The Paisley-based scaffold business, a division of The JR Group, has been tasked with removing asbestos insulation and re-insulating the perimeter of the internal and external walls of the power station in its entirety, which actively supplies power to a large percentage of Scotland.

The work forms part of a wider project by Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN).

Scaffolding at the site will be built in phased sections, some reaching up to 23 metres high, built both from the ground, and also from the higher mezzanine levels, to ensure all areas of the site are inspected for the hazardous material and re-cladded.

The project is planned to run for approximately 80 weeks and within each phase of the project, scaffold works will be timed in line with specifically planned power outages to allow the team to maximise their work.

Due to the complexities of the project, almost three years of detailed planning was carried out ahead of time with exact precision to ensure smooth running of the scheme.

JR Scaffold Services was selected for this specialist project due to its expertise and training regarding handling asbestos materials safely, with all the team trained and recognised by JR Scaffold’s asbestos ancillary license.

John Horne, managing director at JR Scaffold Services, said: “This unique and complex scaffolding project will bring some unusual challenges, including a bespoke scaffold build program, the handling and removal of hazardous material, and carefully managing the timing of the project around planned power outages to minimise disruption.

“We are proud to work closely with Luddon Construction to ensure that we can complete this project on time and as safely and efficiently as possible.

“JR Scaffold have committed a considerable amount of time and investment, gaining the appropriate accreditations to allow us to bid for such major projects such as this that involve the removal of hazardous asbestos, so we’re looking forward to provide our skillset to support Scottish Power Energy Network on this vital project.”

Based in Paisley, The JR Group started as a scaffolding business and has grown to become a building and construction firm employing around 200 staff, delivering projects for UK housebuilders, registered social landlords and private clients across Scotland and the north of England.