“Christmas comes early” as SSE Renewables donates PPE to Scottish Highlands rural training centre
02 Dec 2021
SSE Renewables has made a substantial donation of protective clothing and footwear which will allow a Sutherland-based rural training centre to increase its support for the community’s young people.
The company has supplied 20 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to Lochview Rural Training, near Lairg, including 3-in-1 waterproof jackets, overalls, waterproof trousers, and steel toecap boots.
The training facility was established due to the high numbers of young people forced to leave the area in search of rural skills training and experience in the land-based sector. Building on the momentum of COP26, there is increasing importance now placed on land-management projects to support efforts to combat climate change in rural areas such as Sutherland.
The PPE donation from SSE Renewables, who recently submitted an application to extend the Achany Wind Farm near Lairg, will allow Lochview Rural Training to make their service available to more young people.
"It is like Christmas has come early here at Lochview Rural Training - the youths were so excited and couldn’t wait to wear the PPE!
Cara Cameron Founder of Lochview Rural Training
“Our future ambition is to work with the schools in the area to promote STEM activities and positive pathways into employment. This donation will help to reduce barriers to young people who want to attend our courses, especially those from low-income families."
Gillian Wilson, SSE Renewables Project Manager for the Achany Extension Wind Farm, said:
“SSE Renewables plays an active role in the communities where we operate and Lochview Rural Training is a project we are delighted to support.
“We undertake comprehensive Habitat Management Plans and Peatland Restoration Programmes to enhance the biodiversity of our renewable energy sites. As proud long-term members of our communities, we are pleased to support an innovative and local social enterprise which is promoting important land-management skills among younger people, which is not only helping develop the skills our industry needs for the future but is playing a powerful role in efforts to combat climate change.”