Scotland’s First Minister Celebrates Milestone at SSE’s Safety Leadership Centre in Perth

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has marked the first birthday of an innovative safety leadership training centre in Perth by trying out the award-winning training* for himself. 

Mr Swinney joined SSE’s incoming Chief Executive Martin Pibworth, Chair of SSEN Transmission, Gregor Alexander and other SSE colleagues at the company’s Faskally Safety Leadership Centre on Friday. 

The centre was opened in April 2024 and over its first three years of operation will welcome 7,000 people through its doors annually. 

The centre offers a unique safety training programme, delivered by ATT, which uses state-of-the art technology to blend film and live action to create a powerful, immersive experience.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“The innovative training offered at Faskally Safety Leadership Centre and delivered by the Active Training Team goes beyond the norm. I was very grateful to get the chance to experience it myself on the centre’s first anniversary. The key message – that anyone should confidently challenge unsafe situations – is universally applicable and could save lives. 

“In this decisive decade, we must deliver an energy system that meets the challenge of becoming a net zero nation by 2045, supplies safe and secure energy for all, generates economic opportunities, and builds a just transition. 

“We must do everything possible to protect the workers undertaking that crucial work and I commend SSE for their commitment ensuring everyone returns home safely.”

SSE’s Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive Designate said:

“It has been a pleasure to welcome the First Minister to Perth today; to show him that safety is at the heart of everything SSE does. It is true what we say: ‘If it is not safe, we don’t do it’.

“If you think about what SSE does every single day – we carry out thousands of high-risk operations daily. Therefore, our challenge is to make it safe for everybody doing every single task, and to keep our people, our partners, and our communities safe.

“I’m so proud to have the opportunity to show the First Minister this world class facility, which colleagues across the business have worked together tirelessly in partnership with ATT to deliver.”