Spanning across four floors at the Aurora building at Glasgow’s 120 Bothwell Street, the new office was officially opened by cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport Stephen Flynn MSP, who met colleagues, graduates and trainees ahead of unveiling a commemorative plaque. 

Aurora brings together colleagues from SSEN Transmission and SSEN Distribution as well as SSE’s Corporate functions and the Eastern Green Link joint venture with National Grid.  

The space at Aurora adds to SSE’s current Waterloo Street office.  

Its opening arrives as SSE continues to invest in Scotland’s energy system, such as in the electricity networks needed to support Scotland’s economic and clean-energy objectives.

SSEN Transmission alone is progressing a £29 billion investment plan in the north of Scotland. 

Its workforce has increased from roughly 400 people in 2019 to over 3,000 today within its main offices in Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen and the new Glasgow office.

Cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport Stephen Flynn said: “The transition to secure, affordable and low-carbon energy is one of the biggest transformations of our generation and I welcome SSE’s continued investment in the people, skills and expertise that is needed to deliver it.

“It is fitting that SSE continues to strengthen its presence in Glasgow given it has long been recognised as a city of engineering excellence and is home to a wealth of talent across the energy sector.

Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said: “The opening of Aurora is much more than an investment in new office space.

“It brings together colleagues from across SSE and reflects the scale of the investment and growth taking place across our business.” 

McDonald added: “For SSEN Transmission, our £29bn investment plan has the potential to be truly transformational for Scotland’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs, creating opportunities for Scottish businesses and developing the skilled workforce we will need for decades to come.

“We’re already seeing those benefits spread well beyond the locations where our infrastructure is being built. 

“The growth of our presence here in Glasgow demonstrates how investment in the transmission network can support high-quality careers and economic activity right across Scotland.”

A total of 87 new graduates were recently welcomed by SSE across locations such as Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness.

McDonald also said: “Ultimately, investing in our electricity networks is about much more than wires, substations and pylons. 

“It is about creating the foundations for economic growth, connecting home-grown energy, supporting the electrification of homes and businesses, strengthening our energy security and leaving a positive legacy for the communities and businesses we work alongside.”