The Morris Leslie Group was established over 30 years ago, by Mr Morris Leslie, based on a farm in Rait, Perthshire, where he began buying and selling construction equipment locally.  He soon expanded to trading nationwide and then moved into import/export market.

Errol Airfield

In 1988 part of Errol Airfield was purchased.  It was originally built as an airfield for use in World War II and since then disused.  The airfield provided the ideal location for Morris to start auctioning plant.  The auctions quickly grew in size and are now one of the biggest in Scotland, attracting buyers from all over Europe.  The Morris Leslie Group has expanded nationally by opening 9 plant hire depots around London and the south west of England. 

Errol Airfield has become well-known for hosting Scotland’s largest car-boot-sale and outdoor market, which has grown rapidly in size and popularity since it started in 1992.  In 1994 Liz Dawn (famed for playing Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street) made a guest appearance and spent two hours meeting fans!

Perth Airport

In 1997 Perth Airport was purchased.  This was an entirely new venture for the company and has since become a success story in its own right.  When the airport was acquired there were only 2 companies based there, employing 37 people.  Today there are 46 companies employing over 350 people.  The Morris Leslie Group invested a lot into the airport by refurbishing and developing the existing buildings and turning them into residential properties, serviced offices and workshops.  The aviation side of the airport has grown too, with 50 aircraft now based there.  A recent highlight at the airport was during the G8 Summit, when President George Bush’s marine force one helicopter was hangared at Perth Airport, closely guarded by a group of marines.  The Queen and some leading politicians also landed at Perth Airport for the G8 Summit in 2005. In 2002 Prince Andrew made an official visit and was given a tour around by Morris.  He was also introduced to some of the tenants who operate businesses from the airport.

Skylodge was opened in 2000 and is based on Perth Airport.  It provides lodge accommodation for business travellers, families and bus parties.  The buildings, which house Skylodge, were initially used for accommodation for aviation students who were training on the airport.  The buildings were refurbished and upgraded to create 60 en-suite bedrooms.

Self Storage is also a thriving venture on the airport.  The Group rent out 233 containers that are housed in secure and insulated sheds.  Caravan Storage is also popular, with purpose built enclosures, which stores up to 218 caravans.  Self-storage and caravan storage are also available on Errol Airfield.

Another project on the airport is 'The Hangar' – the function suite situated on Perth Airport.  It holds a maximum of 200 people and is a popular venue for all kinds of celebrations.

Bellwood Trees

2004 saw the Group enter into a joint venture involving the purchase of Bellwood Trees, a tree nursery located near Alyth, Perthshire.  For more information please visit www.bellwoodtrees.com

Aviator Bar & Restaurant

The most recent project of the Morris Leslie Group is the opening of a bar & restaurant on Perth Airport known as the ‘Aviator’. Although the group own the bar & restaurant it will be run and operated by private individuals not connected with the group.