ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), the developer of the Harestanes Windfarm situated within the Forest of Ae, is offering South of Scotland companies a unique opportunity to get involved in the construction of the project.

SPR has selected a shortlist of ‘main contractors’ to construct the windfarm and now local companies will get the chance to learn more about the opportunities available and to submit their details into a ‘South West Scotland dossier’ that will then be presented to the potential main contractors.

Anyone attending the ‘Meet the Developer’ day will be able to speak to the SPR Construction Team and learn more about how their skills and resources could be utilised in the building of the windfarm.

From civil engineers and plant hire specialists to accommodation providers and caterers, companies from all sectors are encouraged to attend and find out how to get involved.

Work on the 71 turbine windfarm is due to get underway next year and SPR is eager to get as many local companies involved in the construction as possible.

In addition to the wind turbines, the development will consist of 61kilometres of roads and tracks, a new substation and an operations and maintenance building.

ScottishPower Renewables, Construction Director, Stuart Mason said: “We usually hold ‘Meet the Developers’ days once we appoint a main contractor but we feel that on this occasion it would be beneficial for all if we brought it forward.

“Working with local companies is a key aim of all our developments and we know that there are many companies in the South of Scotland that could bring some invaluable local services, knowledge and experience to this project and we want our main contractors to know what is right on the doorstep.”

The ‘Meet the Developers’ day will take place on the 5th December at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat from 3pm to 8pm.

Anyone interested in attending the ‘Meet the Developers’ day should e-mail t.nicklin@scottishpower.com or just turn up on the 5th.