Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Painting and Decorating Services in Edinburgh
George Nicolson is a second-generation family business established in 1972, founded by George Nicolson with a vision to deliver exceptional painting and decorating services. Over five decades, we have expanded from a small garage operation to a respected principal contractor serving commercial and residential clients across Scotland, the UK, and internationally. Our expertise spans interior and exterior decoration, specialist finishes, and main contracting for hotels, restaurants, offices, and private residences. We maintain long-standing relationships with clients such as Standard Life and Greene King, delivering projects with precision, minimal disruption, and adherence to budgets. Our commitment to quality is reinforced through rigorous training programs, industry accreditations including Acclaim SSIP, and partnerships with organisations like Repair Care. With a skilled team of operatives and directors Barrie Nicolson, Ewan Nicolson, and Jeremy Tempest-Mitchell leading the business, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern methodologies to meet evolving client needs.Our acquisition of Henderson & Paterson in 1932 further strengthened our residential capabilities while preserving core values of excellence and customer satisfaction. We actively contribute to industry standards through membership in the Scottish Decorators Federation and Construction Skills, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation. Our portfolio includes landmark projects at the Bonham Hotel, Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, and Strathcarron Hospice, demonstrating our versatility and dedication to transforming spaces. As we continue to grow, our apprenticeship policy ensures the development of future tradespeople, securing our legacy in the construction sector.
Services
Commercial Painting
Residential Decoration
Main Contracting
Specialist Finishes
Timber Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years' experience in commercial and residential decoration.
- Our family-owned business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern methodologies.
- We hold Acclaim SSIP accreditation for health and safety excellence.
- Our apprenticeship policy ensures skilled tradespeople for future projects.
- We serve clients across Scotland, the UK, and internationally.
Associations and certifications
- Acclaim SSIP Accreditation
- Repair Care Recommended Contractors Scheme
What people say
Excellent standards
Attention to detail
Professionalism
Transformed our farmhouse
High quality end results
Services
Commercial Painting
We deliver high-quality commercial painting services for banks, hotels, and offices across Scotland and internationally. Our team ensures minimal business disruption while maintaining exacting standards through partnerships with architects and surveyors. With over 50 years' experience, we combine traditional techniques with modern methodologies to enhance workplace environments.
Residential Decoration
Our residential decoration services transform private homes with precision and care. Through the Henderson & Paterson division, we rejuvenate properties from 1960s Edinburgh homes to grand estates, offering exterior and interior solutions. Clients benefit from our attention to detail and seamless integration with specialist joiners and builders.
Main Contracting
As principal contractors, we manage full refurbishments for hotels and restaurants across the UK. Our services include coordinating subcontractors, adhering to budgets, and ensuring timely delivery. Recent projects include Lost Shore Surf Resort and Greene King establishments, demonstrating our capability in complex developments.
Specialist Finishes
We provide specialist finishes for commercial and heritage projects, including work at Strathcarron Hospice and Priestfield Church. Our expertise extends to timber restoration through Repair Care partnerships, offering sustainable solutions for joinery repair and maintenance using professional-grade products.
Timber Restoration
Our timber restoration services combine specialist products and trained operatives to preserve historic and modern wooden structures. As Repair Care recommended contractors, we deliver sustainable solutions for decayed or damaged timber, ensuring longevity while maintaining aesthetic integrity across commercial and residential properties.
People
Barrie Nicolson
Joint Managing Director
Barrie Nicolson co-leads the second-generation family business, bringing decades of industry expertise. He oversees operations while maintaining the company's commitment to quality and client satisfaction through strategic growth initiatives.
Ewan Nicolson
Joint Managing Director
Ewan Nicolson directs key projects alongside Barrie, leveraging extensive experience in commercial contracting. His leadership ensures adherence to budgets and timelines while maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence.
Jeremy Tempest-Mitchell
Director
Jeremy Tempest-Mitchell contributes over 20 years' experience in managing complex refurbishments. He plays a crucial role in client relations and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards across all projects.
Margaret Andrews
Former Colleague
Margaret Andrews was a valued team member who contributed significantly to the company's success over many years. Her expertise in decorative projects left a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike.
Questions
What services does George Nicolson offer?
We provide commercial and residential painting, main contracting, specialist finishes, and timber restoration services across Scotland and internationally.
How long has George Nicolson been in business?
The company was established in 1972 and remains a family-owned operation with over 50 years' industry experience.
Are you accredited for health and safety standards?
Yes, we hold Acclaim SSIP Accreditation and follow rigorous health and safety protocols across all projects.
Do you work outside Scotland?
We undertake projects throughout the UK, Europe, Turkey, South Africa, and Israel alongside our Scottish operations.
How do you ensure quality workmanship?
Through apprenticeship programs, specialist training, and employing experienced operatives with memberships in industry schemes like Repair Care.
Can you handle large-scale refurbishments?
As principal contractors, we manage full hotel and commercial refurbishments with coordinated subcontract teams and minimal business disruption.
