•Available across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Inverness, Moray, Angus, Highlands and beyond.
•Operated Hire available with a fully trained and certified Vac-Ex operator.
Suction excavation—also known as vacuum excavation—is a modern, non-invasive method of excavating ground using high-powered airflow.
It's the ideal solution for working around live utilities such as water, gas, and electric, offering precision without the risk of strikes or disruption.
Using suction excavators helps reduce site risks, save time, and limit environmental impact. It’s especially suited for:
Avoiding cable strikes and utility damage.
Minimising excavation size, focusing only on the target area.
Reducing manpower and dig time.
Lowering spoil and reinstatement costs.
Maintaining a cleaner, safer worksite.
Supporting sustainable construction by enabling spoil recycling at our Aberdeenshire facility.
We operate a high-capacity suction excavator designed to deliver safe, efficient, and precise excavation on projects across Scotland. Our specialist unit minimises ground disturbance, reduces the risk of utility strikes, and keeps sites tidy and productive.
• Mounted on Volvo FH540 Tridem
• Holds up to 12m³ of spoil
• Suited for large-scale excavation & industrial work
With depots in Aberdeen and Inverness, we deliver suction excavation services throughout:
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
Inverness and the Highlands
Moray
Dundee and Perth
The Islands
Need our Vacuum Excavators further afield? - Just drop us a message!
At Nicol of Skene, delivering projects responsibly means looking after people, protecting the environment, and giving back to our community. Through our suction excavation services, we reduce risk on site, lower environmental impact, and support local causes with every hire.
Our suction excavation reduces the risk of underground strikes and manual handling injuries, creating a safer working environment for your team and ours.
Suction excavation minimises ground disturbance and waste, lowering emissions and helping your projects meet environmental goals.
For every hire of our suction excavator, we donate a portion to local causes, including Friends of ANCHOR.
As of July 2025, Nicol has donated over £15,000, supporting cancer and haematology care in the North-east of Scotland.
Every decision has the power to make a difference, and by choosing The Anchorator, you actively support Friends of ANCHOR, a charity dedicated to enhancing cancer care in North-East Scotland.
Your choice matters, and together, we contribute to a better future.
When you opt for The Anchorator, Nicol of Skene donates on your behalf to Friends of ANCHOR, making a meaningful impact on cancer care in the region.
Our vac-excavator is available for operated hire with our fully trained and experienced team.
Whether for planned works or emergency utility access, Nicol of Skene can support your job efficiently, safely, and professionally.
• Available for Construction, Utility, Civil Engineering and Infrastructure projects.
Click on the button below, or just email us at: vacex@nicolofskene.com
This is a list of the most commonly asked question we get about our Suction Excavators.
If your question is not listed here, just get in touch and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Suction excavation is a safe, efficient method of removing soil and debris using a high-powered vacuum system, reducing the risk of damage to underground utilities and minimising disruption on site.
Suction excavation reduces the risk of utility strikes, speeds up excavation, and minimises manual handling, making it safer and more efficient than traditional digging methods.
Suction excavation is ideal for use in confined spaces, urban areas, and sites with buried utilities, and is suitable for civil engineering, utilities, and infrastructure projects across Scotland.
Suction excavation can safely remove soil, gravel, clay, sand, water, and debris around live utilities, tree roots, and structures without causing damage.
The cost of suction excavation varies by project size, location, and ground conditions. Get in touch for a tailored quote to understand the benefits for your site.
Yes, Nicol of Skene provides suction excavation services across Aberdeen, Inverness, and throughout Scotland, bringing safe and efficient excavation to your site wherever you need it.
