Company History

Charles Duguid originally founded the business in the 1950’s growing his building company locally through a reputation for innovation, determination and a can do attitude.

In the early days he developed techniques for pulling and laying electric cables and ducts as well as utility pipes initially with horse drawn equipment using a modified mole plough and winch creating what was a ‘niche’ market in utilities for his company. Charles Duguid could be considered as one of the first pioneers of Multi-Utility service laying in Scotland.

The company went on to be known as C.A. Duguid & Sons operating mainly in the construction industry in the North East of Scotland. A significant opportunity then presented itself with a term contract through the then General Post Office to lay Telecoms Equipment. Further opportunity came outside the construction industry during the mid 1970’s when they were involved in gas conversion work. This gas capability was developed and work continued on mains replacement in the Turriff area, this work was extended in North Scotland to cover the North East sector.

Turriff Contractors Limited was formed in 1986 when Ellis Duguid assumed control and developed the company expanding into the water, gas and drainage sectors of the industry. Due to increased market share in the Gas market Turriff moved towards supplying the gas network owners with further scope of works including mains rehabilitation, new supplies, network extension, maintenance and reinstatement.

With the award of a substantial 5 year contract in 1998, Turriff developed its management systems which are now the bedrock of the company defined in the Quality, Environmental & Safety standards. This control allowed the company to develop with 100 employees and a £3mil turnover. Subsequent awards of contracts in the utilities sector in 2002 outside the North East of Scotland meant the company had to expand into the Tayside and Perthshire regions. This culminated in the appointment of David Morrison as General Manager in 2002. Further developments in 2004 resulted in a management buy out and the formation of Turriff Utilities Limited (TUL) with Ellis Duguid and David Morrison being the shareholders.

Increased capability resulted in a further operation being set up in Falkirk in late 2004 with a subsequent increase the direct labour resource to over 300 people and a turnover of over £16m. Continued development has enabled Turriff to diversify its product range and scope of services achieving the necessary accreditation with work being done in the Water, Gas, Electricity, Drainage and Telecoms sectors.