A Tribute to Hamish MacGregor, 1952–2026

It is with great sadness that the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) learned of the passing of Hamish MacGregor. A respected figure within the flooring and wider construction sector, Hamish served the Association with distinction over many years as a CFA Council member, past President and passionate advocate for the industry. 

Hamish’s flooring career began with Marley before he founded MacGregor Flooring in 1985. Under his leadership, the business grew to become one of Scotland’s leading flooring contractors, earning a strong reputation for professionalism, quality and commitment to the sector. While his business achievements alone would merit recognition, it was Hamish’s wider contribution to the flooring industry that also set him apart.

A longstanding supporter of the CFA, Hamish joined the Association’s Council in 1999 and remained an active and influential voice for the membership throughout the following decades. He served as CFA President on two occasions, first between 2004 and 2006, and again from 2020 to 2022, becoming one of only two individuals to hold the position twice. 

Throughout his involvement with the CFA, Hamish was known for his passion for the industry and his willingness to speak up on behalf of contractors and the wider flooring community. He was a strong advocate for raising standards, improving training and ensuring the industry had a clear and respected voice within construction. 

His commitment to those goals extended beyond the CFA. In 2009, Hamish was elected President of the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC), later becoming involved with Build UK and Build Scotland, where he worked to strengthen relationships between specialist contractors and main contractors. He consistently championed the importance of the specialist sector and the vital role it plays in the successful delivery of construction projects. 

Closer to home within the Association, Hamish was active within the CFA’s Scottish Committee, contributing to its work right up until his passing. He played an important role in discussions around apprenticeship standards and training delivery in Scotland, helping to create opportunities and clearer career pathways for young people entering the flooring industry, something he believed in strongly. 

In recognition of his contribution to the sector, Hamish received the CFJ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. The award reflected not only the success of MacGregor Flooring, but also the respect he had earned across the industry through decades of service, leadership, and advocacy. 

Paying tribute, CFA CEO Richard Catt said: ‘I last saw Hamish at our Spring Ball in Glasgow in March this year and was fortunate enough to speak with him again only a couple of weeks before he passed away. During that conversation we reflected on more than twenty years of working together through the CFA and, characteristically, Hamish remained hugely positive about both the Association and the industry. 

‘Hamish cared deeply about flooring and construction and was always prepared to give his time, experience and energy to improving standards and conditions for the sector. Whether the issue was training, skills shortages, competence, payment practices or wider industry challenges, he was someone who believed the industry could and should improve, and he was prepared to help drive that change. 

What always stood out was the pride Hamish had in being part of the CFA and in the work of specialist contractors more broadly. His passion, optimism and willingness to speak up made a lasting impact on the Association and on many people across the industry. 

Hamish will be greatly missed and his contribution to the CFA and the wider flooring sector will be long remembered. His direct impact leaves a lasting legacy within both the CFA and wider construction.’