OREANDA-NEWS. SSE Renewables, the renewable energy development division of SSE, has awarded Highland contractor RJ McLeod the GBP16 million contract for the civil engineering works at its Dunmaglass wind farm.

The 33 turbine project, which SSE acquired from RES in May 2013, is located on Dunmaglass estate, approximately 25km south of Inverness.

The enabling works, which were also undertaken by RJ McLeod, started on site in summer last year and included the construction of two new timber deck bridges and the upgrading of existing access tracks ahead of the main works starting this year.

Construction of the project is expected to take around two years to complete, with the site being fully operational by the summer of 2016.

SSE's Project Manager, Jamie Meneely, said: “This is an important milestone for Dunmaglass wind farm and we are delighted to be working with RJ McLeod again.

“The construction of the project will continue to bring significant benefits to the area in the form of community investment funds, use of local services, and opportunities for the local supply chain. A number of local businesses have already benefited from the enabling works over the last few months.”

“As a responsible developer with a strong history in the Highlands, SSE is also working closely with the local community and regular liaison meetings are being held to keep people up to date.”

RJ McLeod's North Director, Sandy Osborne, said: “The project represents an important part of our workload and it will enable us to continue to provide ongoing and additional employment for technical and construction staff based in the Highlands as well as opportunities for the local supply chain.”