Significant Progress Made On Scottish Water Investment Project Between Peterhead and Ellon

“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.”

Euan Kerr
Chief Operating Officer, Caledonia Water Alliance

Scottish Water is making rapid progress on a £38million 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. This 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.

Thanks to the progress made, some areas have already been returned to farmers earlier than expected so they can resume working on their land. 

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. These 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 this major investment on behalf of Scottish Water.

Project Manager for Scottish Water, Craig Littlewood, said “We’re really pleased with the progress made on the project so far. 

“I’d like to thank our customers and the local community for their continued patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work.”