Highland community award nomination for clean energy contractor

Murphy-team donation-to Blythswood-food bank -2.jpg

  • SSEN Transmission contractor Murphy nominated for Highland Business Award in recognition of work in local communities

  • School improvement works and support for local charities recognised

A key contractor working with SSEN Transmission has been nominated for a Highland Business Award for its work within the local community, including support for local schools and skills development to help young people access the workplace.

Engineering and construction company Murphy is in the running for a community engagement award, given to businesses that demonstrate ongoing commitment and support for its local community, helping to improve the lives of others and making the community a better place to live.

Murphy’s work in the region has included outdoor improvements to Rosehall Primary School in Sutherland, designed to make the playground a more appealing and welcoming green space in support of pupils’ learning and development. Similar work is due to take place at Rogart Primary school.

Meanwhile the company has forged strong links with Barnardo’s through its Access To Trades scheme, where it is creating an ongoing programme of in-person skills development activity supporting those furthest removed from the labour market.

Other initiatives have included:

  • Awareness-raising for Highland suicide prevention and mental health charity Mikeysline, including carrying Mikeysline stickers on company vehicles.
  • Through Murphy’s ROOTS initiative, supporting Alness in Bloom by donating colourful plants in the local high street.
  • Fundraising activities in support of Blythswood food bank which raised £500.
  • Donating dictionaries and thesauruses to Coulhill Primary.
  • Local recruitment of a social value coordinator to further establish and build strong internal and external relationships with stakeholders.

Murphy-team-at-Rosehall-PS.jpgSSEN Transmission is working with Murphy on the Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly overhead line project, part of a £20bn investment SSEN Transmission is making to upgrade the electricity network in the north of Scotland to unlock the country’s renewable energy resources in support of national net zero and energy security targets.  As part of this work, SSEN Transmission and its contractors are looking to engage with local communities and support community initiatives wherever possible.

Mark Williams, Senior Project Manager at Murphy, said: 
"At Murphy our purpose is to improve life by delivering world-class infrastructure and this commitment extends to supporting the local communities in which we work. We have been very pleased to get involved with recent initiatives and thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. We look forward to continuing to work with communities in the Highlands."

Kelly Scott, Lead Community Liaison Manager for SSEN Transmission, said:
“This nomination recognises the valuable work that Murphy is doing in the local community as part of our proposed Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly overhead line project.

“Alongside our contractors we are committed to acting as a positive force in local communities, and Murphy’s activities are testament to this ambition. We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming Highland Business Awards.”