SSE Renewables has announced that more than £4.5m has been spent so far with local suppliers in the initial stages of constructing the 443MW Viking wind farm in the Shetland Isles of Scotland.
Over 30 companies in Shetland have already been involved including since June, including Tulloch Developments, whose 25 local workers recently completed an access road.
SSE added that the 103-turbine project has 52 local workers who are employed by RJ McLeod and SSE Renewables, with the number planned to increase as the build progresses.
SSE Renewables project director Derek Hastings said: “Over the coming years, there’ll be many more opportunities for local businesses of all sizes and tradespeople in Shetland to enter the supply chain as the project progresses.
“These opportunities will range from providing equipment and trade services, to working on-site during construction, to providing operational support once the turbines start turning.
“We will continue to make it our priority to ensure a wide variety of employment opportunities are made available to as many local people as possible.”
SSE said that project employees are now working in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, through their Open4Business web portal, to make sure potential suppliers can find out about opportunities as easily as possible.
Interested companies are also asked to contact SSE directly to discuss opportunities.