Supply chain opportunities for Highland businesses at Gordonbush wind farm's 11-turbine extension near Brora

Businesses and suppliers around the Highlands are being invited to learn more about opportunities to get involved in a new wind development.

SSE Renewables plans to develop the Gordonbush wind farm extension near Brora in Sutherland without government subsidy – the first such project it has embarked upon.

Now the renewables firm wants to hear from interested supply chain companies for the 11-turbine extension when it hosts a "meet the buyer" event on Tuesday, March 3.

The event will run from noon to 5pm at the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora, ahead of the start of the latest round of work at Gordonbush.

The new, 11-turbine onshore wind farm is located 12km north-west of Brora and is an extension to the current 35-turbine Gordonbush wind farm, which has been generating renewable energy since 2012.

Local businesses and suppliers will have a chance to meet the SSE Renewables team building the Gordonbush extension as well as appointed contractors, including RJ McLeod, to find out more about the opportunities on offer in the project.

Mike Scott, Gordonbush’s project manager, said: “Meet the buyer events are such an important part of our work to build a wind farm. It gives us a chance to meet with local businesses and suppliers and discuss the opportunities available on the project so we can utilise, wherever possible, the excellent local supply chain to build our wind farm extension project.

“Building a wind farm takes a diverse group of businesses, including local accommodation, tree felling, catering, plant hire and stonework.

“We’re really looking forward to the event and would encourage any company with an interest in working with us on this, or our future projects, to come along.”

SSE Renewables has appointed RJ McLeod, one of Scotland’s largest privately-owned civil engineering and building contractors, as the preferred principal contractor of the civil and cabling works.

Construction will commence in March, with first generation at the site expected later in 2020.

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