Benbecula-based civil engineering company D Macdonald (Building Contractors) Ltd has began work on a £2m project to create seven new units at Eabhal Business Park.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) awarded the contract of the new units at the business park, which is located in Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, to the local company.

Meanwhile, Benbecula firm, Fraser Architecture, designed the units to meet modern building standards that reflect well on the environment.

The units will be around 30-60m² each in size and will suit the commercial, office or industrial sectors.

Increased insulation within the building will also be added using recycled material and the expected completion date for the project is by the end of 2025.

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Kathleen Stewart, area team leader for HIE's Innse Gall team, said: "We're pleased to have awarded this £2m contract to a local business. Many small firms want to expand, remain in the local area and employ more people and this depends on the availability of suitable premises. Such availability is also vital in attracting new businesses into the islands.

"There is considerable interest from small businesses in new flexible premises in Benbecula and this project helps to addresses that demand. The development is also designed to meet modern standards of insulation and energy performance, embracing our wider net zero aspirations for the region.

"Anyone who would like more information should contact our marketing agents to note their interest and to be advised of any closing dates. We look forward to seeing the project develop over the next few months."

The project forms part of wider investment by HIE to create flexible workspaces in locations around the region.

The first phase of the Benbecula business units was completed in 2020 and included five small units developed at the business park, which have been fully occupied since July 2021.