13 November 2026
New community tool library opens in Perth thanks to Robertson Construction Tayside
A new community library offering local residents free access to tools and equipment has officially opened in Perth following a refurbishment, valued at more than £28,000, by Robertson Construction Tayside and its supply chain.
Created by local sustainability charity Letham Climate Challenge, Letham Lend and Mend in North Perth offers a choice of hundreds of useful items for people to borrow, saving them from buying equipment they may use only occasionally.
Items available include DIY tools, gardening equipment, sewing machines, carpet cleaners and camping equipment, helping households save money and making it easier to repair, reuse and try new hobbies.
The project has transformed an underused room within the charity’s furniture store into a purpose-built lending space. Previously divided into cupboards and separate toilet and sink cubicles, the room lacked the usable floor space needed to establish the library.
The refurbishment formed part of the community benefits associated with the construction of Perth High School, which Robertson delivered for hub East Central Scotland on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council.
Robertson organised the work for the lending library through Helping Hands, a community investment initiative from hub Central Scotland that improves community buildings and spaces at no cost to the organisations receiving support.
Refurbishment works included structural alterations to open up the room, a reconfigured bathroom, replacement of the floor and installation of new flooring, upgraded electrical and plumbing installations, and decoration. Shelving and 75 storage containers were also supplied to organise the equipment.
Supply chain partners Goodson Associates, Lesterose Scotland Ltd, JGM Perth, Veitchi Flooring Ltd, Angus Decorating and Binn Group supported the small works joinery team at Robertson in carrying out the refurbishment. Contributions included structural engineering, building works, mechanical and electrical installations, flooring, decoration and waste removal. Partners provided a combination of free and reduced-rate services, bringing the value of the completed refurbishment to over £28,000.
In addition, Perth and Kinross Council’s Fairer Communities For All scheme awarded Letham Climate Challenge £11,600 for the purchase of new tools and equipment for the library.
Kevin Dickson, Managing Director, Robertson Construction Tayside said: “Letham Lend and Mend gives local people a practical way to save money and make better use of tools and equipment without having to buy them. Working with our supply chain partners through Helping Hands, we have helped turn an underused room into a space where the charity can offer this service to the community. Thank you to everyone who contributed materials, time and expertise to make it possible.”
Catriona Smith, General Manager, Letham Climate Challenge, said: “This fantastic space provides our community with free access to a wide range of items. Members can borrow everything from DIY tools for upcycling furniture and carrying out home repairs, to gardening equipment for maintaining gardens and encouraging food production.
“By sharing resources, we can help households save money, reduce unnecessary consumption, learn new skills and make better use of the things we already have. Letham Lend and Mend encompasses Letham Climate Challenge's motto of 'Caring for People and Planet.' Thank you to Robertson Construction and Helping Hands for supporting a more sustainable, skilled and connected community in Letham.”
Image shows L-R: Catriona Smith, Letham Climate Challenge; Willie Mahoney JGM Perth; Graham McGuigan, Angus Decorating; Councillor Carol Mair; David Weir, Robertson Construction Tayside; Jane Elder, Robertson Construction Tayside; Hugh Symon, hub East Central Scotland; Ethan Hutchison for Jim Fairlie
