Scottish Water has appointed two joint ventures (JV) to support a £120 million investment programme.

The six-year deal will be divided between both JV's - ARC, comprising of Atkins and RPS, and m2, comprising MWH and Mott MacDonald.

The two ventures will provide technical consultancy support on Scottish Water's 2015-2021 investment programme.

An option is also available to extend the agreement to 2027.

The JV's form a framework of consultancy contractors which will be used to support Scottish Water and its partners to deliver construction and maintenance projects between now and 2021.

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A small number of Modern Apprentices are also expected to be recruited as part of the contract.

Both maintenance and improvements will be carried out to existing assets, such as pipes, pumping stations and water treatment works,

Simon Parsons, Director of Strategic Customer Service Planning at Scottish Water, said: "I am delighted with the appointment of these important partners to help us deliver the investment programme and deliver the right solution for communities as we work to improve drinking water and deal with waste water safely before returning it to the environment."

Paul Aitken, Chief Operating officer of ARC, said: "Our mission is to support Scottish Water improve its service to of customers and communities across Scotland by promoting more effective, resilient and efficient asset and operational solutions.

Judy Anderson, framework director of m2, added: "We are excited to be part of Scottish Water's plans to achieve success in SR15. I believe that m2 brings the right combination of talented and experienced people, to complement and support Scottish Water's own resources in achieving its vision to be Scotland's most valued trusted business."

(LM)