---
title: "Drone Training, Support & Maintenance"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "FORESTRY AND LAND SCOTLAND"
published: "2026-06-08"
---

# Drone Training, Support & Maintenance

Buyer: FORESTRY AND LAND SCOTLAND  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975

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## Summary

Forestry and Land Scotland, based in Inverness, has completed a procurement process titled "Drone Training, Support & Maintenance," which falls under the environmental protection industry category. The contract, awarded on 8th June 2026, was for the provision of drone-related services, including training, support, and maintenance of a fleet of drones. The procurement method was open procedure, and it focused on services essential for supporting the sustainable use of Scotland’s national forests and land. Covering the UKM region, this contract spans 36 months with the possibility of a 24-month extension. The tender process concluded with Professional Drone Training Ltd being awarded the contract for £170,000, beginning its active status from the signing date.

This contract presents substantial opportunities for growth in businesses specializing in drone technology, particularly those capable of providing both training and technical support. Companies involved in environmental technology, aviation services, and equipment maintenance would find this sector ripe for expansion, especially those recognised as Assessment Entities (RAEs). Firms can anticipate future opportunities in sustainable environment services and should prepare by strengthening their technical portfolios and operational capabilities in line with public sector requirements in the UK. The contract also encourages the adoption of practices that support Scotland's goals of enhancing biodiversity and promoting green tourism.

## Notice

Forestry and Land Scotland (the Purchaser) look after the national forests and land to enhance biodiversity, support tourism, and increase access to the green spaces that will help improve Scotland's physical and mental health and well-being. The Authority also continues to provide vital timber supplies to support a sustainable rural economy. Further information on who the Authority is and what it does can be found here: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/. The Purchaser had a requirement to place a contract with an external Service Provider for the provision of Drone Training, Support & Maintenance services of their drone resource (Pilots & Drones). The Purchaser currently have a number of General Visual Line of Sight Certification (GVC) and A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CoC). We have an accountable manager and a third-party agency who provide support including managing our Operations Manual. However, going forward the Purchaser plan to carry out their future in-house drone operations in the Open Category. This is due to the majority of its drone operations posing no/low risk to people. As such, there is no CAA operational authorisation or Operations Manual required. FLS currently has a total of thirty-three (33) drones, and it is anticipated this will increase over the duration of the contract period. The Purchaser is looking for a Service Provider to deliver the following aims: * Training: provision of A2 CoC with an additional practical, flight skills element. * Support which will take a number of forms: - Be the first point of contact for the Purchasers pilots and prospective pilots with queries relating to drones; - checking contractor documentation and certification; - conducting flight skills tests where judged necessary; - Production of Standard Operating Procedures and support materials; - Attending bi-annual all-pilot meetings; - Emergency support in event of accidents and incidents. * Maintenance: carry out maintenance on the FLS drone fleet. A breakdown of what the Purchaser seeks to achieve through the main aims outlined above is detailed within the tender documentation. Please Note: The principal Service Provider must be a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) to be eligible to submit a tender for this opportunity. If your organisation currently holds any Contract, Framework Agreement, or any other Agreement with the Purchaser that involves drone operations (excluding the purchase of drones & hardware), you were not eligible to submit a tender for this opportunity. This includes any persons of significant control within your organisation who may be affiliated to any other organisations who hold any contractual agreements for the provision of drone operations with FLS. Similarly, if you are awarded a contract through this tender process, you will not be eligible to submit tenders for any future opportunities related to drone operations whilst you hold that agreement. The contract will be for a period of thirty-six (36) months (three (3) years) with the option to extend up to an additional twenty-four (24) months (two (2) year).

### Lot Information

Lot 1

Forestry and Land Scotland (the Purchaser) currently have a number of General Visual Line of Sight Certification (GVC) and A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CoC). The Purchaser have an accountable manager and a third-party agency who provide support including managing our Operations Manual. However, going forward the Purchaser plan to carry out their future in-house drone operations in the Open Category. This is due to the majority of its drone operations posing no/low risk to people. As such, there is no CAA operational authorisation or Operations Manual required. The Purchaser currently has a total of thirty-three (33) drones, and it is anticipated this will increase over the duration of the contract period. The Purchaser is looking for a Service Provider to deliver the following aims: * Training: provision of A2 CoC with an additional practical, flight skills element. * Support which will take a number of forms: - Be the first point of contact for the Purchasers pilots and prospective pilots with queries relating to drones; - checking contractor documentation and certification; - conducting flight skills tests where judged necessary; - Production of Standard Operating Procedures and support materials; - Attending bi-annual all-pilot meetings; - Emergency support in event of accidents and incidents. * Maintenance: carry out maintenance on the Purchasers drone fleet.. Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Renewal: Initial 36 months (3-years) with the option to extend up to a further 24 months (2-years).

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Public Contracts Scotland |
| Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN557499 |
| Notice type | OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 8 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 29 Apr 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 8 Jun 2026 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Summer 2031 |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £150,000 |
| Lots value | £150,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £170,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | FORESTRY AND LAND SCOTLAND |
| Locality | INVERNESS |
| Post town | Inverness |
| Postcode | IV3 8NW |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM2 Highlands and Islands |
| ITL 3 | TLM20 Highlands and Islands |
| Local authority | Highland |
| Electoral ward | Inverness West |
| Westminster constituency | Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire |
| Delivery location | TLM Scotland |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | PROFESSIONAL DRONE TRAINING |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
- 48 - Software package and information systems
- 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 77 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services
- 80 - Education and training services
- 90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services

### Codes

- 32210000 - Broadcasting equipment
- 32412100 - Telecommunications network
- 32510000 - Wireless telecommunications system
- 32530000 - Satellite-related communications equipment
- 38115100 - Radar surveillance equipment
- 38126000 - Surface observing apparatus
- 38221000 - Geographic information systems (GIS or equivalent)
- 38290000 - Surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic and hydrological instruments and appliances
- 38821000 - Radio remote-control apparatus
- 48614000 - Data-acquisition system
- 72222300 - Information technology services
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 72254100 - Systems testing services
- 72260000 - Software-related services
- 72300000 - Data services
- 77200000 - Forestry services
- 77300000 - Horticultural services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 90711500 - Environmental monitoring other than for construction

## Release History

- 8 Jun 2026 at 00:00 - Award - OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN557499
- 19 Mar 2026 at 00:00 - Tender - OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR552047

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR552047
  Drone Training, Support & Maintenance - Forestry and Land Scotland (the Purchaser) look after the national forests and land to enhance biodiversity, support tourism, and increase access to the green spaces that will help improve Scotland's physical and mental health and well-being. The Authority also continues to provide vital timber supplies to support a sustainable rural economy. Further information on who the Authority is and what it does can be found here: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/. The Purchaser has a requirement to place a contract with an external Service Provider for the provision of Drone Training, Support & Maintenance services of their drone resource (Pilots & Drones). The Purchaser currently have a number of General Visual Line of Sight Certification (GVC) and A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CoC). We have an accountable manager and a third-party agency who provide support including managing our Operations Manual. However, going forward the Purchaser plan to carry out their future in-house drone operations in the Open Category. This is due to the majority of its drone operations posing no/low risk to people. As such, there is no CAA operational authorisation or Operations Manual required. FLS currently has a total of thirty-three (33) drones, and it is anticipated this will increase over the duration of the contract period. The Purchaser is looking for a Service Provider to deliver the following aims: * Training: provision of A2 CoC with an additional practical, flight skills element. * Support which will take a number of forms: - Be the first point of contact for the Purchasers pilots and prospective pilots with queries relating to drones; - checking contractor documentation and certification; - conducting flight skills tests where judged necessary; - Production of Standard Operating Procedures and support materials; - Attending bi-annual all-pilot meetings; - Emergency support in event of accidents and incidents. * Maintenance: carry out maintenance on the FLS drone fleet. A breakdown of what the Purchaser seeks to achieve through the main aims outlined above is detailed within the tender documentation. Please Note: The principal Service Provider must be a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) to be eligible to submit a tender for this opportunity. If your organisation currently holds any Contract, Framework Agreement, or any other Agreement with the Purchaser that involves drone operations (excluding the purchase of drones & hardware), you are not eligible to submit a tender for this opportunity. This includes any persons of significant control within your organisation who may be affiliated to any other organisations who hold any contractual agreements for the provision of drone operations with FLS. Similarly, if you are awarded a contract through this tender process, you will not be eligible to submit tenders for any future opportunities related to drone operations whilst you hold that agreement. The contract will be for a period of thirty-six (36) months (three (3) years) with the option to extend up to an additional twenty-four (24) months (two (2) year).
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN557499
  Drone Training, Support & Maintenance - Forestry and Land Scotland (the Purchaser) look after the national forests and land to enhance biodiversity, support tourism, and increase access to the green spaces that will help improve Scotland's physical and mental health and well-being. The Authority also continues to provide vital timber supplies to support a sustainable rural economy. Further information on who the Authority is and what it does can be found here: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/. The Purchaser had a requirement to place a contract with an external Service Provider for the provision of Drone Training, Support & Maintenance services of their drone resource (Pilots & Drones). The Purchaser currently have a number of General Visual Line of Sight Certification (GVC) and A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CoC). We have an accountable manager and a third-party agency who provide support including managing our Operations Manual. However, going forward the Purchaser plan to carry out their future in-house drone operations in the Open Category. This is due to the majority of its drone operations posing no/low risk to people. As such, there is no CAA operational authorisation or Operations Manual required. FLS currently has a total of thirty-three (33) drones, and it is anticipated this will increase over the duration of the contract period. The Purchaser is looking for a Service Provider to deliver the following aims: * Training: provision of A2 CoC with an additional practical, flight skills element. * Support which will take a number of forms: - Be the first point of contact for the Purchasers pilots and prospective pilots with queries relating to drones; - checking contractor documentation and certification; - conducting flight skills tests where judged necessary; - Production of Standard Operating Procedures and support materials; - Attending bi-annual all-pilot meetings; - Emergency support in event of accidents and incidents. * Maintenance: carry out maintenance on the FLS drone fleet. A breakdown of what the Purchaser seeks to achieve through the main aims outlined above is detailed within the tender documentation. Please Note: The principal Service Provider must be a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) to be eligible to submit a tender for this opportunity. If your organisation currently holds any Contract, Framework Agreement, or any other Agreement with the Purchaser that involves drone operations (excluding the purchase of drones & hardware), you were not eligible to submit a tender for this opportunity. This includes any persons of significant control within your organisation who may be affiliated to any other organisations who hold any contractual agreements for the provision of drone operations with FLS. Similarly, if you are awarded a contract through this tender process, you will not be eligible to submit tenders for any future opportunities related to drone operations whilst you hold that agreement. The contract will be for a period of thirty-six (36) months (three (3) years) with the option to extend up to an additional twenty-four (24) months (two (2) year).

## Notice URLs

- http://
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975
- https://forestryandland.gov.scot
- https://forestryandland.gov.scot/
- https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000825975.json.