Cara Cameron, Lochview Rural Training Centre Manager.
Scotland’s leading renewable company, SSE Renewables is committed to making a positive impact with their dedication to communities. The industry leader is striving to deliver clean, affordable and sustainable energy on the journey to Net Zero, whilst keeping communities closest to their assets at the core.
To date, SSE’s Community Investment programme has delivered £88.5 million to an array of projects across Great Britan and Ireland. They vary from small-scale projects in extremely rural areas to operations that span the region but irrespective of size, what remains a key principle is creating a lasting and sustainable impact in communities.
The recently published Community Investment Review highlights that in 2023/24 alone, SSE Renewables has provided £10.3 million of funding to 957 projects within communities.
SSE Renewables Community Investment is designed to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on areas such as quality education, promoting well-being and life on land and building sustainable communities. Projects that have taken place in 2023/24 have seen a huge focus on supporting communities into being a place of opportunity, where there are ample learning and job opportunities, suitable and affordable housing, and creating a lasting legacy – making the community a place where its people can flourish.
Economic growth in rural areas is a key focus for the funds. By supporting initiatives that promote economic development, SSE Renewables community investment ensures that funded projects build a foundation for long-term sustainability for apprenticeship progammes, micro business support and local job creation.
Lochview Rural Training received £20,000 from the Achany Fund to contribute towards the post of a Charity Manager and operating costs over a two-year period. This investment allowed the social enterprise to develop and implement a robust programme of rural skills and activities in the community.
Cara Cameron, Manager, Lochview Rural Training, Lairg, said: “The Achany funding has enabled us to develop our programme of rural skills training and activities in the area. We have also been able to develop our school sessions and employability programme, enabling local young people to have routes into land-based industry.”
A sum of £19,000 was given to an project called Growbiz which supports entrepreneurs in rural Perthshire with a suite of services including market development, one-to-one advisors, mentoring, network facilitation and peer learning services. This enabled Growbiz to develop a new training and mentoring programme including net zero education, training on measuring carbon footprints, strategies to reduce carbon emissions and support to create a net zero action plan.
“We were delighted to have received this award from SSE Renewables – it enabled us to provide a customised learning programme and peer group support for micro-businesses from a diverse range of sectors in rural Perth & Kinross.” Jackie Brierton, CEO of GrowBiz Scotland
There are many situations where communities are not only planning for themselves but for those that visit too. SSE Renewables fully support host communities in creating green and active towns so that those who live and visit there can enjoy it. A priority for many coastal communities is ensuring that people can embrace the environments in a way which is respectful of the local nature and is open and inclusive. Following an investment of £244,200, The Carnoustie Green Circular project will see a 12 km circular waymarked route created around the town. The hope is that this will encourage local people and tourists to explore and enjoy both coastal and countryside views in the area, whilst learning about important local spots. The new project will help ensure that people can access nature in a way which is tailored to their own needs and abilities.
"We are grateful to SSE Renewables, this opportunity which will make it easier for visitors and newer residents to enjoy the paths around Carnoustie and along the seafront." Derek Miller, Chair, Carnoustie Community Development Trust.
Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables said: “We are committed to the sustainability of our communities and take pride in supporting projects that promote economic growth as well as enhancing green and active spaces. Our community investment is dedicated to creating lasting legacies that can make their local area a place where its people can thrive.”
Youngsters with a furry friend at Lochview Rural Training Centre.