Highland contractor RJ McLeod has secured a £22 million contract to deliver civil engineering works at SSE's Bhlaraidh wind farm.

The 32-turbine project is located on Glenmoriston estate and gained planning consent in 2014.

Works include building the tracks through the site and the spur roads out to each of the turbine locations.

Construction of the turbine bases will get underway this summer, along with work to build the crane hardstanding areas, which will be used to erect the turbines.

Previously, RJ McLeod began enabling works in autumn last year. Works included the construction of the on-site substation platform and the main access track to prepare the site ahead of the main construction, which is due to begin this year.

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The project is set to become fully operational by the end of 2017.

SSE's Project Manager, Billy Jack, said: "This is an extremely important milestone for Bhlaraidh 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."

RJ McLeod's North Director, Sandy Osborne, added: "We are very pleased to continue our association with SSE and play our part in the construction of the Bhlaraidh wind farm. 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, along with opportunities for the local supply chain."

(LM/MH)