Breedon deliver coastline and community benefits

Company successfully completes coastal defence project to protect Benbecula Airport

BREEDON Group have successfully completed the latest phase of a major coastal defence project to shield Benbecula Airport in the Outer Hebrides from hostile North Atlantic weather.

The sand dunes that protect the western boundary of the airport, off the west coast of Scotland, are continually under threat of erosion from waves and storms.

Following the installation and subsequent repair of 1,000m of sea defences between 2002 and 2015, an additional length of ‘mattress’ protection has been installed by Breedon, which extends the protective barrier a further 400m northwards.

Around 10,000 tonnes of gabion stone were supplied for the project from the company’s Druim Reallasger Quarry, in North Uist.

Commenting on the project, Breedon area general manager John Macleod said: ‘This work is vital to the protection of Benbecula Airport, which provides an important transport link for the islands.

‘The contract required community benefit and we were delighted to be able to support this by donating some play equipment to the local primary school.’

Keith Inglis, head of infrastructure services at Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), added: ‘The completion of this recent package of coastal works provides the airport with the protection required against the hostile environment generated by the North Atlantic.

‘The exposed nature of the beach made working conditions difficult at times, but Breedon have completed the works on budget and on time.’