Following a rigorous evaluation process, SCAPE Scotland has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey and RJ McLeod to deliver projects through the framework.

The framework has been created to provide clients with access to specialist contractors capable of helping them to deliver the low carbon energy, transport and water infrastructure needed to meet sustainability targets and serve community needs in the years ahead.

The framework will enable the delivery of projects across a variety of sectors including docks, ports and harbours, rail and metro’s, aviation, water, renewables, energy (gas and electricity, including maintenance), and telecommunications.

Each sector has an important role to play in Scotland’s green transition, from enabling new grid connections that facilitate the integration of renewables and protect the country’s energy supply for the future, to connecting communities and unlocking growth through new rail projects and enhanced coastal infrastructure, such as ports and harbours.

The delivery partners appointed to the new framework share SCAPE Scotland’s commitment to sustainability and social value, which will underpin each project delivered through the new frameworks. With a framework duration of four years and an option to extend for a further four, this represents a significant opportunity to create a long-term, positive impact.

The direct award utilities framework operates a parallel lotting structure, which gives clients a choice of industry-leading contractors, ensuring efficient procurement that demonstrates value for money.

The new utilities framework complements SCAPE’s suite of consultancy, civil engineering and construction frameworks operating across Scotland.

Mark Robinson, SCAPE Group’s chief executive, said: “The SCAPE utilities framework for Scotland has been created to support better-connected communities, future-proof national infrastructure and scale-up green energy projects that support the use of renewables.

“This new framework will help clients accelerate the works and services needed to support a low-carbon economy in the years to come. As with all our frameworks, enhanced social value will underpin every project, ensuring we leave a positive, sustainable legacy within each community.”

John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, added: “We are excited to welcome our new partners, who have all demonstrated their ability to deliver efficient and effective best-in-class projects for clients.

“The quality of this new framework is a testament to the research and development applied across all of SCAPE’s procurement services.”

McLaughlin & Harvey framework director Chris Boyle, commented: “McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to be awarded a place on the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services Frameworks for Scotland. We look forward to working with SCAPE and the utility providers to deliver exceptional projects.

“This framework offers the opportunity to provide utility companies and their customers real value for money in project delivery whilst also providing economic and social benefits for local communities across the United Kingdom.”

RJ McLeod business development manager Jamie Corser said: “As a Scottish headquartered civil engineering company, it’s great that RJ McLeod is a partner on the SCAPE Scotland Utilities Works and Services framework.

“With our track record of delivery in Scotland dating back over 70 years, combined with us being very much a client and project focussed company, we are confident that we can offer real value to clients.”