Engineering consultancy Gontmij has been selected to oversee the pre-construction works at two wind farm projects in South Lanarkshire.

The 'first major supplier contracts' have been awarded for both Middle Muir and Kype Muir Wind Farms.

The 26-turbine 104MW Kype Muir Wind Farm is located just South of Strathaven.

It was approved in May last year, followed in September with the approval of Middle Muir Wind Farm, North of Crawfordjohn, which is a 51MW, 15-turbine project.

Gontmij will undertake data analysis to provide information for the civil engineers to be able to plan the installation of the wind turbines and electricity sub-stations.

Construction costs on both the sites is expected to reach £150 million.

The contract also guarantees the use the local sub-contractors plus a work placement for a local school-leaver, a result of the Connect2Renewables charter, which outlines an unprecedented commitment to the local area surrounding the two wind farm projects.

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Connect2Renewables involves Banks Renewables teaming up with the communities and its delivery partner, South Lanarkshire Council, to commit a minimum of £69m to the local economy and communities in the area.

Senior Renewables Engineer at Grontmij, Kathryn Sanders, said: "We are delighted to be able to help Banks Renewables deliver on their commitments to the local area surrounding Kype Muir and Middle Muir wind farms in Scotland.

"Onshore wind generation projects tend to promise a lot in the long-term, through community funds and of course their green energy, but the Connect2Renewables initiative means that the local area has been already receiving some benefits.

"We are happy to be able to support the objectives of Connect2Renewables by sub-contracting a good deal of the work to excellent local businesses, in addition to providing opportunities such as a hands-on industry work experience placement."

Banks Renewables Development director, Colin Anderson, added: "These projects have taken years of careful planning and consideration – so it is a major milestone to see them reach this stage in the journey.

"Despite not being able to award this particular contract to a small local firm, Grontmij have been very understanding of our commitments and as a result have ensured that local firms are subcontracted wherever possible, maximising the benefit to the region."

(LM/CD)