Our story begins in 2005, when Ian Cruden founded Ian Cruden Heating Services. With a mission to provide great customer service in the local area…and working from an office in the family home, he installed and serviced small scale boilers across the region.

Newly qualified apprentice, eldest son Rory Cruden brings his plumbing expertise to create a brand-new key service provided within the business. Triggering an update to the company name, R&I Cruden Heating and Plumbing Services was launched, with an updated logo and new vans soon popping up across the region.

Growing success across the region warranted the need for some extra hands…and with developing talent at the forefront of their minds, R&I Cruden made the decision to hire its first ever apprentice, with Greg Matheson joining the plumbing team. Little did we all know the expansion and success the apprenticeship program would ensue over the coming years!

Marking a significant moment for all within the business, 2011 sees the installation of our first solar PV and biomass boiler, with a 16kW system in Kiltarlity. A first step into the renewable industry, a theme that would only grow as the years went on!

Our interest in renewables and growing concern for sustainability developed further in 2012, showcased through our work at Eagle Brae. This collection of five-star luxury log cabins, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, was a perfect place to showcase our commitment to eco-friendly solutions. We installed eight biomass boilers, creating a heating system that runs entirely on natural resources, completely independent of fossil fuels. Our efforts helped Eagle Brae earn a Green Tourism Gold Award, and we were thrilled to contribute to their success.

As the third and fourth Cruden, the family legacy continues to grow with Isla Cruden joining the business, leading the administrative processes across the company. We also welcomed newly qualified electrician Callum to the business, marking another milestone in our company’s growth and continued legacy. Motivated and ready to impart knowledge and expertise gained from his apprenticeship at Scottish Water, he joined with hopes of expanding the introduction of renewable projects, taking the lead on sustainability and positive impact.

With more tools and more vans needed to keep up with our growing number of projects across the region, we had to scale up our operations. Moving from the Cruden family home to our first ever company headquarters, named the ‘Renewable Energy Centre’ in Muir of Ord.

Growing demand across the sector called time to expand our services. In 2016, a dedicated mechanical division was established, creating a dedicated department for our full range of services.  

Our ever-increasing portfolio of unique and innovative projects across a growing range of sectors caught the eye of some important people…In 2018, HRH Princess Anne took a visit to our Renewable Centre in Muir of Ord to find out a little bit more about some of the work we were up to!

A testament to our growing success, the creation of an independent Electrical Division in 2021 complemented our renewable and mechanical services. A significant step, this allowed us as a business to offer a turn-key service for large scale projects, combining all our various departments.

Working together, our various teams of talented tradespeople spent 12 months converting the building above your head today, into our new home! Our Renewable Innovation Centre acts as a state-of-the-art showroom for renewable installation options, all whilst serving as a base for our team of 75 (and growing) employees.