Top 10 Best Building Material Companies in Shetland Islands

Building for Shetland's Climate

Construction in the Shetland Islands is unlike building almost anywhere else in the UK. Homes and commercial buildings must withstand some of the strongest winds in Europe, horizontal rain, salt-laden air and long, dark winters. Every bag of cement, sheet of insulation and length of timber either comes from a local quarry or crosses the sea by freight ferry. Planning, material quality and reliable suppliers matter enormously.

Demand for building materials in Shetland has been driven by new housing, energy infrastructure, renovation of traditional croft houses and growth in tourism accommodation. This guide highlights ten building material companies whose products and services underpin construction across the islands.

How We Selected These Companies

Our list considers local presence, product range, suitability for exposed coastal conditions, reliability of supply to the islands and reputation among builders and homeowners. It includes island-based merchants and contractors as well as national manufacturers whose products are widely specified in Shetland.

The Top 10 Building Material Companies in Shetland Islands

1. Hay and Company

Hay and Company is one of the oldest business names in Lerwick, with roots going back to the islands' merchant trading days. As a builders' merchant it supplies timber, cement, plumbing, insulation and hardware to trade professionals and DIY customers. Its local stock and knowledge make it a cornerstone of Shetland construction.

2. DITT Group

DITT is one of Shetland's largest construction companies, handling civil engineering, housing and commercial projects. Its in-house capabilities, including aggregates and plant, help keep island building projects moving without long waits for mainland resources.

3. Garriock Brothers

Garriock Brothers is a long-established Shetland building and joinery contractor. Its experience with island conditions and its joinery manufacturing give homeowners access to quality windows, doors and interior woodwork built for the local climate.

4. Kingspan

Kingspan manufactures high-performance insulation boards and insulated panels. Its products help Shetland homes and commercial buildings meet demanding energy efficiency standards, reducing heating costs in a region with long heating seasons.

5. Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain, through brands such as British Gypsum, Celotex and Isover, supplies plasterboard, insulation and building systems. These products are standard on Shetland building sites for interior finishing and thermal performance.

6. Breedon Group

Breedon is a major supplier of aggregates, cement and ready-mixed concrete across Scotland. Its materials and technical expertise support infrastructure and building projects throughout the Highlands and Islands.

7. Tarmac

Tarmac provides asphalt, aggregates, concrete and building products. Its road surfacing materials are used on infrastructure projects where durability against heavy rain and frost is essential.

8. Marley

Marley produces roof tiles, slates and complete roofing systems, including solutions tested against high wind loads. In a place where roofs face constant battering from Atlantic gales, wind-resistant roofing is a critical choice.

9. VELUX

VELUX roof windows bring daylight into lofts and upper floors, which is valuable in Shetland where winter days are very short. Its weather-tight designs suit renovations of traditional one-and-a-half storey croft houses.

10. James Jones and Sons

James Jones and Sons is one of Scotland's largest timber processors, producing construction timber, fencing and pallets. Its Scottish-grown timber is widely used in island housing, fencing and agricultural buildings.

Challenges of Building in Shetland

Builders in Shetland must plan around ferry schedules, weather windows and higher transport costs. Wind loading influences everything from roof design to scaffolding safety. Moisture management is also critical, as poorly detailed buildings can quickly suffer from damp and corrosion. Experienced local contractors and merchants who understand these issues are invaluable.

Construction Trends in the Islands

• Energy-efficient housing: High insulation levels, airtight construction and heat pumps are becoming standard.
• Timber frame growth: Off-site manufactured timber frames speed up construction during short weather windows.
• Croft house renovation: Restoring traditional stone buildings with modern comfort is increasingly popular.
• Infrastructure investment: Energy projects, harbour upgrades and roads are driving demand for aggregates and concrete.
• Tourism accommodation: New holiday lets and glamping pods are creating steady demand for materials.

Tips for Sourcing Materials

Order early and allow for ferry and weather delays. Choose materials rated for severe exposure, including stainless or galvanised fixings and wind-rated roofing. Working with local merchants often gives better advice and faster problem-solving than ordering directly from the mainland, and buying in coordinated loads can reduce freight costs.

Lerwick and Beyond: Regional Building Demand

Most building activity is concentrated in and around Lerwick, where new housing estates, commercial units and public buildings are steadily expanding the town. Rural areas tell a different story. In Northmavine, the Westside and the North Isles, projects are more likely to be single croft houses, agricultural sheds or extensions, often reached by narrow roads or inter-island ferries. Delivering materials to these locations takes careful scheduling, smaller vehicles and sometimes a lorry-mounted crane. Merchants and contractors who regularly serve outlying districts understand these constraints and can advise on the right delivery approach.

Conclusion

Building in the Shetland Islands takes resilient materials and dependable suppliers. The ten companies on this list, from historic Lerwick merchants to leading national manufacturers, provide the products and expertise that let homes, businesses and infrastructure stand up to the North Atlantic. Choosing the right partners will help any project be completed on time and built to last.