Company Timeline
1989
After completing his joinery apprenticeship, Robert (Bob) Clouston founds R Clouston, providing dependable and high-quality joinery services to friends and family. Bob spent his days on site, and nights writing out account ledgers by hand.
1990
R Clouston employs first member of staff to meet demand, now progressing to a wider range of clients.
1992
R Clouston completes its first public sector commercial project, the renovation of St Rognvald’s House, marking its entry into public sector projects.
2000
R Clouston becomes a Limited Company and relocates to 10 Grainshore Drive, setting up its long-term premises in Orkney’s Hatston Industrial Estate.
2003
RCL completes the construction of the new police station in Kirkwall, expanding its portfolio of essential public service projects.
RCL purchases and develops The Auld Kirk, transforming it into high-spec holiday apartments and marking the beginning of RCL’s development projects
2008
R Clouston Ltd completes the renovation of the historic Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, restoring the building for luxury accommodations and widening their experience building in the Capital.
2011
R Clouston begins a 33-house residential development at Watersfield, a significant expansion into private housing.
2015
R Clouston takes on the Maintenance Contract for Orkney Islands Council, delivering maintenance works to publicly owned properties across the island.
2019
R Clouston Ltd celebrates it’s 30 year anniversary, marking three decades of craftsmanship, community service, and trusted construction delivery across Orkney.
2020
R Clouston Ltd completes the £6.9 million Design and Build Orkney Research and Innovation Campus, a major project supporting local economic and research growth and diversifying the company’s portfolio and showcasing expertise in a new sector.
2021
R Clouston Ltd wraps up a 32 property development built to meet the latest energy efficiency standards, with PV panels on the roof and additional spray insulation.
2022
R Clouston begins construction of the £13.45m Kirkwall Care Home, further solidifying its role in regional development.
2025
Andrew Smith is appointed Managing Director of R Clouston Ltd, as Bob Clouston transitions to the role of Chairman. Jamie Clouston, Bob’s son, joins the Board of Directors to support the next chapter of the company’s leadership.
