Project scope

Strathy South, encompassing approximately 1,600 hectares, lies to the south of the existing Strathy North Wind Farm in Sutherland.  The new wind farm will comprise 35 new turbines and 31km of new or upgraded access tracks. The site is adjacent to the Flow Country, a vast region of peatland and wetland located in Caithness and Sutherland in northern Scotland.

Spanning approximately 1,500 square miles, it is the largest blanket bog in Europe. Characterised by deep peat layers interspersed with bog pools, this area is crucial for both wildlife habitat and climate change mitigation.

The peat, composed primarily of plant remains which are rich in carbon, sequesters significant amounts of carbon for millennia, preventing its release into the atmosphere and thereby mitigating global warming.

Due to its unique ecological significance, The Flow Country has received World Heritage Site status; it was granted the designation reserved for sites of exceptional natural, cultural, historical or scientific significance by the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi earlier this year.

Igne's expertise in managing sensitive environments ensured minimal disturbance to the peat deposits, whilst ensuring the site investigation was comprehensive and the client was well informed.

The project involved:

• Drilling 79 rotary cored holes using T2-101 and T6-131 core barrels with water flush.
• Employing cable percussion drilling for areas with extensive superficial deposits.
• Conducting over 300 trial pits and peat probes.
• Performing a variety of in-situ tests, including thermal resistivity tests, plate load tests, and hand vane tests.

All drilling operations were conducted utilising Igne's fleet of low ground pressure Morookas and BV Hagglunds, with excavators provided by local specialists John MacKay Ltd.

Laboratory testing

Geotechnical testing on soil samples from the site were carried out in-house ensuring the programme of works was seamlessly efficient. 

Additionally, the project included a comprehensive suite of aggregate tests such as the Los Angeles Coefficient, Aggregate Impact Value, Sand Equivalent, and Drying Shrinkage tests on the recovered rock cores.

Reporting

The project concluded with detailed factual reporting and the provision of AGS data, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the findings and the integrity of the investigation.

The equipment and methodologies employed by Igne, including the use of specialised drilling rigs and low ground pressure vehicles to navigate and preserve the delicate bog landscape, ensured the protection of the environment and the collection and delivery of exceptional data.

This project highlights Igne's commitment to delivering precise and environmentally considerate geotechnical investigations, reinforcing their reputation as leaders in the site investigation field particularly in the most challenging environments.

To discuss how Igne’s unique plant and highly experienced personnel can support your construction or infrastructure project’s success, contact the team.