VAN Elle Holdings has signed an eight-year partnering agreement with Wood to deliver ground investigation, design, and construction activities for piling and foundations across several schemes in Scotland.
The work will form part of Ofgem’s accelerated strategic transmission investment (ASTI) programme, and the partnership – subject to performance – is expected to worth in excess of £30 million to Van Elle.
Works have commenced on initial projects in New Cumnock, Argyll, and most recently at Beauly-Loch Buidhe where ground investigation works are mobilising throughout January for 240 towers to be constructed in 2026-27.
In October, Van Elle acquired Stirling-based Albion Drilling Holdings Limited. Founded in 1986, the firm provides a range of specialist piling, technical drilling, and geotechnical engineering including quarry and close-proximity blasting, marine drilling, ground stabilisation, and rock anchoring. All 31 employees joined Van Elle.
Van Elle chief executive Mark Cutler said, “Wood has been a long-standing customer for Van Elle, so we are delighted to announce this partnering agreement to help deliver part of the significant scale of energy infrastructure in Scotland together over the coming years. Our breadth of capability allows us to integrate ground investigation, design and piling and foundation solutions best suited to the project requirements. Initial works have commenced, and activity levels will now increase as other schemes are mobilised across Scotland.
“Our recent acquisition of Albion Drilling based in Stirling will support with a local resource base and specialist skills needed to deliver these important commitments, often in remote and challenging locations. This agreement is the first of a number that we anticipate in this growing sector; reinforcing our confidence in our medium-term ambitions.”
