Photograph of natural pigments used to colour paint products.
Posted on 14 September 2026

How green is your paint?

With more customers looking for green credentials when choosing paint, we take a look at some of the ‘natural’ options available. Once seen as a niche choice for heritage work…

Photograph of apprentice painter and decorator, Sam McDougall.
Posted on 19 June 2026

Interview with apprentice Sam McDougall

In the second of our interviews with apprentices, we speak to 19-year-old Sam McDougall, a first-year apprentice with George Nicolson, studying at Edinburgh College. What’s your background? I’m from Gilmerton…

Photograph of a painter up a ladder spraying a wall.
Posted on 16 June 2026

Insurance – it’s essential

Neil Whiteford from Roxburgh Insurance Brokers paints a picture of risk, responsibility and growth, showing how businesses must adapt their cover as they expand. My previous article (Decorating Matters, Winter…

Apprentice Casey Gardner.
Posted on 6 March 2026

Interview with apprentice Casey Gardner

In the first of our interviews with apprentices, we speak to 20-year-old Casey Gardner, a second-year apprentice with Persimmon Homes North Scotland, studying at Fife College.  What’s your background? I’m…

Photograph of students and lecturers at the SAPCT competition 2025.
Posted on 30 October 2025

Craft, creativity and competitions

Michael McEwan from City of Glasgow College and Mark Mitchell from UHI Inverness reflect on two of the painting and decorating competitions that have taken place this year. The Scottish…

Illustration of a worried man sitting on the ground.
Posted on 25 September 2025

Mental health awareness

Julia Shervington from mental health charity Mates in Mind explores how you can look after your workforce – and yourself by following this guidance With World Mental Health Day coming…

Photograph of Bar Aldo's, Italian restaurant
Posted on 20 September 2025

Meet our Members – Callum Bonner

In our regular feature, we find out about members of the Scottish Decorators’ Federation. This time, we hear from Callum Bonner, Managing Director of Pristine Décor Ltd What’s your background?…