Work expected to start on £1.6m water upgrade in the summer

SCOTTISH Water is preparing to start work on a £1.6 million project to renew around nine kilometres of water mains in the South Mainland of Shetland.

The investment will aim to reinforce the network in parts of Scousburgh, Bigton and Maywick, which have suffered disruption in recent years from burst pipes.

Work is expected to start in the summer, and a number of planning applications are in for the installation of pipe bridges across the area.

The project will see Scottish Water team up with delivery partner Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA).

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We recognise that some of our customers in parts of Scousburgh, Bigton and Maywick have experienced significant disruption to their water supplies over recent years, arising from bursts on the local water network.

“While our local team responds as quickly as possible on each occasion to restore supplies and carry out repairs, we are now preparing to make a long term investment to ensure that local communities have a reliable supply of clear, fresh and great-tasting drinking water well into the future.

“Site investigation work has been underway in the local area over recent weeks and, subject to the outcome of the planning process and continuing engagement with landowners, we expect to begin work on site in the summer.

“We will update customers and publish further information about our work before it begins. CWA and their contractor will make every effort to keep any short term disruption to a minimum, while working to deliver the long term improvement in service that the investment will provide.”