Ambulance, coastguard and police services attended one of Viking Energy’s wind farm sites at Upper Kergord, 15 miles north of Lerwick, at about 10:15 on Sunday. However, the man, who was an employee of BAM Nuttall, died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

SSE Renewables is currently building a 103-turbine wind farm in the centre of Shetland along with a converter station to export the renewable energy to the national grid.

A spokesperson for BAM Nuttall, the main contractor at Upper Kergord, said: “We can confirm an incident at our Viking wind farm project site on Shetland has resulted in the tragic fatality of a colleague.

“Our condolences are with their family, and support is being made available to them and to members of the team. An investigation is under way and we’re working closely with our client and the relevant authorities.”

Activity at the site was suspended today as a mark of respect. Work is due to recommence on Wednesday.

Derek Hastings, the SSE Renewables head of onshore projects, said: “We are devastated and our thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends and colleagues of the young man who tragically died.

“We are working closely with BAM Nuttall and the relevant authorities to understand what happened.”

Police Scotland said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it had been made aware of the incident and was helping police with inquiries.