The company said a challenging last two years was to blame for what was a “difficult decision”.

Engineers at the Aberdeenshire office worked on designing electricity substations for power firms such as SSE and Scottish Power.

However, a Balfour Beatty spokesman said financial constraints had imposed the move upon the firm and that “every effort” would be made to offer the workers other roles within the wider business where possible.

He added: “The last two years have been challenging for our power transmission and distribution business in Scotland, with little sign of change in the near future.

“In light of this, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations at our substation design office in Kintore by the end of March.

“Regrettably, 25 roles will be made redundant but we are making every effort to find alternative roles within the wider Balfour Beatty business for the affected employees.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that her government will hold talks with Balfour Beatty over the redundancies.

North East MSP Lewis Macdonald raised concerns at First Minister’s Question in Holyrood this week.

The Labour politician said: “The first minister knows that Balfour Beatty holds many public sector contracts in Scotland — not the least of which is a contract on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

“Does she share my concern about the company’s plans, which were announced this morning, to close its electricity substation design office at Kintore in Aberdeenshire, at the cost of the jobs there, and to bid for all future work on Scotland’s electricity network from outwith Scotland?

“If the first minister shares those concerns, will she raise them with Balfour Beatty and tell the company to drop its closure plans and, instead of making workers redundant, to sit down with staff in Kintore and plan a sustainable future for its Scottish business?”

In response, Ms Sturgeon said: “Such decisions and announcements are always of concern and this one is no different.

“In direct response to Lewis Macdonald’s question, I say yes, we will engage with Balfour Beatty on the matter.

“I am sure that the cabinet secretary for the economy, jobs and fair work will be happy to meet or write to Lewis Macdonald after we have had the opportunity to do that.”

Unite regional officer, John Clark, added: “The fact the Kintore employees are the sole target for redundancies is a matter of real concern.”