SSEN's frontline men and women are an integral part of our country's army of critical workers, and Mark McIntosh is leading the teams carrying out essential inspections and maintenance across North Caledonia Region's electricity substations and power lines.

As the region's Maintenance and Inspection Manager, Mark heads up the teams who are helping to ensure the safe delivery of electricity to nearly 310,000 properties, including the homes and businesses in one of Scotland's biggest cities, Aberdeen, and also one of the country's most beautiful and isolated mountain ranges, the Cairngorms.

He explains more about how everyone is adapting to life during this pandemic:

"Without a doubt coronavirus is having a massive impact on everyone's lives, and here at SSEN we're no exception.

"Safety has always been our number one priority, and so even before lockdown was officially announced we had already added specific coronavirus measures, such as safe distancing, regular wipedowns of our equipment and PPE with sanitiser and the safe disposal of gloves and wipes when we're finished."

In addition to these safety and hygiene measures, SSEN's teams are also displaying specially designed signs to let the general public know they're conducting essential work and to respect the social distancing measures. A 'one person, one vehicle' rule has also been introduced, which is strictly adhered to in all but emergency situations where there's no other option.

Mark says the one thing that hasn't changed is SSEN's commitment to its customers:

"We're prioritising our work to focus on key parts of the network, making sure that we're able to keep the power flowing, not just now but also right the way through the coming winter.

"To do this we're carrying out a wide range of tasks, such as patrols of our overhead network, checking equipment at our substations and ensuring that the fences and walls there are still in good condition, as not only do they protect what's inside the substation they also help to keep the general public safe."

Mark recognises that while a safe and secure supply of electricity has long been something most people take for granted, it's become even more vital in the current climate:

"I'm proud to be part a company where everyone is working hard to keep the electricity flowing at this unprecedented time."