Morrison Water Services as part of CWA Progresses Ambitious Pipe Replacement Project on Remote Island of Benbecula

Morrison Water Services, as part of the Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA), is making significant progress on a challenging project to replace over 11km of water main pipes on the remote island of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. Commissioned by Scottish Water, this £2.5 million investment represents a vital step toward ensuring a reliable and high-quality water supply for the island’s community for many years to come.

A Critical Project for Benbecula

Located 60 miles from the Scottish mainland, Benbecula is home to just over 1,200 residents spread across 82 km². Maintaining a robust water network is critical for the well-being of the local community. This project will modernise the island's water infrastructure, providing much-needed resilience and improved quality to support current and future needs.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

Transporting the necessary materials and equipment to this remote location has been a feat of engineering logistics. All 11km of pipework, along with fittings, machinery, and specialised tools, were sourced from mainland suppliers and delivered to a holding depot in Inverness. From there, they were transported via ferry to the island, then moved to the work site using haulage services.

This intricate supply chain has required careful coordination, with every item—from pressure testing kits to welding equipment—making the 60-mile journey across the sea. The project highlights the capability of Morrison Water Services to successfully manage complex operations in remote environments.

Current Progress on the Ground

The work is currently underway along the scenic South Ford Causeway, which connects Benbecula to South Uist, as well as on rural land and road verges beside the A865. The team on-site, averaging eight personnel, consists entirely of local workers from South and North Uist. This community-focused approach ensures local expertise is central to the project while supporting the island's economy.

Graham Edwards, CWA Project Manager, commented: “The £2.5 million investment by Scottish Water will provide resilience to the water network for the future. Our local contractor MacInnes Bros is leading much of the work, and we’re proud to see strong progress on this vital project.”

Looking Ahead

While the project is ongoing, its completion will mark a significant improvement for the residents of Benbecula. Replacing the aging infrastructure will secure a more sustainable water network, safeguarding supply reliability and quality for generations to come.

The work being carried out by Morrison Water Services, as part of the Caledonia Water Alliance and local contractors, underscores the company’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects in some of Scotland’s most remote and challenging locations. By combining technical expertise, careful planning, and a commitment to local communities, the team is paving the way for a more resilient water network for remote communities in the Outer Hebrides.

As progress continues, Morrison Water Services remains dedicated to ensuring that this ambitious project not only meets its goals, but also leaves a lasting positive impact on the island of Benbecula.

About the Caledonia Water Alliance

Caledonia Water (CWA) is a joint venture alliance between Morrison Water Services and Aecom, supporting the delivery of Scottish Water’s SR21 Capital Investment Programme. We are responsible for the delivery of a £700 million water and wastewater infrastructure programme across Scotland, over a six-year alliance framework.

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