RJ McLeod will lead the construction of the country’s newest onshore wind farm following the award of a multi-million-pound contract by Vattenfall.

At South Kyle wind farm in East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, RJ McLeod will supply roads and access routes, electrical infrastructure, turbine foundations, and other facilities.

Located 5 kilometers to the east of Dalmellington, South Kyle will be Vattenfall’s largest onshore wind farm in the United Kingdom.

The project will need about 150 employees on site at the start of construction, and once the 240MW wind farm is operational it will make a major contribution to Scotland’s net-zero goals – powering 170.000 homes and saving 300.000 tons of greenhouse gases annually, the equivalent of taking 65.000 cars off the road each year.

“Constructing a wind farm is about so much more than just building a green power station. This is about creating and sustaining an industry that offers people a real future in a rewarding career. 

“As well as bringing fossil-fuel free living a step closer, we want to ensure that businesses close to our wind farms have the chance to take full advantage of the opportunities developments like South Kyle can create.

“We’re delighted to be working with RJ McLeod again. Their knowledge and expertise will provide further reassurance that South Kyle will be a responsibly built asset to the local area, powering approximately 170,000 homes with green electricity and driving forward Scotland’s emission reduction ambitions.”

Frank Elsworth, Vattenfall’s UK development director, onshore wind.

“We’re delighted to be awarded the contract to construct South Kyle wind farm.  This is our fourth project with Vattenfall who recognize the skills and experience of our staff and operatives as well as our track record of using local resources and we look forward to jointly delivering this important energy asset.”

Bruce Clark, joint managing director, RJ McLeod.

The work at South Kyle wind farm will consist of the construction of 50 reinforced concrete wind turbine foundations and associated crane hardstandings; the construction or upgrading of approximately 48 km of access tracks; a 132/33kV substation; a 4.5 km 132kV cable connection; and the 33kV cables connecting the substation to the wind turbines.

The start date for construction is yet to be confirmed but preparatory works are anticipated to begin next month.

The wind farm is expected to start generating electricity by early 2023.