A £14 million construction contract for Orkney Islands Council’s six-turbine wind farm at Quanterness, outside Kirkwall, has been awarded to local firm Heddle Construction following a competitive tendering process.

The balance-of-plant (BOP) package includes final design alongside civil engineering and electrical works ahead of turbine installation.

In development since 2019 and unanimously backed by elected members in February last year, the 28.8MW scheme will see six 149.1m turbines erected at St Ola, between Kirkwall and Finstown.

Electricity from the site will be exported via the new interconnector, providing the Council with additional income to protect and enhance local services.

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In October last year, the Council announced it had secured backing from the National Wealth Fund through a loan covering the project’s costs, while Nordex was confirmed as the turbine supplier in August last year.

Founded in 1972 by Ian Heddle and now led by his son Derek, Heddle Construction employs over 20 staff at its Kirkwall base. The company has grown from its origins building farm structures to offer a range of specialist services, including a prominent crane hire operation with a blue Liebherr fleet working across Orkney. In recent years it has built strong credentials in renewable energy, serving both wind and marine sectors.

Derek Heddle, Managing Director of Heddle Construction, said: "As a long-standing local business with a proven track record in renewable energy, we are delighted to be awarded the Balance of Plant contract for this landmark project. Given its scale, we are immensely proud to keep delivery in local hands, setting a clear benchmark for future developments. We look forward to partnering with Orkney Islands Council to deliver a high-quality, locally led project that continues to invest directly in Orkney’s workforce and skills."