Construction and property firm, Muir Group, has celebrated 50 years in business with its founder, John Muir, still serving as chairman.

Mr Muir, a former joiner, set up the company in 1973 after managing another homebuilding business. Muir Group has since grown into one of the most well-known family run firms in the country, employing around 250 people.

Muir Group comprises a diverse portfolio of six subsidiaries including construction, homes, timber systems, property development, and property investment arms, as well as owning and operating Deer Park Golf and Country Club in Livingston. Last year, Muir had turnover of £85m with net assets of £87m.

Two of Johns sons, Ronnie and Alan, have also worked in the business for over 40 years and currently serve as Group Directors.


Since its inception, Muir Group has developed dozens of commercial buildings across Scotland and the UK, worth £1.5 billion. Muir has also built over 4000 homes across Scotland, with several housing developments underway and for sale currently in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and Lanarkshire. This construction and development of homes have supported the creation of hundreds of jobs, as well as contributing millions of pounds to the Scottish economy.

Muir Group recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at an event in Edinburgh, with speeches from John Muir and former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

Mr Muir said: "This business has been such a huge part of my life, and that of my family, for more than five decades.

"I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped build Muir Group into what it is today and helped strive for the highest standards of quality across all our companies. In the early years I was very reliant on my wife Christina who did a sterling job on bookkeeping, records and importantly wages! Christina is still involved in the business to this day, encouraging and supporting new ideas.

"Some people are surprised when they hear that the founder of a 50 year old company still works in the business every day and serves as chairman. The truth is that I still have the same enthusiasm for growing the business as I have ever had, and I know that 50 years on Muir Group’s best days still lie ahead."