Farrans has been named as a preferred bidder for Scottish Water's landmark "Enterprise" programme, a multi-billion pound initiative aimed at revitalising the nation's water and waste water infrastructure.

The announcement positions Farrans as an Asset Delivery Partner within a pioneering delivery model that will run from 2027 to 2033.

The ambitious project is the largest procurement exercise ever undertaken by Scottish Water and includes the potential for a six-year extension beyond the initial seven-year term. Under this enterprise-style approach, partner companies will collaborate to enhance public assets, ensuring sustainable water supplies and environmental protection across the country.

Farrans brings extensive experience to the partnership, having maintained a presence in Scotland for over 80 years. The firm's portfolio includes high-profile regional projects such as the Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven extension, the Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow, and various windfarm developments spanning from Kilgallioch to Wick.

Dominic Lavery, Managing Director of Farrans, commented: "This is the largest procurement ever undertaken by Scottish Water and it is a testament to the strength and experience of our team that we have been selected as an Asset Delivery Partner. We have had a presence in Scotland for over 80 years' and have been involved in significant projects including Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven, Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow and windfarms from Kilgallioch all the way north to Wick.

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"We are delighted to have a client relationship in Scotland which will last for the coming six years, with the potential for a significant extension thereafter. Our experience of the water sector is vast and we are currently on site with Anglian Water's Strategic Pipeline Alliance, Northumbrian Water, Uisce Eireann, Northern Ireland Water and Essex and Suffolk Water. We are looking forward to working with Scottish Water as we prepare to roll out teams across the country."

The "Enterprise" framework is designed to integrate Primary Designers, who will handle design accountability, with Asset Delivery Partners responsible for executing capital works. This model aims to support Scottish Water's broader objectives of service excellence, financial sustainability, and achieving net-zero emissions.

Rob Mustard, Director of Capital Investment at Scottish Water, added: "The Enterprise is the most significant programme of investment and way of working we have ever implemented. It supports our goals of financial sustainability, customer and service excellence, and going beyond net zero, all while contributing to a flourishing Scotland.

"Primary Designers will be accountable for design across the Enterprise, ensuring that our designs deliver our outcomes, and Asset Delivery Partners will drive programme and project delivery, ensuring successful execution of capital works in line with those outcomes.

"Once the legalities are completed, we see these organisations working with Scottish Water to form our Enterprise, delivering a third of SR27 investments for our customers."

The procurement process, which commenced on 25 November 2024, is scheduled for full completion by March 2026.