Scottish Canals appoint Fairfields as a framework contractor
Scottish Canals have established a framework to deliver engineering and construction work to maintain and develop the canal infrastructure. We are proud to announce that Fairfield Control System has been awarded the following lots:
- Lot 4 – Mechanical / Hydraulic and related works
- Lot 7 – Electrical / Controls / Telemetry works and related works.
The Framework is a 3-year framework that can be extended up to 6 years. It is designed to allow a mix of contractors to collaborate and engage directly with Scottish canals on projects.
The Contractors Framework plays a vital part in the delivery of Scottish Canal’s Corporate Vision, mainly supporting maintaining and improving their assets as well as playing a part in inclusive regeneration and place making. The projects commissioned through the Framework are a tangible demonstration of the public value that Scottish Canals aims to deliver and increase the wider socio-economic sustainability of the local communities that the canals run through.
The award of the framework will see us recruiting for several new roles across Scotland including a Framework Manager, Lead Project Engineers and Field Engineers. We will also be expanding our local supply chain and looking to deliver community benefits along the canal networks.
Oliver Mangham, Applications Director at Fairfields commented, “Scottish Canals have developed a framework which encourages collaboration and good working relationships between the contractors in each lot. We are looking forward to working with Scottish Canals and the other contractors to maintain and develop the canal infrastructure over the coming years.
About Scottish Canals
Scottish Canals is responsible for managing and developing 137 miles of Scotland’s canal network, including the Union, Monkland, Forth & Clyde, Crinan and Caledonian Canals. As well as the waterways themselves, Scottish Canals cares for 4100 assets, including 251 bridges, 212 buildings, 256 locks, The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies and 19 water supply reservoirs in locations across Scotland.
Built over two hundred years ago to fuel the Industrial Revolution, today the canals contribute to the Scottish Government agenda of developing a Greener; Healthier; Smarter; Safer and Stronger; and Wealthier and Fairer Scotland by acting as a catalyst for sustainable economic development, regeneration and tourism; contributing to education, biodiversity, heritage and promoting active living and healthier lifestyles. The Forth & Clyde, Union, Monkland, Caledonian and Crinan canals are recognised as Scheduled Ancient Monuments and attract 22 million visits per year.
Their vision is for Scotland’s canals to be a world-class waterway network with a thriving natural environment built upon 250 years of history that benefits communities and all users who live, work, visit and play along our canals.
As the privileged custodian of one of Scotland’s greatest heritage assets, Scottish Canals will protect and conserve the historic infrastructure as set out in the Heritage and Asset Management Strategies whilst diversify their use in ways that enrich the communities along the canal. We will sustain vibrant canal corridors, full of life and opportunity for leisure, recreation and active travel. Our work will enliven and enrich communities living alongside canal corridors. We will maintain a mature, financially resilient organisation, making the most of our assets and people to maximise the benefits our canals can give to Scotland and the world, and ensuring Scottish Canals is a great place to work.
Underpinning their overall vision for the future of Scotland’s canals are four strategic themes (Transform our canals; Create new opportunities; Excel at what we do; Respond to global challenges). These are interdependent and of equal importance, and together they describe a strategic approach that is soundly based on long term sustainability, preserving their rich heritage, and delivering greater public value to the communities which they serve.
This Framework will cover the entire canal network in Scotland.