Jobs, skills and community investment in Aberdeenshire boosted by balance of plant contract for Clashindarroch II Wind Farm

The company will upgrade 9 miles of existing and 5 miles of new access tracks, construct 14 turbine foundations and associated crane hardstanding, and undertake cabling work to connect the site to Cairnford substation.

Jones Bros and Vattenfall have worked together to provide an in-depth social value commitment plan, which factors in jobs, skills and workforce development, the supply chain, and community.

The package which is in excess of £30m will create over 120 jobs at the site during construction, and a minimum of two new apprentice opportunities will be created. One paid work placement for an engineering undergraduate at a local college or university is also on offer. 

Residents within a 50-mile radius who meet the minimum role requirements will also be guaranteed a job interview, with all openings advertised online.

All team members will receive project-based, on-site, vocational qualifications and training as required, including continuous Clashindarroch II Wind Farm focused health and safety instruction.

Once completed, Clashindarroch II is expected to produce enough electricity to meet the equivalent demand of more than 61,000 households¹.

Stuart Matthews, Vattenfall’s Senior Project Manager for Clashindarroch II Wind Farm said:   

“We’re delighted to award the contract for balance of plant works at Clashindarroch II to Jones Bros. This milestone is about more than delivering infrastructure - it’s about creating lasting value for the region. 

“Together, we’ve developed a comprehensive social value plan that prioritises local jobs, skills development, and supply chain opportunities. We’re committed to making sure this wind farm brings lasting benefits to local communities and the economy, now and for future generations.”

Contracts manager David Nicolson, who will oversee a team of 120, including apprentices and trainees, said: 

“We are thrilled to have been appointed to work on Clashindarroch II Wind Farm. We have a vast amount of experience working on wind farms, especially in Scotland, and this presents another fantastic opportunity for our highly skilled team to showcase their talents.

“As with all our projects, we will be looking to utilise the local supply chain wherever possible and be a positive influence in the community. That starts with meeting local firms at the Vattenfall-hosted event in Huntly in January.

“We are committed to engaging with the public through careers events, our public liaison officer and school and college programmes focusing on STEM and our Build a Bridge Challenge3. We will also support local groups and charities.”

Facts and figures about Clashindarroch II  

• 14 Wind Turbines 
• Capacity: 63MW  
• Equivalent UK households powered: around 61,566 annually¹ 
• Predicted to offset around 90,844 tonnes of CO2 every year² 
• Preparatory works commenced during Autumn 2025  
• Main construction works are expected to start in spring 2026 
• First power is expected in summer 2027 
• Clashindarroch II wind farm will provide around £315,000 per annum in community benefit funding to the local community 
• The operational Clashindarroch Wind Farm has provided more than £2million in funding to the local area in its first ten years of operation.  
• Further information about Clashindarroch II Wind Farm can be found here.    

1. Calculated according to Renewable UK ‘Homes powered equivalent’ methodology.  
2. Calculated according to Renewable UK ‘CO₂ Reductions (per year) in Tonnes’ methodology.

Find out more about Jones Bros here.