Torness welcomes group of retirees

Torness Power Station recently welcomed a very special group of engineers who helped build the station more than 40 years ago.

Construction of the East Lothian facility began in 1980 for what was then South of Scotland Electricity Board (SSEB).

Sandy Mackay, Ronnie Pearman, Frank Hill, Robert Makin, Keith Burns, Dave Bertram and Mick Starr joined David Morris, who was the SSEB’s Torness Construction Site Manager from 1980 to 1988, on the visit. The group had previously worked together at Peterhead and remain friends. 

Paul Forrest, station director was delighted to welcome the group. “It was one of the most enjoyable visits I have ever hosted and it was an honour to meet a group who have contributed so much to the industry.”

The visit was a trip down memory lane for the retirees. David Morris, former site manager said: "Returning to Torness at the kind invitation of the Station Director brought back tremendous recollections of the past.

“More than 40 years ago, a team of site engineers was set up on behalf of the SSEB to oversee and monitor the construction of the power station and it is so enjoyable to see some of them here today. We have shared a very impressive tour of the operating station.”

Since it came online in the 1988, Torness has generated enough zero carbon electricity to power every single home in Scotland for 28 years. It has also brought highly skilled, well-paid jobs to the local area and employed thousands since 1980.

Paul Forrest is confident that Torness will continue to make huge contribution to the Scottish energy mix and to the local community over the coming years.

“We’ve got a fantastic asset and the power we generate offers something really special given the UK’s net zero ambition.”