Scottish Water is making rapid progress on its £38 million investment project for customers that will boost the resilience and efficiency of the water network between Peterhead and Ellon.

The project includes the replacement of approximately 23 kilometres of trunk water main installed in 1973. The upgrade aims to ensure the continued delivery of fresh, clear drinking water to customers while minimising the risk of pipe bursts.

Although only 7.5km of pipeline replacement was planned for this phase of the project, work has advanced significantly, with 12km already completed as a result of favourable weather conditions.

This phase of the project started in September 2024 and is expected to last around two years, with a total pipe length of 18 kilometres due to be replaced.

The project involves six directional drill crossings, three under various other infrastructure pipelines, one under the Water of Cruden, and another two under the A90. The drilling methods help minimise disruption to the local community compared to the traditional open-cut excavation technique.

Caledonia Water Alliance and AG Wilson are delivering the major investment on behalf of Scottish Water.

Euan Kerr Chief Operating Officer at Caledonia Water Alliance commented:

“It is great that sections of the new asset can be introduced into supply from this autumn, ahead of the project reaching completion, to increase the robustness of the local network.”