Ground investigation works are commencing this month at the proposed site for Orkney Islands Council’s Scapa Deep Water Quay at Deepdale in Holm.
These initial investigations will be followed by marine-based site investigation works scheduled to begin in June.
These works form part of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) awarded to Spanish firm ACCIONA, in a joint venture with UK-based Jones Bros. The PCSA encompasses a range of activities, including detailed design, ground and marine investigation works, and comprehensive site surveys.
It is important to note that the awarding of the PCSA does not constitute final approval for the project by the Council’s Elected Members. Instead, the findings from the work undertaken during this phase will be crucial in informing the Council’s ultimate decision-making process at a later stage.
The PCSA represents a significant undertaking with an estimated cost of £7.2 million. A substantial portion of this funding, £5 million, was secured through an announcement made by First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Orkney in February, with contributions from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
In December 2024, the Council agreed to develop an Offshore Energy Development Strategy aimed at maximising the economic, environmental, and societal benefits arising from offshore wind farm developments in Scotland. The first iteration of this strategy is expected to be presented to elected members later this year.
Oliver Reid, Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council, emphasised the importance of the PCSA: "The Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) is a critical component of the procurement process for a major construction project. The key outputs of this piece of work will be detailed planning, cost control, and risk management. It means that we can ensure that any project put forward for the consideration of Elected Members is both viable and cost-effective."
He added: "In short, the PCSA and the work it includes will give the Council access to all the information it needs to make an informed decision about the project. We are pleased to welcome ACCIONA and Jones Bros to the project, who bring a wealth of additional knowledge and expertise to the table."
Councillor Kristopher Leask, Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of harbour infrastructure development: "Development of our harbour infrastructure in Orkney is key to attracting private investment into the area, creating new highly paid jobs and unlocking enormous economic opportunities for our islands. This is vital as we tackle the economic challenges facing our communities, including the downturn of the oil industry and our ageing population."
Regarding the broader context of offshore energy, Councillor Leask stated: "The focus of the forthcoming Offshore Energy Development Strategy will be on understanding how the Council can maximise the opportunities that offshore wind and other offshore energy developments can present for Orkney."
He concluded by outlining the ongoing work: "An expansive amount of work is taking place at present – whether that be the PCSA, taking the project through consents, or the collaborative discussions we are having with industry and Government around investment. We are working together on this to ensure the Council has all the information it needs to make an informed decision on any future infrastructure development. The emerging offshore wind industry, alongside a growing tidal sector, is a key opportunity for Orkney. How this Council sets the strategic direction ahead and seizes the opportunities these developments provide is a key priority for us."
Construction News
16/04/2025
Site Investigation Works Begin For Orkney Deep Water Quay Project


16/06/2025
Work has commenced on a major project to transform the Watersports Centre at Strathclyde Country Park into a multi-purpose community facility, with an ambitious target to reduce the building's carbon footprint by at least 80%.
The initial stage, focusing on improving the building's entrance and ac

16/06/2025
Work is expected to commence this summer on the site for the new Mayfield Community Learning Campus, following Midlothian Council's appointment of Kier as the main contractor.
The £41.8 million project is expected to complete its construction phase by spring 2027, with the overall campus fully ope

16/06/2025
McLaughlin & Harvey has officially handed over the keys to the Ayrshire Hospice's significantly redeveloped facility, marking the completion of an £18.8 million capital build project.
The extensive works were undertaken in close collaboration with the Ayrshire Hospice to substantially improve its

16/06/2025
Aberdeenshire Council has announced the opening of the latest round of its Coastal Communities Challenge Fund (CCCF), making grants of up to £49,999 available to support initiatives along its coastline.
The fund, which distributes revenues generated by Crown Estate Scotland, targets community group

16/06/2025
A crucial route into Stewarton, the B778 Holm Street, is scheduled for closure for approximately two months as Scottish Water proceeds with a significant £16 million package of investments in the town's water infrastructure.
The closure will take effect from Monday, 30th June 2025, impacting Holm S

16/06/2025
Stirling Council is moving forward with plans to deliver 36 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social rent at Brucefields, a key component of the South Stirling gateway strategic housing site. The Council has now received approval to initiate the procurement process for their construction.
Th

16/06/2025
Significant progress is being made towards the reinstatement of Dunrod Road, a crucial rural link between Greenock and Inverkip that has been closed for some time due to a partial failure and movement of the road caused by various factors, including landslip. Ground investigation works are scheduled

16/06/2025
Bonnybridge is set for significant infrastructure upgrades this summer, with Falkirk Council investing £460,000 in a coordinated programme of resurfacing, regeneration, and accessibility improvements.
The work will focus on Bonnybridge Toll, Memorial Park, and surrounding public spaces.
Funding f

13/06/2025
The first completed section of Glasgow's ambitious £120 million-plus Avenues programme, the Holland and Pitt Street Avenue, has officially opened, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.
The newly completed avenue features a comprehensive transformation, incl

13/06/2025
Construction has officially commenced on the Dumfries Zero Waste Park (Dumfries ZWP), marking a significant milestone in Dumfries and Galloway Council's commitment to its Waste, Recycling and Reuse Strategy 2023–2030.
The £11.197m investment, drawn from the Council's approved 10-year Capital Invest