Confidence within the Scottish construction industry has hit a new high, but employers are worried about critical skills shortages in key trades and managerial positions.
Echoing a warning expressed recently by Aberdeen building magnate Stewart Milne, they are calling for the greater promotion of careers in the construction trades.
They also want increased funding to help recruit and train more apprentices, and warn of acute skills shortages in certain regions including Fife.
These are some of the key findings of the latest Scottish Construction Monitor, a quarterly survey of the membership of leading trade body the Scottish Building Federation.
The survey shows industry confidence at a new high of +26, up 15 points compared to the previous quarter.
It is the sixth consecutive quarter in which overall confidence within the Scottish construction industry has been rated positive, and the highest confidence rating recorded since the Construction Monitor began in 2008.
The survey also asked industry employers about skills shortages across individual trades and management roles, and found carpentry and joinery skills to be in generally short supply with companies in the north east.
Bricklayers were in short supply across all regions, and especially Central and Fife.
Employers there also reported a critical shortage of wood machinists, and all regions were having difficulties recruiting stonemasons and plant operators.
The survey identified challenges across all regions in filling general construction supervisor and site manager roles.
Employers in the Highlands and Islands reported particular difficulties with recruiting project managers.
Employers in the Central and Fife regions reported the highest number of skills shortages in the local construction sector, while companies in the Highlands and Islands reported the fewest skills shortages of any Scottish region.
Members believe current levels of Government and Construction Industry Training Board grants to help recruit and train apprentices are insufficient.