Time to reward neighbours who do their bit
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STAFF at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) understand the value of being a good neighbour – they see it in the way people rally round to help each other when severe weather brings a power cut.
It’s all about being there in a time of need, and with its strong community ethos SSEN was keen to get involved in the first Highland Heroes Awards by sponsoring the Good Neighbour of the Year category.
The awards, organised by Scottish Provincial Press (SPP), will recognise individuals from all walks of life throughout the Highlands who go out of their way to make a lasting difference to their communities.
Lisa Doogan, director of customer relationship management at SSEN, said: "Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has a proud heritage in the Highlands where we have been bringing power to local communities for more than 70 years.
"We are therefore delighted to be a part of the Highland Heroes Awards, and particularly proud to be sponsoring the Good Neighbour of the Year category, recognising an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in their local area.
"Being a good neighbour is a vital part of community life and something which we take very seriously as a responsible service provider in Scotland.
"In our own work, we are frequently humbled by the support of our customers during winter storms and the help they give each other when power cuts happen.
"The sense of community in the Highlands is second to none. We wish all the nominees the best of luck and congratulate them on their fantastic contribution to their communities."
Readers of five weekly newspapers published by SPP are being invited to nominate their local heroes in 12 categories, and entries have been coming in from all over the north.
The deadline for entries in the 2017 Highland Heroes Awards is Monday, September 11.
A judging panel will draw up a shortlist of three nominees in each category, and a special supplement in early October will give details of how readers can vote for their favourites.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, on Thursday, November 9.
SSEN supplies electricity to more than 750,000 homes and businesses across the north of Scotland and to the country’s islands. Its core purpose is to power communities – keeping its customers’ lives comfortable, warm and well lit, no matter what.
Through its Priority Services Register and Resilient Communities Fund, SSEN is also helping communities to prepare for severe weather and the power interruptions it can bring.
Businesses wishing to take up one of the few remaining sponsorship opportunities are invited to contact Sarah Mackay on s.mackay@spp-group.com
See print editions of the Inverness Courier for nomination forms.
