Roadgrip Airports has recently wrapped up two consecutive projects in the far north of Scotland, at Kirkwall Airport on Orkney and Sumburgh Airport on Shetland. Working in partnership with GMR Henderson Ltd, our team carried out precision runway grooving works across around 9,000m² at each site.
Runway grooving isn’t just about neat lines in the asphalt. These shallow channels provide essential water dissipation, reducing the risk of hydroplaning during wet conditions. By improving surface friction, grooving plays a vital role in ensuring safer landings and take-offs, particularly in climates where rain is a frequent visitor (as any pilot flying into Orkney or Shetland will confirm).
In an unexpected twist, we were treated to unusually pleasant weather during the works. Combined with the famously long daylight hours of a northern summer, our night shifts were carried out under beautifully lit skies, a rare luxury for teams more used to working through the dark.
Of course, working on islands brings its own challenges. Getting crews, equipment and materials to and from Orkney and Shetland during the busy summer season is no small feat, especially when events like the Shetland Highland Games fill the ferries and airports. Thankfully, our UK HQ logistics team are experts at making the seemingly impossible happen. With a long-established network of industry contacts, including strong relationships with clients, suppliers and yes, even competitors, they ensured smooth delivery under tight conditions.
We’d also like to give credit where it’s due. Our client offered invaluable support with local shipping arrangements, while one of our usual competitors kindly stepped in with extra technical assistance. It’s proof that in this industry, collaboration leads to the best results, and everyone benefits when safety and efficiency are the shared goal.
Two islands, two airports, two successful projects, and one proud team. Roadgrip Airports continues to deliver safety-critical solutions in even the most challenging locations, with teamwork and precision at the heart of everything we do.
Contact Roadgrip Airports to find out more.
