Our History

Our Legacy

At RP Slight and Sons, we are more than just a business; we are a family legacy. For over six decades, we have been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship in both a commercial and private home setting. Our journey began in 1948, in the heart of Edinburgh, beneath the historic John Knox's house. From crafting toy planes for Jenners department store out of scavenged timber to evolving into one of Scotland’s leading specialist contractors, our story is one of passion, resilience, and a personal touch.

Our founder's vision, carried on through generations, has always been to offer more than just services; we aim to forge personal connections with each of our clients, understanding their unique needs and breathing life into their visions with our expert craftsmanship. Our history is not just a chronicle of our business; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in the construction sector.

A Detailed Journey

The Foundational Years

1948

The story of RP Slight and Sons began beneath the shadow of Edinburgh's historic John Knox's house. Our founder, driven by a passion for craftsmanship, established our first workshop in this iconic location. Amidst the challenging post-war era, resources were scarce. Yet, ingenuity thrived, leading to the creation of toy planes crafted from scavenged timber for the iconic Jenners Department Store, a testament to our resourcefulness and dedication to craftsmanship.

1950s

A period of growth and transformation. Recognising the need for expansion, the business moved to a larger space in Dalkeith. This new location was not just a workshop; it was a home-front symbolising the seamless integration of our professional expertise and family values. The workshop, situated behind the house, became a hub of creativity and excellence in joinery.

Generational Shift and Expansion

1999

A landmark year in our history when Douglas Slight, representing the third generation of the family, took the leadership mantle. Under his stewardship, the business embraced modern techniques and technologies while maintaining the traditional craftsmanship that set us apart. This blend of old and new has been instrumental in our continued success and growth.

As the business’ reputation and client list grew, we moved to new, larger premises in East Lothian, extending our workshop facilities and installing state of the art technology to help us meet ever-growing demand.

RP Slight and Sons team in front of van fleet

Historical Contributions and Legacy

Bell Rock Lighthouse

Our family's legacy is interwoven with significant historical contributions. Ancestors in the Slight family were among the joinery foremen who played a pivotal role in constructing the Bell Rock Lighthouse, the world's oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse, between 1807-1810. This project underlines our longstanding commitment to excellence and our connection to historic craftsmanship.

Congressional Building

The Slight family name is also linked to the construction of the United States' iconic Congressional Building. Pringle Slight, a distinguished member of our lineage, was the clerk of works responsible for overseeing the building's construction, particularly the famous dome. His son, Robert, continued this legacy but tragically lost his life in an inspection accident. Both are honoured in the Congressional Graveyard in Washington DC, a testament to their contribution and the enduring legacy of our family's skill and dedication.

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