A rendering of the new prison in Inverness, Scotland. Credit: Balfour Beatty.

Balfour Beatty has secured the construction contract for the new £209m ($265.51m) HMP Highland prison in Inverness, Scotland.  

The contract, awarded by the Scottish Prison Service, follows Balfour Beatty’s initial appointment in 2022 to manage the pre-construction phase, including the facility’s design. 

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The latest phase, valued at £119m ($151.17m), involves the construction of the 18,500m² facility, which includes two interconnected buildings and associated infrastructure.  

Balfour Beatty regional business in Scotland managing director Hector MacAulay MBE said: “We are delighted to continue working alongside the Scottish Prison Service as we move into the construction phase of this significant and important project.” 

HMP Highland is said to become Scotland’s first net zero prison, designed to operate on renewable energy in line with the Scottish Government’s low carbon objectives. 

Balfour Beatty will employ modular construction techniques, assembling internal wall panels and perimeter walls offsite. 

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This is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by limiting transport and material deliveries.  

Scheduled for completion in 2026, HMP Highland will replace the existing Inverness Prison and is designed to house 200 prisoners.  

This marks the first new prison in the Highlands, Islands, and Moray region in more than a hundred years.  

Scottish Prison service deputy chief executive Linda Pollock said: “HMP Highland will not only increase the capacity previously available at HMP Inverness, but also provide space for quality rehabilitative work which we know gives people the greatest possible chance of a successful return to their communities on liberation.” 

Balfour Beatty has pledged to invest £60m in local supply chains and businesses during the project. 

At the peak of construction, the company plans to employ 250 employees. 

In March 2024, Balfour Beatty, in partnership with National Highways, completed a bridge demolition as part of the M25 junction ten improvement scheme.