The largest procurement ever undertaken by Scottish Water has been launched “to transform the country’s public assets to keep taps flowing and protect the environment.”

Firms are being invited to bid to be involved in a “ground-breaking enterprise-style approach to enhancing Scotland’s water and waste water infrastructure” over the period 2027 to 2033, with a potential extension for another six years.

The overall value of the enterprise – known as Delivery Vehicle 4 – is between £5 billion and £9 billion and is the “highest value venture put into place by Scottish Water.”

It is anticipated that the total Scottish Water SR27 investment programme will support around 4,000 jobs and create opportunities for 1,500 young people.

Director of Capital Investment, Rob Mustard, said: “DV4 is the most significant programme of investment and way of working we have ever implemented. It supports our goals of financial sustainability, service excellence, and going beyond net zero, all while contributing to a flourishing Scotland.”

Replacing the current 12-year-old Delivery Vehicle 1 (DV1), DV4 will oversee asset investments and handle high-value and complex construction and engineering projects.”

Mustard said: “We’re moving to an ‘advanced partnering’ model, shifting from traditional contracting to a more collaborative approach. This model brings partners together through agreed outcomes, ensuring we deliver value for our customers and innovation in every project …

“This supply chain will support over 4,000 jobs and create opportunities for over 1500 young people. This initiative is not just about economic growth; it’s about delivering real social value to our communities.”