Robertson completes one of Scotland’s most ambitious urban greening projects

The ceremony celebrates the culmination of more than a decade of transformation at one of Scotland’s most ambitious urban greening projects. The final tree was planted by Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, a long‑standing supporter of Clyde Gateway and regular visitor to the park.

Phase 3, the final £1.25 million part of the Cuningar Loop masterplan, has transformed a further four hectares of vacant and derelict land into high‑quality green space, delivering new woodland paths, biodiverse habitats and extensive planting. 

Robertson Construction Central West has acted as principal contractor across all phases of the park for more than ten years. Working in partnership with Clyde Gateway and Forestry and Land Scotland, the project has turned a once-derelict riverside site into a thriving woodland park that welcomed almost 400,000 visitors in its first year. 

Forestry and Land Scotland played a pivotal role in the concept, development and management of Cuningar Loop, a tangible legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Earlier phases of Cuningar Loop, overseen by Forestry and Land Scotland, saw the introduction of a wide range of attractions, including extensive paths, Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park, adventure play areas, a bike skills zone, meadows, picnic spaces, an outdoor classroom and the landmark pedestrian bridge linking the park to the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village.

Phase 2 extended the park by 9.1 hectares, delivering new footpaths and boardwalks, public art, 167 specimen trees and an 11,000m² wildflower meadow. It also included an £800,000 car park and entrance upgrade to support growing visitor numbers.

The completed Phase 3 adds a further 1,000m² of new paths, 8,000m² of wildflower meadow and urban woodland, and around 50 native trees. It also incorporates wider East Greening works across the river, delivering 200 native trees and 800 shrubs along the Clyde Walkway.

A key sustainability achievement of the final phase has been the reuse of more than 3,500 cubic metres of cleaned and remediated soil from nearby Manscroft Place, reducing environmental impact while supporting wider regeneration in the area. This contributed to Robertson diverting 100% of waste from landfill.

Completion of the Phase 3, supported by Clyde Gateway and funding from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, will see the final section of the site removed from Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Land Register, a major milestone for regeneration in the East End and South Lanarkshire.

Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: "It has been immensely satisfying for Robertson to be involved in the decade-long journey at Cuningar Loop from start to finish, and to have been called on time and again by Clyde Gateway as a trusted partner of choice to realise their bold vision for the site. In planting the final tree today, we reflect on the many high-quality projects that we have delivered for Clyde Gateway and how that relationship continues to grow and flourish."

Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen (Constituency), said: “Cuningar Loop has become a hugely valued local asset, enjoyed daily by families, schools and visitors from across Scotland. This final phase completes the story and helps ensure the park continues to thrive for generations to come.

The transformation of this site over the past decade has been remarkable, turning an area of derelict land into a vibrant, accessible green space that promotes wellbeing, biodiversity and community connection. It is a fantastic example of what long‑term regeneration and partnership working can deliver, and I am delighted to see the masterplan reach its conclusion with such a positive legacy for the people of Rutherglen and Glasgow’s East End.”

Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said: “This final tree planting represents much more than the end of construction. It symbolises years of partnership working to transform former industrial and landfill land into one of Scotland’s most loved woodland parks. Completing the masterplan is a proud moment for the area and everyone involved.”

Andrew Clark, Regional Visitor Services Manager at Forestry and Land Scotland said: “Seeing the final tree planted is a significant milestone - a moment that reflects the hard work, creativity and commitment that have gone into creating a welcoming, biodiverse space that will continue to benefit people and nature for many years to come.”

Image shows left to right: Martin McKay, Chief Executive Clyde Gateway; John Murchie, Sub Agent, Robertson Construction Central West (Civils); Julie McAlpine Communications & Skill Manager Forestry and Land Scotland: Clare Haughey MSP for Rutherglen.