From start-up beginnings to becoming one of Scotland’s most respected civil engineering firms, Willie has guided the business through decades of change, growth, and innovation.
In this special winter edition, The Big Interview explores his reflections on leadership, family, and the evolving industry — as well as his vision for the future of the company that bears his name.
This year, you celebrated your 70th birthday — what does hitting that milestone mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally, 70 years is just a number for me, although I probably creak a bit more! Professionally, as a CEO, I try not to be too involved in the day-to-day running of the company and let management do their job. I get more satisfaction out of helping the boys on-site without taking control.
Looking back to the early days of W M Donald, what were your biggest challenges in getting the company established?
Setting up a company was in my blood anyway, as my father was a farmer who moved into construction, but unfortunately, we lost him at the age of 39 when I was just 12. The secret to my success was that I started my life as a fitter with James Bowen & Sons, and they gave me a good deal on a second-hand International Drott, my first piece of equipment that I owned and used. We were lucky that we got work from Balfour Beatty for the sewage sea outfall at Nigg, which was a massive learning curve for me. The workforce then was Gordon Scott, who is still with us now, and Alistair McAndrew, who sadly passed away. The biggest challenges in the early days were working from home, pricing jobs and trying to work 24/7. If you work hard, things will all come together and having good mates around you to help at any time needed, especially in the maintenance of machinery, from putting on tracks to fixing an engine. My wife, Elaine, was also still working in the doctor’s surgery while also doing the invoicing and bookkeeping for W M Donald.
How has your role as CEO evolved over the decades, and what aspects of the job still give you the most satisfaction?
I only took over the role of CEO 6 years ago, after serving as Managing Director. Ewan Riddoch took on this position, and I became CEO. I thought about retiring at 50, then walked across Scotland (200 miles) and England (200 miles) and then decided I couldn’t keep walking for the rest of my life, so realised I wasn’t quite ready for retirement! Our first Managing Director, David Morrison, started in 2014 and drove the company forward with ISO accreditations, which we are very proud to keep going today. This made it far easier to set up companies in Perth and Inverness with good systems to follow.
I get the most satisfaction when getting stuck into sea outfalls and putting on the dry suit, and more recently, you won’t find me far away from the tar squad. The success of working with people is not asking them to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.
Are there particular achievements or turning points in the company’s history that stand out as defining moments for you?
We did a lot of work for local authorities on drainage, sewage works and building water reservoirs, which was then taken over by Scottish Water in 2002. This then brought us to move more into the housing market. We were also national house builder registered, so we built a few houses for sale and a few for the family.
Memorable achievements for me are our first ISO Accreditation, which we gained in June 2015, and becoming carbon neutral. Also, seeing individuals in the company winning awards, especially the apprentice awards. Most recently, Daniel Knowles won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Trades Awards 2025, making me incredibly proud. Also, not forgetting the number of second and third generation families we have working for us, including daughters and granddaughters.
W M Donald wins Family Business of the Year 2025
You’ve witnessed huge changes in the civil engineering and construction industry — what do you see as the biggest shifts since the company began?
Health & Safety improvements in making sure everyone returns home safely. Site inductions, toolbox talks, and risk assessments are part of daily life and didn’t used to be. This is a positive change. There has also been a an increase in how many people we have seen leave the construction industry due to retirement or a change of lifestyle. It’s like building a new football team, which means the average age of the company now 32, from apprenticeships and then moving on to becoming skilled workers.
How has W M Donald adapted to new technologies and market pressures over the years?
Technology has always been at our forefront; we were the first to use robotic total stations, then moved onto GPS.
In terms of market pressures, in 2008, in the North East, we experienced a significant downturn. I remember our MD Ewan saying, “someone has to come out the other side,” and that was born to be true.
What do you believe will be the key opportunities or challenges for the industry in the decade ahead?
In terms of key opportunities, renewables are the future. For challenges ahead, the housing market in Aberdeen for clients is getting challenging. Inverness is a boom town but has a major skills shortage.
As a proud family-run business, how has this shaped W M Donald’s culture and long-term values?
The many families that we have working for us, both 2nd and 3rd generation. Cousins, uncles, aunties, grandparents, daughters and sons!
What does it mean to you to see the next generation of your family involved in the company?
It means a lot to me to see my family involved in the business. It also gives me a real sense of pride and continuity.
Many employees have been with W M Donald for decades. What do you think keeps people so loyal to the business?
I believe our strong work ethic and the fact that we’re a family-run business play a huge role in why so many employees choose to stay with W M Donald for decades. People feel part of something genuine here — they’re valued, supported, and treated with respect.
W M Donald has long-standing relationships with major housebuilders — what do you feel sets the company apart as a trusted partner?
I think what really sets W M Donald apart as a trusted partner is our fairness and our focus on doing the job properly, rather than constantly chasing extras. We’ve built a reputation for being straightforward, reliable, and committed to delivering what we promise.
Is there a recent or current project that you feel best demonstrates the company’s capability and craftsmanship today?
When the city vision opens, it will be for all to see, and our own workers who have been working on it will also be proud.
How would you describe your leadership style, and has it changed as the business has grown?
I’d describe my leadership style as very hands-on, and that’s something that hasn’t really changed, even as the business has grown. I’ve always believed in being involved, staying close to the work, and understanding what’s happening across the company. That said, having a strong management team and a solid group of Directors around me has allowed me to focus more on the bigger picture.
As you look ahead to the next chapter, what is your vision for W M Donald in the years leading up to and beyond its 50th anniversary?
It’s all about the workforce and their continued dedication. We need to pay attention to the younger generation as they are the future.
Celebrating Willie Donald's 70th and his legacy
Looking Ahead to 50 Years of W M Donald
As 2027 approaches, W M Donald is preparing to celebrate half a century of dedication, resilience, and growth. What began as a small family business has become one of Scotland’s most trusted civil engineering partners — still rooted firmly in the values Willie instilled from day one.
The upcoming anniversary will not only honour the company’s heritage, but also mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter, shaped by innovation, strong client relationships, and the next generation of leadership carrying the W M Donald legacy forward.
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This article featured in our latest Winter edition of our company magazine From The Ground Up. You can view the magazine by following the link below:
