A major £14 million construction contract for Orkney Islands Council’s Quanterness wind farm has been awarded to Kirkwall based Heddle Construction.
The local company will deliver the Balance of Plant contract for the six turbine development at St Ola, between Kirkwall and Finstown, following a competitive tendering process.
The work includes final design along with the civil and electrical construction required before the turbines can be installed.
Quanterness has been in development since 2019 and was unanimously backed by Orkney councillors in February last year.
Six turbines, each standing 149.1 metres high, will form the 28.8MW development.
Electricity generated at Quanterness will be exported through Orkney’s new interconnector, with the wind farm intended to generate a long term income for the Council that can be used to protect and enhance local services.
The project secured financial backing from the National Wealth Fund last October through a loan covering the cost of the development.
Nordex was previously selected to supply the turbines.
The award to Heddle Construction means another substantial part of the project will be delivered within Orkney.
Founded by Ian Heddle in 1972 and now led by his son Derek, the company employs more than 20 people from its Kirkwall base.
Originally established to construct farm buildings, Heddle Construction has expanded considerably over more than five decades and is now involved in infrastructure, crane operations and renewable energy projects across the islands.
Managing Director Derek Heddle said:
“As a long-standing local business with a proven track record in renewable energy, we are delighted to be awarded the Balance of Plant contract for this landmark project.
“Given its scale, we are immensely proud to keep delivery in local hands, setting a clear benchmark for future developments.
“We look forward to partnering with Orkney Islands Council to deliver a high-quality, locally led project that continues to invest directly in Orkney’s workforce and skills.”
Council Leader Heather Woodbridge said:
“I’m delighted that this significant contract has been awarded to Heddle Construction, a well-established local company with a strong track record of delivering major infrastructure and renewable energy projects across Orkney.
“Securing a local contractor for such an important stage of the development means the economic benefits of the project will be felt here in our communities, supporting local jobs, businesses and supply chains throughout the construction phase.
“The Orkney Community Wind Farms project represents a major investment in Orkney’s future.
“As well as generating renewable energy that will contribute to Scotland’s and the UK’s net zero ambitions, it will provide a long-term source of income for the Council, helping to protect and enhance the services our communities rely on.
“This contract award, along with the supplier engagement event which took place last month, demonstrates our commitment to maximising opportunities for local businesses and ensuring the benefits of the wind farm are shared as widely as possible across Orkney.”
For Orkney, the significance of the contract extends beyond the construction of another renewable energy project.
A £14 million contract attached to a major island development is staying with an Orkney company, supporting local employment, skills and supply chains while the project itself is intended to generate income for local services for years to come.
