SSE Heritage

04/06/2026

We can't quite believe it's been one year since the publication of 'The Highland Grid: The story of power transmission in the north', a focus on our SSEN Transmission business and it's predecessors over the last 100 years.

Read more about the background of the project and what we've been up to since the launch here: https://www.sseheritage.com/news/2026/june/one-year-on-the-highland-grid-story/

22/05/2026

First Poles, Lasting Legacy: 80 Years Since Morar and Lochalsh

On 21 and 22 May 1946, communities in Morar and Lochalsh witnessed a moment that would help transform life across the Highlands. In simple but symbolic ceremonies, the first distribution poles were raised within the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board area. The very first steps in delivering electricity to some of the most remote parts of the country.

Eighty years on, these events stand as powerful reminders of the vision and ambition that defined the Hydro Board’s early years. The raising of those first poles marked more than the start of an engineering programme; it signalled the beginning of a social and economic transformation, bringing light, power and opportunity to communities that had long been beyond the reach of the grid.

The photographs and speeches we hold in our Corporate Archive capture both the pride and the optimism of the moment. A sense that something profoundly important was underway.

What began with timber poles, hard ground, and determined teams would grow into a network that reshaped the Highlands and Islands, improving homes, industries and everyday life.

As we mark this 80th anniversary, we reflect on those pioneering efforts and the people behind them, whose work laid the foundations for the energy network we rely on today led by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

To find out more about our Heritage visit www.sseheritage.com

15/05/2026

A final visit to the former Museum of Electricity in Christchurch this week!

Gillian O'Reilly our Head of Heritage reflects:

"Taking on responsibility for the site and its unique collection of artefacts introduced me to the world of visitor attractions – where storytelling, community engagement and footfall are key. But it was never quite that simple. Operating a Grade II listed power station within an active substation brings very real challenges, particularly around access.

With the help of dedicated professionals and supportive stakeholders, we were able to find new homes for the collection – from in-house displays that continue to tell SSE’s story, to carefully rehomed items that will be preserved elsewhere. The building itself will now return to an operational role, supporting Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks colleagues once again.

It’s been an incredible journey – full of learning, collaboration and friendships formed along the way. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together to ensure this important part of our heritage is respected, shared and carried forward in new ways.

Now, it’s on to the next chapter for this remarkable 1903 power station!"

07/05/2026

30/04/2026

On the final day of Archives & Records Association Scotland - ARA Scotland campaign, today is all about

So, why does an archive matter to SSE with a history spanning 8 decades?

It’s more than old records. Our Corporate Archive:

💡protects vital knowledge as people and systems change;
💡supports good governance; and
💡helps us learn from the past to make better decisions for the future.

It tells the story of the people, communities and ideas that have shaped who we are today – and helps build trust as we plan for the decades ahead.

23/04/2026

Today we're looking at and we're not short of them across our records!

From networks and renewables construction and maintenance to office workers and VIP visits, we've captured lots of milestone occasions over the last 8 decades in both the north of Scotland and central southern England.

To view more visit www.sseheritage.com and search our collection.

Archives & Records Association Scotland - ARA Scotland SSE plc

09/04/2026

SSE and it's predecessor companies had quite the sporting link with colleagues competing in football, cricket, bowling, golf and even shinty. Our staff magazines showcase team photographs and trophy celebrations Archives & Records Association Scotland - ARA Scotland

06/04/2026

Last Thursday, we attended a special evening to launch an exhibition of some of our archived artwork curated by Ian at Fire Station Creative as part of Royal Scottish Academy (RSA)'s 200th Anniversary celebrations.

The exhibition showcases the works of James Shearer and his contemporaries and runs from now till 3rd May. If you are in the Fife area please do try and pop along to this lovely venue!

03/04/2026

Today it's the turn for . From PPE to office wear, our collection of photography shows quite the range from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Which decade had the best style... including hair?!

Archives & Records Association Scotland - ARA Scotland

02/04/2026

It's Archives & Records Association Scotland - ARA Scotland's campaign this month and we're taking part to share some interesting facts around our archive and collection!

🕍Today is and we've two special ones to share.

The majority of our collection is held in our Corporate Archive at Pitlochry Power Station. A smaller collection of southern related objects are held in our 1903 power station in Christchurch, Dorset.

You can 👀 our collection online at www.sseheritage.com.

We are very lucky to have such beautiful places of work!