Celebrating 50 Years of Luddon Construction: Spotlight on Charlie McCunnie – 48 Years of Dedication

This year marks a landmark anniversary for Luddon Construction as we celebrate 50 years of delivering excellence in civil engineering, building and surfacing. Since Marshall Dougall founded the company five decades ago, we have grown into a leading contractor, not only delivering construction projects which have helped shape our industry but also building a strong, loyal committed workforce.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone of 50 years in business, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our longest-serving employees. Few of our stories are as inspiring as that of Charlie McCunnie, who has dedicated an extraordinary 48 years to the company.

How did it all begin?

Charlie started his career as Luddon’s very first machine operator back in 1977. “I was the only one in the beginning,” he recalls. It wasn’t long before the company expanded, purchasing a second machine later that same year. Charlie fondly remembers one major milestone—the acquisition of Luddon’s first JCB in September 1977. Remarkably, Charlie has spent his entire 48-year career in this role, showcasing his commitment and passion for the job.

Standout projects?

When asked about the projects that stick in his memory, Charlie immediately remembers the New Manufacturing Facility for Guala Closures in Gartcosh, completed just last year. “It was a great, and very enjoyable job – the biggest I worked on during my time here,” he says.

The story that always gets told

Like many veterans of the industry, Charlie has his share of tales, but one story he always re-tells takes us back to 1977. “One of my favourite memories is from when I was sent with Luddon Head Fitter, Jackie Cameron, to a second-hand plant sales auction by Marshall Dougall. We were tasked with purchasing the first Luddon-owned JCB. We found an ideal model, bid, and won the auction, spending the full £600 we had been given, on what we believed to be a good JCB (thinking we had done a great job, and were about to receive a pat on the back!) However, we didn’t realise that the sale price didn’t include the buckets. Nervously, I agreed to telephone Marshall from a phone box, who, I recall, was not best pleased at first. Thankfully, he seen the funny side and sent another £50, to allow us to secure the buckets! Job done, eventually!”

The company culture

Describing the company, Charlie says, “It’s a great company to work for and has a real family culture.” It’s a sentiment that has kept not only Charlie but also his family connected to Luddon. Straight from school his son followed in his footsteps and has worked with the company for 28 years.

Building the Future Together

We celebrate this milestone by thanking Charlie personally, his dedication and commitment to excellence have helped make the company what it is today.

Whilst we look back with pride, we also look forward with ambition. The next 50 years promise new challenges, opportunities, and achievements, and we are confident that our people will continue to be at the heart of our journey.

To all our employees, thank you for being part of Luddon Construction’s legacy.

Here’s to the next 50 years!