Pupils in Strontian and Ardnamurchan in Argyll have been gaining valuable insights into the crucial role of subsea cables in powering their communities.

Over 110 pupils took part in two STEM events organised by SSEN Distribution. The events featured interactive presentations and workshops delivered by the company's specialist subsea team, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how the subsea cable network ensures a safe, secure, and reliable power supply for coastal and island communities across Scotland.

Speaking about their participation in the STEM sessions, Rachel Patterson, Principal Teacher at Strontian Primary School, said:

"All of the children from Primary 1 up to Primary 7 got involved in the STEM workshop sessions. They thoroughly enjoyed the practical nature of the workshop, as it helped them understand what's involved in installing a subsea cable and all of the elements that need to come together to make this type of project a success.


"Since taking part in the STEM event, we've agreed with the project team that the children will take part in a competition to name the subsea cable that will go between Kilmalieu and Loch A'Choire next summer – and we're hoping to be present to watch the cable being laid - if the Scottish weather allows!"Ardnamurchan High School students also took part in STEM sessions with the team, learning about SSEN Distribution trainee and graduate opportunities, and understanding more about the wide variety of different skills and expertise that make up the company's subsea project teams.

Reflecting on the sessions, Andrew Hughes, Faculty Principal Teacher (STEM) at Ardnamurchan High School, said: "We're always keen to promote opportunities to learn about careers in STEM, so we were pleased when SSEN Distribution's subsea team offered to host these sessions, educating our students about the engineering and design processes involved in installing subsea cables. The events were a great chance for our young people to learn about potential career and development opportunities working in the marine environment, which is particularly relevant for rural coastal communities like ours."

These STEM events were part of SSEN Distribution's community engagement programme ahead of its project to replace the existing subsea cable between Kilmalieu and Loch A'Choire in Summer 2025 and were complemented with public information sessions in nearby venues.