Scottish Water has announced that a £40 million programme of upgrade works for the water network between Peterhead and Ellon has gotten underway this week.

Over the next three years almost 23km of new trunk main will be installed, ensuring Scottish Water customers continue to have access to fresh, high-quality drinking water while reducing the risk of pipes bursting.

The first phase of the essential work takes place between Peterhead and Auchiries from Monday 4 September, for around 12 months. Phase two, from Auchiries to Ellon, is expected to begin by summer 2024 for completion in summer 2026.

Scottish Water, which is publicly-owned, is working with Caledonia Water Alliance to deliver this major investment to improve resilience in the north east's water supply. The works are being carried out by contractor AG Wilson.

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Most of the initial 5.7km infrastructure upgrade will take place in rural and private land, however there will be rolling road closures in effect until mid-November 2023.

Scottish Water's Customer Services General Manager, Kevin Roy, said: "We recognise that some of our customers living in this area of the north east have experienced repeated interruptions to their water supply over a number of years. Our local team works hard to respond and restore supplies as quickly as possible, but we would like to apologise for the inconvenience that bursts cause. I'd also like to thank them for their patience whilst we have worked on getting this project to the delivery phase.

"This major investment in the strategic trunk main serving the area will secure the long-term improvement to the resilience of water supplies that is needed. We're grateful for the patience and support of customers, landowners and others while we have been preparing our plans. We will continue to work with them over the years ahead to deliver our project and ensure we can keep the north east's drinking water flowing far into the future.

"Our team from CWA has planned their work, as far as possible, to keep disruption to a minimum. We would ask all road users to follow the signage relating to local closures and diversions, which are essential to keep everyone safe while we are working."