MULTI-TRADESMAN from Erskine who has amassed a large social media following with his handy DIY tips has reached the semi-finals of a competition.

Gus Cairney, 41, is hoping to impress judges during the interview stage of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021 competition this month.

With a basic set of tools and an eager enthusiasm to achieve his dreams, he built his business Couple a’ Tools from the ground up in 2009 after being made redundant.

His determination to learn all aspects of joinery, electrical, plumbing, tiling, plastering and decorating has led to Gus becoming a social media sensation, with more than 35,000 Instagram and 60,000 TikTok followers benefitting from his handy DIY tips and advice.

Gus, whose work calender is now fully booked a minimum of 24 months in advance, said he was “thrilled” with his success in the competition so far.

He told The Gazette: “I’m delighted to be through to the semi-finals of the competition. 

“I hope to reach the national final in September so I can show the judges how dedicated I am to my trade and how I stand out from others in the industry. 

“Serving my time as a joiner with my dad in my teenage years, I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed working with my hands. 

“Learning multiple trades, I wanted to make things much easier for the client without having to organise different tradespeople to carry out their project and without all the additional charges this incurs. 

“Working with me it’s about one man, one joined up approach, one cost-effective bill.”

Gus will join around 30 other semi-finalists in the interview stage with representatives from Screwfix to try and secure a place at a two-day virtual final event at the end of September.

The tradesperson who is crowned the winner will take home the ultimate £20,000 prize bundle comprising tech, tools, and training.

Simon Jackson, Screwfix customer and digital director, said: “All of our semi-finalists are a great example of the nation’s tradespeople who give their all to support their local community and champion a career in the trade. 

“From many entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage of the competition the best of luck and look forward to meeting our national finalists in September.”