ScotPlant 2026 is in the books following another spectacular instalment of the long-running exhibition.
Huge crowds took the opportunity to discover the innovations shaping the future of construction, network with industry leaders, and do business as the entire Scottish plant community converged in one place over two sun-kissed days at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh.
Many deals were concluded over the weekend. Les Aitchison, director at Solway Machinery Sales, said ScotPlant Day One was his best ever day at a trade exhibition, with multiple products sold. Nathan Donnelly, area sales manager at SANY UK, revealed they sold a SY20C mini-excavator and breaker straight off the stand.
Lyle Sibbald, north sales manager for mobile cranes at Liebherr, was beaming about the event. “ScotPlant is probably one of the best dates in the diary for this industry when it comes to exhibiting equipment,” he said. “It’s just a real highlight for people in the plant industry; it’s something we really look forward to.”
The Liebherr stand featured the UK’s first LTM 1055‑3.3 telescopic mobile crane, which was recently purchased by Stoddart Crane Hire. Lyle explained the firm wanted to have the landmark machine on display at ScotPlant because it’s ‘such an iconic show for the Scottish plant industry’.
Malcolm Long, country manager at Rototilt, praised Scottish plant operators for the way they have embraced the tiltrotator concept. Rototilt’s 40th anniversary has been celebrated during ScotPlant 2026.
“The first opportunity we had, we came along to ScotPlant and we’ve never regretted it for a minute,” Malcolm said. “It’s really important that we’re seen and we’re able to get the message across. This is a great opportunity for people to come to one location and see a number of different brands, models and equipment. We wouldn’t miss the opportunity. We have a demonstration plot for tiltrotators, which is perfect.”
Another anniversary being marked at ScotPlant was Takeuchi UK’s 30 years in the UK and Ireland. The company held a timed operator challenge, hosted by Dave Vickers, aka Digging With Dave.
Dave revealed that ScotPlant is one of his favourite shows and hailed the skills of Scottish operators who took part in the competition. “We’ve got some really quick times,” he said. “The Scottish operators never fail to amaze me!”
Ian Rose, director at Wm W.M. Rose & Sons, has exhibited at every ScotPlant. He said it’s a show the business always looks forward to – and one they’ve enjoyed success from over the years.
“It’s been good for us as a company,” he added. “I think (trade shows) are very important because manufacturers are continually (launching) new products with new features on the machines. It’s important for customers… to come along and see new developments and designs.”
Northern Ireland-headquartered Top Survey exhibited at ScotPlant for the first time this year, having previously attended the event as visitors. Director Matthew Kelly said, “There’s plenty of people out and a lot of plant on show, so we thought there’d be no better place to come and exhibit our products.”
Stay tuned to the ScotPlant website and social media platforms over the coming weeks for plenty post-show information and photographs – and of course details about the next event in 2028!
