“A powerful example of partnership in action” – Scotland First Minister John Swinney

• Scottish communities benefit from more than £80m as SSE’s community funds reach a key milestone across the UK and Ireland
• Celebrating 25+ years of meaningful support for communities hosting SSE’s renewable assets and developments  

Scotland First Minister John Swinney has hailed SSE's £80 million-plus voluntary investment contribution to Scottish communities as "a powerful example of partnership in action". 

The comments were made as SSE marked a significant milestone in its longstanding commitment to supporting communities across Scotland, celebrating the investment of £81.2 million through its renewable energy community benefit funds.

This landmark investment in Scotland forms a major part of the £100m SSE Renewables has committed so far in voluntary funding to communities across the UK and Ireland.

The company has supported more than 11,000 communities and hundreds of transformational projects — from rural apprenticeship schemes and school programmes to community-owned housing, green energy initiatives, and critical local infrastructure.

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.”

SSE, headquartered in Perth, Scotland, has grown into one of the UK and Ireland’s largest corporate community grant givers since the launch of its first fund in 1998, created in association with Tangy Wind Farm I in Argyll and Bute. The company’s community investment model places local people in control of funding decisions, ensuring that the projects reflect the needs, ambitions and priorities of each area. 

Martin Pibworth, SSE’s Chief Executive Designate said: 

“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 through SSE’s community funds across the UK and Ireland include:

• Over £23 million invested in skills training and education, including six rural apprenticeship schemes, support for more than 635 schools and 739 scholars, and funding that has helped secure 900 rural jobs. 
• £65 million invested in sustainable communities, funding 111 community-owned homes — from key worker flats to retirement bungalows — and delivering 873 community assets including shops, medical centres, museums, rural hubs and education facilities.
• £12 million invested in climate and nature, supporting 2,140 community energy initiatives such as community-owned hydro stations, home energy efficiency schemes and retrofit training programmes that prepare communities for a greener future.