Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Painting and Decorating Services in Edinburgh
George Nicolson is a second-generation family business established in 1972, renowned for delivering high-quality painting, decorating, and principal contracting services across commercial, residential, and specialist sectors. Our expertise spans the refurbishment of banks, hotels, public houses, offices, and private residences, supported by a reliable network of suppliers and subcontractors. With over five decades of experience, we have expanded our operations from our Edinburgh base to deliver projects throughout the UK, Europe, Turkey, South Africa, and Israel. Our commitment to excellence is underpinned by accreditations such as Acclaim SSIP and partnerships with industry bodies like the Scottish Decorators Federation. We prioritise client satisfaction through tailored solutions, adherence to strict health and safety standards, and a focus on minimising disruption during projects.Our apprenticeship programme and continuous staff training ensure the development of skilled tradespeople for future industry needs. We maintain long-standing relationships with clients, architects, and designers, enabling us to meet exacting standards, budgets, and timelines. Our residential division, Henderson & Paterson, extends our legacy of craftsmanship to private homeowners. By integrating modern techniques with traditional expertise, we consistently achieve results that exceed client expectations. Our dedication to sustainability and innovation is reflected in collaborations with organisations like Repair Care for timber restoration solutions. As a trusted partner for both large-scale contracts and smaller projects, we remain committed to delivering value-driven, high-standard services.
Services
Interior decoration
Exterior decoration
Main contracting
Residential refurbishment
Specialist finishes
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in painting and decorating.
- Our family-owned business combines tradition with modern techniques.
- We hold Acclaim SSIP accreditation for health and safety standards.
- Our team includes trained professionals with apprenticeship programmes.
- We serve clients across the UK, Europe, and internationally.
Associations and certifications
- Acclaim SSIP Accreditation
- Repair Care Recommended Contractors Scheme
What people say
Transformed our tired Farmhouse
Excellent standards
High quality end results
Minimal disruption
Dedicated team
Services
Interior decoration
We provide comprehensive interior decoration services for commercial and residential properties, focusing on aesthetic enhancement and functional design. Our team ensures meticulous attention to detail, using premium materials and techniques to meet client specifications. Projects range from hotels and offices to private homes, delivering durable, visually striking results.
Exterior decoration
Our exterior decoration services revitalise building faades, combining weatherproofing expertise with aesthetic improvements. We specialise in historic and modern structures, ensuring compliance with local regulations while enhancing curb appeal. Clients benefit from long-lasting finishes that protect against environmental factors while maintaining architectural integrity.
Main contracting
As principal contractors, we manage end-to-end refurbishment projects for hotels, restaurants, and commercial spaces. Our services include coordinating subcontractors, adhering to budgets, and ensuring timely delivery. With decades of experience, we guarantee seamless execution from planning to completion, minimising client disruption.
Residential refurbishment
We offer full residential refurbishment solutions, transforming properties while preserving their character. Services include structural repairs, interior/exterior redecoration, and specialist joinery recommendations. Our approach prioritises minimal disruption to homeowners, with a focus on enhancing property value and livability through expert craftsmanship.
Specialist finishes
Our specialist finishes include bespoke decorative coatings and heritage restoration work. We cater to unique architectural requirements, employing skilled tradespeople to achieve intricate designs. This service is particularly sought after for historic buildings and luxury properties requiring distinctive, high-quality surface treatments.
People
Barrie Nicolson
Joint Managing Director
Barrie Nicolson co-leads the second-generation family business, bringing decades of industry expertise. He oversees strategic growth while maintaining hands-on involvement in major projects, ensuring adherence to the company's founding principles of quality and client satisfaction.
Ewan Nicolson
Joint Managing Director
Ewan Nicolson, as Joint Managing Director, focuses on operational excellence and client relations. With over 30 years in the sector, he ensures seamless project delivery across commercial and residential sectors while fostering long-term industry partnerships.
Jeremy Tempest-Mitchell
Director
Jeremy Tempest-Mitchell contributes extensive management experience, driving innovation and quality control. He plays a key role in maintaining the company's accreditations and ensuring compliance with evolving health and safety standards across all projects.
Questions
What services does George Nicolson offer?
We provide interior and exterior decoration, main contracting, residential refurbishment, and specialist finishes for commercial and private clients.
How long has George Nicolson been in business?
Established in 1972, we are a second-generation family business with over 50 years of industry experience.
Are you accredited for health and safety standards?
Yes, we hold Acclaim SSIP Accreditation, ensuring compliance with 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, with a proven track record in international markets.
Reviews (6)
Sue Hean
May 27, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
I was recommended Nicolson's as an experienced team to hang our bespoke wall mural. Highly professional and helpful in every way, I would definitely use their services again in the future. Very pleased indeed with the finished result.
I was recommended Nicolson's as an experienced team to hang our bespoke wall mural. Highly professional and helpful in every way, I would definitely use their services again in the future. Very pleased indeed with the finished result.
Kevin Shields
Apr 20, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
Thoroughly professional job completed on time and to a very high standard.
Service:Interior painting
Thoroughly professional job completed on time and to a very high standard.
Service:Interior painting
Trish Leckie
Oct 20, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Great team who responded quickly and exceeded my expectations with regard to time and cost. Highly recommended for any job. Intend to use again for my next shop refurbishment project
Services:Staining,Drywall repair,Interior painting,Exterior painting,Cupboard painting,Door painting
Great team who responded quickly and exceeded my expectations with regard to time and cost. Highly recommended for any job. Intend to use again for my next shop refurbishment project
Services:Staining,Drywall repair,Interior painting,Exterior painting,Cupboard painting,Door painting
Kate Carmichael
Sep 02, 2020
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It's been an absolutely pleasure working with George Nicolson Decorators. The company was responsive to changing needs (both government restrictions for Covid and our own - availability and scope). They were professional throughout and gave me something I know not to assume: absolute confidence that they will do what they say and dependability at all times. James was always on time, polite, professional, respected my needs as I worked from home, communicative and engaging. The work he delivered was to a high standard and whenever there were options on what to do next he involved me in those decisions
Peter Dickson
Aug 15, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Responsiveness
Nicholsons are reliable, professional and helpful from start to finish. They keep in touch about quotations and when the work will be done. The painter was superb, the job excellent - and he was so considerate of others in the house. Would recommend v warmly indeed.
Service:Interior painting
Nicholsons are reliable, professional and helpful from start to finish. They keep in touch about quotations and when the work will be done. The painter was superb, the job excellent - and he was so considerate of others in the house. Would recommend v warmly indeed.
Service:Interior painting
Kevin O'Brien
Oct 08, 2019
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Learn to drive your van rather than pointing and gesturing while your driving .. it's a right hand lane right turn only at the cross roads Colinton Road
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