Swinney: ScottishPower is ‘shining example’ of how transition can help economy

Energy firm ScottishPower is “setting a shining example” John Swinney said as he opened new offices that are part of a £10 billion investment in Scotland.

The new base in Edinburgh Park is intended to house staff from subsidiary firm SP Energy Networks, including those building major subsea links off the east and west coasts of Scotland.

Such links are needed to transmit the electricity generated by renewables in remote parts of Scotland to where power is needed.

ScottishPower is also promising to take on 300 more new recruits in the final three months of 2025 alone, with a further 2,000 posts planned for 2026 and 2027.

Its  plans come after parent company Iberdrola last week unveiled a 58 billion euros (£50 billion) strategic plan, and named the UK as its number one destination for investment.

Speaking as he officially opened the new building, the First Minister said: “ScottishPower’s investment in Scotland will drive economic growth and support thousands of high-quality, sustainable jobs – many of them based at their fantastic new Edinburgh Park base.”

He added: “ScottishPower are setting a shining example of how the transition to green energy can create real financial opportunity – helping benefit businesses and Scotland’s economy.”

Meanwhile, ScottishPower chief executive Keith Anderson said: “Engineering was practically born in Scotland, (it is) is a major Scottish success story and we’re proud to be at the helm, building the next tranche of critical infrastructure to power economic growth.”

He added: “The grid is the energy backbone and, with demand rapidly increasing, we need to reinforce and build more of it.

“Our investment commitments are about more than just infrastructure, we’re creating high-quality, long-term jobs both in our company and right across the supply chain.

“Alongside our Glasgow HQ, and depots up and down the country, our new Edinburgh office gives us an additional base as we recruit faster than we’ve ever done before to support our ambitious growth plans.”

Speaking about the work being carried out to upgrade Scotland’s electricity infrastructure, parts of which are almost 100 years old, Nicola Connelly, SP Energy Networks chief executive, stated: “This is a pivotal moment for the grid as we embark on the biggest build-out in almost a century.

“From subsea cables to overhead lines and underground wires, we are upgrading and investing in Scottish infrastructure to support growth.

“That also means growth in our people and supply chain which is great news for the economic future of our country.”