As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Scottish Government guidance issued on 25 March 2020, ScottishPower Renewables contractors at Beinn an Tuirc 3 Windfarm took steps to demobilise construction work on site until appropriate measures reflecting all applicable guidance could be put in place.
We have been in ongoing dialogue with the Scottish Government to discuss the safe return to work at our constructions sites. The subsequent Scottish Government guidance published on 6 April 2020 recognises that construction projects which relate to essential public services (such as the electricity system) or which provide wider resilience and capacity across the system may continue if they can comply with the guidance on the safety and welfare of people.
Following a detailed review of the Scottish Government guidance and engagement with the Scottish Government, ScottishPower Renewables and our principal contractor plan to remobilise construction at Beinn an Tuirc 3 Windfarm safely from Monday, 4 May 2020. From this time, you should expect to see construction personnel return to site and construction activity will increase throughout the month of May. The workforce will be carrying out vital work to support the future resilience of the energy system by completing the construction of the windfarm.
The health, safety and welfare of all persons working on our windfarms and the health and safety of the communities in which our projects are located is our first priority. Work programmes have been reviewed by our contractors, in conjunction with ScottishPower Renewables to ensure that activities can be carried out in accordance with social distancing and health and safety requirements.
ScottishPower Renewables has engaged with our principal contractor to ensure that accommodation, welfare facilities and travel arrangements for the workforce are also in compliance with social distancing and health and safety requirements.
In addition, we recognise the impact that COVID-19 pandemic has had on the local community of Kintyre and would like to work with you to identify ways in which SPR can support the local community during this period and in the months ahead.
We appreciate you may have questions throughout this time. Please do not hesitate to contact me using the details below.
Best wishes,
Gillian
Gillian Arnot
Senior Community Liaison Officer
ScottishPower Renewables
9th Floor, ScottishPower House, 320 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5AD
Contact Details available on request.