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At Nicol of Skene, we believe that our team is at the heart of our success. That's why we're proud to offer mental health awareness e-learning training to all our team members, ensuring everyone has the tools and understanding to support themselves and each other.
We're also proud to have 23 trained Mental Health First Aiders, making up 20% of our workforce. These individuals are here to listen, support, and help create a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritised.
Duncan, who is known as Dunc to us all, is an integral part of our team, with lorry driver being his official title; he naturally interacts with a lot of the team both in the office and out on site, and as an advocator for mental health, Duncan is also one of our mental health first aiders. We sat down with him to discuss the importance of his role and how he helps his teammates.
What inspired you to become a Mental Health First Aider at Nicol of Skene Ltd?
"I've been at the bottom of the hole myself, looking up thinking there’s no way out. I like helping folk and letting them know it’s never as bad as you think. Sometimes just knowing someone’s there makes a difference."
How do you support your colleagues' mental wellbeing in a busy civil engineering environment?
"Sometimes it’s just a friendly dunt on the shoulder and a 'here if you need me.' I check in if someone’s been off long-term too. A lot of the boys find it easier to open up to someone in a boiler suit — another man who’s been there. I try to keep myself approachable. I'm loud, but everyone knows I’m a softy. Speaking openly about my own mental health has helped others feel safe to do the same."
What’s one piece of advice you often share with team members about looking after their mental health at work?
"Don’t be scared to admit to yourself that you might not be okay. You’ve got to be honest and say, 'I’m not doing great and I need help.' Being honest with yourself is the first step."
Can you share a moment or experience where being a Mental Health First Aider made a real difference?
"Whenever someone comes to me, it’s completely private. If I ever feel they need more support, I'll guide them towards the right help. It's about listening and being a safe place."
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Nicol of Skene team, both professionally and personally?
"Personally, it’s like an extended family — the banter is brilliant. Professionally, I love a challenge, there’s nothing like “bigging on a cotter flitting to a larry”, it takes real thought and problem-solving. Nicol of Skene feels like home to me. My happy place is either spending time with my wife and granddaughter or sitting in my lorry seat."
Why do you think it’s important to have Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace?
"It’s about looking after your people. If your mind’s somewhere else, you can be dangerous to yourself and others — especially in our line of work. Having multiple Mental Health First Aiders opens up a bigger pool of people colleagues might feel comfortable speaking to."
Why is men’s mental health particularly important to you?
"Every day, there’s more of a shift around the stigma of men talking about mental health. More and more are opening up, and that's powerful. It's important we keep encouraging that."
