Over 400 retired power workers last night toasted the 70th anniversary of large scale hydro-electric power in Scotland, in a special celebratory event organised by SSE at Perth Concert Hall.
SSE manages over 90% of Scotland’s hydro-electric schemes, and invites were sent to all pensioners from SSE’s predecessor companies: Scottish Hydro-Electric and North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board (NoSHEB).
Hosted by SSE’s Managing Director Generation Paul Smith, the evening included an introduction from SSE Chairman Lord Smith of Kelvin and a keynote speech on the Past, Present and Future of Hydro by outgoing SSE Chief Executive Ian Marchant.
Visitors had the chance walk through an interactive exhibition charting the history of hydro-power in Scotland from the first public supply in Fort Augustus in 1896, through the glory years after the formation of NoSHEB in 1943, to later developments such as Glendoe, opened in 2009. This trip down memory lane was accompanied by historical newspaper cuttings and news reels from the era.
Amongst the attendees was Hector MacLean, 83, from Fort William, who started working on construction of the Sloy hydro scheme in 1947, aged just 17, before a long career with ‘the Hydro’ in the Lochaber area.
Hector said: “For me, working in hydro was a real privilege, and for many of us involved from the start, seeing first-hand the benefits electricity brought to the crofts and farms, we really felt we were doing a worthwhile job for the people of Scotland. I think I can speak for all my colleagues in saying that we still all have hydro-electric in our hearts.
“I’m really grateful to SSE for staging this event. It’s been a great chance to see many familiar faces and share old stories. It’s also reassuring to see that the assets continue to be in good hands. “
SSE’s Managing Director, Generation, Paul Smith, said: “The growth of hydro-electric power has been described as one of great visionary acts of post-war Scotland and, 70 years on, we wanted to stage an event that recognised the people behind that major achievement. I hope that the hydro heroes that attended had a chance to reflect on their time with the company and catch up with old friends and colleagues.
“However, Hydro is not only about SSE’s past. As custodian of over 90% of Scotland’s hydro assets, it continues to play a key role in our current operations and, through new developments such as Glasa in Ross-shire and Coire Glas on Loch Lochy, it is also very much part of our future. ”