charity or attending on the night.

We look forward to celebrating with you again next year.