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.

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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."