Energy giant powers up Perth’s City of Culture campaign

Energy giant SSE has formally backed Perth’s bid for City of Culture 2021.

The company, one of the big six UK energy providers, employs around 2,600 people at its headquarters on the city’s Dunkeld Road and has strong historic links with the area.

SSE’s hydro-electric schemes in the 1940s brought heat and light to thousands of homes across the region, and the firm recently celebrated the launch of its new visitor centre at Pitlochry Dam.

Chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said SSE was serious about giving something back to local communities, adding: “Paying the living wage, helping school-leavers into work, backing urban renewal programmes and supporting communities in areas that we invest in all make a difference to people’s lives.

“While we are based in Perth, we are a geographically dispersed company and we know that culture can bring people together and increase opportunities.

“The impetus that cultural investment gives to regeneration in urban areas is also well known, and we would like to see the same opportunities for the people of Perth and Kinross.”

He added: “SSE also sees that the bid will attract and help retain the skills and talent we need in Perth to grow our business. We are delighted to be backing Perth’s bid and we are excited to see how things develop.”

Council leader Ian Miller, who chairs the Perth 2021 Programme Board, said he was “delighted” to get backing from SSE.

He said as a small city serving a large rural area – and as the ancient capital of Scotland – Perth was unique among other City of Culture contenders including Paisley and Coventry.

“We are already working closely with SSE on projects to, amongst other things, support local young people into employment in the area,” said Mr Miller.

“SSE’s support for the Perth 2021 bid will further cement our relationship and I would like to thank them for coming on board.”