A CIVIL engineering firm has successfully delivered the ten-turbine phase two of Sandy Knowe Wind Farm.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK stepped in when the previously appointed contractor went into administration, to carry out the work at the half-built site in Dumfries and Galloway as part of an ERG-led development that will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 55,000 homes.
Activity in Upper Nithsdale included completing ten reinforced concrete turbine foundations, crane hardstands, and laydown areas, excavating and backfilling for cabling works, as well as the construction of a new bridge across the Polneul Burn.
Approximately 40 people, including local plant operators, capped access tracks, carried out substation snagging works, and completed landscaping and reinstatement of both phases one and two.
Jones Bros site agent Flora McNeil said: “It has been wonderful to step in and deliver phase two of the scheme on behalf of ERG.
“This was our 19th wind farm in Scotland, and we’ve built a strong reputation in this sector, courtesy of our highly skilled team.
“We started onsite in May 2022 and the completion deadline was pencilled in for before the end of the year, so we had to hit the ground running.
“Some of the materials had already been procured by the client and previous contractor. Establishing what was onsite, due for delivery, and still required, as well as making sure that materials weren’t damaged or missing, was a challenge.
“The installation of the bridge was critical for achieving the energisation date for the phase one turbines. We had very limited time to install it and get the cables across the burn.
“The design was unusual and, as a result, it created additional work at height and lifting issues that we had to manage effectively to ensure the safety of the team.”
ERG’s UK project manager Pietro Mosca said: “I was really impressed by Jones Bros’ reactiveness and ability to pick up a project which was already in construction with several difficulties and a strict timeline.
“Their understanding of the situation and the project’s needs played a key role in delivering the work in good time and to the required quality.”
