At an event in Holyrood last week, the FMB laid out five key areas it wants to see the next Scottish government tackle in support of the construction industry.

These are skills, standards and licensing, retrofit and energy efficiency, planning and housebuildings, and public sector contracts.

Like in England, the FMB is pushing for the government in Scotland to introduce a mandatory licensing framework for builders. The aim of this would be to both protect homeowners and the reputation of the profession.

Elsewhere, the FMB wants to see more support for skills development in the Scottish construction industry, with greater guidance around retrofitting and reform of the country’s planning system.

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The trade association’s manifesto highlighted several areas where the industry is failing, with a 100,000 shortfall of homes in the country.

This is being caused by several issues, from bureaucracy and confusion at a policy level, to a stagnation of apprenticeships - with a projected 3,590 additional workers needed every year until 2029 to meet demand.

“The five areas in our Builders’ Manifesto set out a clear path for a stronger, safer and more productive construction sector,” said Gordon Nelson, FMB Scotland director.

“Scotland cannot deliver the homes and energy upgrades it needs without backing the local builders who do the work on the ground and the introduction of a licensing scheme.”

Brian Berry, CEO at the FMB, added: “With construction contributing over £10bn to Scotland’s economy, it’s vital that the next government works with the FMB to raise standards and deliver more homes."