SCOTTISH construction sector firms are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the industry but concerned about the possibility of skills shortages in future, a survey has found.

The Scottish Building Federation said 42 per cent of construction firms in Scotland expect to take on more workers over the next three years in a sign that many firms are confident about their prospects.

While 53 per cent of firms expect to maintain staffing levels in the next three years only five per cent think they will cut jobs. The federation's managing director, Vaughan Hart, said uncertainty created by the referendum on Scottish independence may have dampened confidence in the latest quarter. He expects confidence to rebound following the ballot.

However, Mr Hart noted the construction workforce in Scotland is ageing. He said: "With apprentice numbers down significantly on where they were prior to the recession, this situation is entirely understandable. But it has to be a cause for concern as we seek to rebuild capacity. Attracting new blood back into the industry must be an absolute priority."