Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has applauded SSE's substantial £81.2 million voluntary investment in Scottish communities, calling it "a powerful example of partnership in action".

The comments came as SSE marked a significant milestone in its long-standing commitment to supporting local areas, celebrating the considerable funding distributed through its renewable energy community benefit funds.

This landmark investment in Scotland forms a major part of the £100 million that SSE Renewables has voluntarily contributed to communities across the entire UK and Ireland. The Perth-headquartered company has provided support to more than 11,000 communities, backing hundreds of diverse and transformative projects. These initiatives range from vital rural apprenticeship schemes and school programmes to the development of community-owned housing, green energy projects, and critical local infrastructure improvements.

First Minister John Swinney said: “SSE’s funding over the past 25 years is a tremendous example of how people can see real benefits from energy projects in their towns and villages. These projects drive vital progress towards net zero and the delivery of our climate priorities, but they are about more than just energy. They create opportunities to invest in homes, jobs and schools, even further energy projects developed locally, which is exactly what the Scottish Government is doing through our own Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. We want to see our communities and individuals share in the wealth created by Scotland’s abundant natural resources in ways that make a real and meaningful difference in their lives.”

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Since launching its first fund in 1998, in association with Tangy Wind Farm I in Argyll and Bute, SSE has grown to become one of the largest corporate community grant givers in the UK and Ireland. A cornerstone of the company’s community investment model is its emphasis on local control over funding decisions. This ensures that the projects receiving support genuinely reflect the specific needs, ambitions, and priorities of each area they serve.

Martin Pibworth, SSE’s Chief Executive Designate, reflected on the achievement: “As a clean energy champion, proudly headquartered in Scotland, passing the £80 million milestone here is a significant moment for everyone at SSE. It marks a major contribution to the £100 million we’ve invested in communities across the UK and Ireland. This funding has supported hundreds of towns and villages - improving lives, retaining young talent and helping communities build stronger, more resilient futures. As we deliver the infrastructure needed for a net zero future, we remain committed to working in partnership with local communities. Our locally controlled funding model ensures long-term social, economic, and environmental value - putting people at the heart of the energy transition. And with more than 750 jobs supported across Scotland, we’re proud to be powering progress at every level.”

Projects supported by SSE’s community funds across the UK and Ireland include:

• Skills Training and Education: Over £23 million invested, supporting six rural apprenticeship schemes, more than 635 schools, 739 scholars, and helping secure 900 rural jobs.

• Sustainable Communities: £65 million invested, funding 111 community-owned homes, including key worker flats and retirement bungalows, and delivering 873 community assets such as shops, medical centres, museums, rural hubs, and educational facilities.

• Climate and Nature: £12 million invested, supporting 2,140 community energy initiatives. These include community-owned hydro stations, home energy efficiency schemes, and retrofit training programmes designed to prepare communities for a greener future.