SSE Renewables, the developer of Viking Wind Farm is to sponsor Shetland Pride for a second year in a row.
The renewable energy developer is one of several sponsors who were approached by organisers to help the festival which last year saw hundreds of people take part and more than 2,000 people attend the parade and festivities in Lerwick. And, it wasn’t just locals but visitors from across the UK, and even Sweden and Australia.
This year, the Shetland Pride organisers have decided to use SSE Renewables’ donation to fund several items and initiatives to support the event including arts workshops to create banners for the Pride March on Saturday 1 July; gazebo type stalls for the Pride Village which will be situated after the march in Lerwick’s Gilbertson Park and volunteer training in vital event support skills including First Aid.
Shetland Pride trustee, Wayne Leask said:
“We’re so pleased that as one of Shetland’s most prominent employers, SSE Renewables is supporting Shetland Pride again.
“It is only with their help and that of our other sponsors that we can host Shetland Pride for a second year and, after the success of last year’s event I know that it will yet again be a celebratory event which the whole community will come out to support,
“Yet again, promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of the festival and we’re pleased to see SSE Renewables and the Viking Energy Wind Farm team supporting LGBTQ+ people in Shetland.”
SSE Renewables’ Community Engagement Manager for Viking Energy Wind Farm, Julie Graham said:
“After the success of last year’s inaugural festival we could not wait to be part of Shetland Pride for the second year.
“As one of the island’s biggest employers, it is important to let our colleagues and the wider community know that we continue to support everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and that everyone should have the right to bring their authentic selves to work.”
“This weekend’s Pride Festival will no doubt be a lot of fun, but it is also an important opportunity for everyone in Shetland; from companies like ours to individuals in the community, to celebrate the diversity and inclusion of all.
“With that in mind, we hope to be joined on the day by our colleagues and project partners from the other SSE plc businesses including those working on the HVDC projects and our SSE Networks Distribution business.”
For more information on Shetland Pride 2023 visit www.shetlandpride.co.uk