Gas network company SGN is investing £120,000 to upgrade the gas network in the Gorgie Road area of Edinburgh. The critical work will begin on Monday 2 June and last for approximately 10 weeks.
The project involves upgrading the old, metal gas pipes in the area to new, plastic pipes which will ensure safe and reliable gas supplies to homes and businesses for many years to come.
SGN Project Manager Matt Ferguson said: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.
“We know this is a very busy route and would advise motorists to allow more time for their journeys, and plan ahead particularly during peak travel times.
“This particular location has experienced multiple gas leaks in recent years and by upgrading our pipes now, we can prevent future emergency work and disruption.
“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating and would like to thank everyone affected for your patience, understanding and support as we work to improve Edinburgh’s energy infrastructure.”
Due to the location of the gas pipe in the middle of the road, three-way temporary traffic lights are required to ensure everyone’s safety whilst the work is carried out. The temporary lights will be in place in Gorgie Road near to its junction with Stenhouse Drive from Monday 9 June for approximately eight weeks.
For the duration of the project, Stenhouse Drive will be closed at its junction with Gorgie Road, and local diversion routes will be in place for motorists.
There will also be no left-hand turn onto Gorgie Road from Els House.
Projects across the country to receive a share of funding
Eleven projects designed to accelerate Scotland’s hydrogen economy are set to benefit from a share of £3.4 million funding.
The Scottish Government funding will help develop green hydrogen production, improve the hydrogen supply chain, and enhance hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.
Opening a parliamentary debate on Scotland’s hydrogen future, Acting Net Zero Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Hydrogen stands as a critical pillar of Scotland’s route to net zero by 2045, but also, alongside the development of our offshore wind capacity, as one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since the discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea.
“A just transition remains at the heart of our approach, and we are determined that no community, particularly those which have powered our economy for generations, will be left behind as we move away from burning fossil fuels towards a low carbon energy system.
“We are working to build a hydrogen economy in which the benefits of our energy transition are shared, and which harnesses the full potential of our skilled people, our worldclass industries, and our natural resources.”
In September 2024 the Scottish Government invited projects to apply for a match-funding grant award of up to 50%, to the maximum value of £2 million.
Shortlisting saw 18 projects invited to submit a full application to delivery partner Scottish Enterprise, with funding ultimately provided to 11 successful projects.
UK’s first hydrogen training centre opens for next generation of green gas engineers
UK’s first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe* registered engineers opens at Fife College.
Over 100 local engineers will be upskilled to safely install and maintain hydrogen appliances for SGN’s H100 Fife project.
The centre is a key milestone for H100 Fife which will deliver an end-to-end green hydrogen gas network, providing heating and cooking for several hundred local homes.
GMB union, SGN and Fife College leaders highlight the need to upskill gas workers for a low-carbon future.
Energy network SGN and Fife College are celebrating the opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for gas engineers yesterday.
The facility, located at Fife College’s Levenmouth Campus, will train over 100 Gas Safe registered engineers this year, equipping them with the green skills needed to safely convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen.
This training is essential for the engineers who will be involved in SGN’s green hydrogen trial, H100 Fife, which will supply green hydrogen to homes in Levenmouth through a new purpose-built network.
Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB, the UK’s largest energy union, welcomed the launch. He said: “The opening of this hydrogen training centre is a milestone for the gas industry and its workforce. As we transition to a net-zero economy, it’s vital that we not only protect jobs but also ensure that workers are upskilled for the future.
“This centre will empower today’s engineers to safely work with hydrogen while preparing them for roles that will shape the transition to green energy. It’s a testament to the resilience of the workforce and their ability to adapt to the changing energy landscape.”
The training centre offers hands-on experience with hydrogen appliances and systems, supported by leading manufacturers such as, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Clean Burner Systems (CBS), Bosch Home Appliances and MeteRSit.
It will ensure that engineers gain the knowledge and competency to safely install, test, and maintain hydrogen appliances and heating systems in domestic settings, advancing the UK’s transition to green energy solutions. Every engineer taking part will gain an official hydrogen qualification added to their Gas Safe registration.
Simon Kilonback, CEO of SGN, commented: “The opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe engineers is a major milestone for SGN and the energy sector as a whole.
“We’re excited to be working with the local community as we deliver our end-to-end hydrogen network in Fife. This is a key part of our wider plans to harness the potential of green gasses like hydrogen and biomethane to help decarbonise homes and businesses.”
Training will be delivered to local Gas Safe registered engineers in Fife by expert trainers with experience in delivering gas training with support from industry professionals. SGN has developed the courses in partnership with Fife College for the past two years, alongside key stakeholders such as certification body BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: “Fife College is proud to be a national leader in clean energy skills as we launch this dedicated hydrogen training facility. We are honoured to work in such a deep and innovative partnership with SGN.
“Through this cutting-edge centre at our Levenmouth Campus, we are working to upskill over 100 engineers with the specialist knowledge needed to support the UK’s transition to net zero.
“This collaboration with SGN forms part of our wider commitment to sustainability, which also includes the opening of our new Dunfermline City Campus – Scotland’s first net-zero-ready vocational training campus – later this year. Together, these landmark developments place Fife College at the forefront of delivering the skills and infrastructure needed to shape a more sustainable future for us all.”
The engineers being trained from SGN, Baxi, Worcester Bosch and Warmworks will help convert natural gas homes over to hydrogen when the H100 Fife trial launches later this year. Fife Council staff will also be trained as part of SGN’s commitment to future-proof local engineers for the challenges ahead.
The opening of the training centre is a landmark event in SGN’s efforts to support the UK’s transition to net zero and underscores the vital role of skilled engineers in integrating hydrogen as a key low-carbon energy source.
Our Winter’s End Safe and Warm Partnership Conference 2025 in London brought together experts from organisations such as Age Scotland, Citizens Advice, Energy Systems Catapult, Fuel Bank Foundation, National Energy Action and Scope, who are all part of our Safe & Warm partnership network supporting vulnerable people in the communities we serve.
Experts from the energy, advice, government and charity sectors took part in panel sessions and open discussions to share the real world impact of financial cuts on the communities they’re helping and the daily challenges faced by individuals to keep their homes safe and warm, particularly during the colder months.
It was a crucial opportunity for delegates to reflect on the challenges experienced during the winter and share their insight, as well as collaborate on ways to work together in future to support vulnerable communities across SGN’s network areas in southern England and Scotland.
Together, we have so far supported 693,956 households and we expect this number to rise significantly over the coming months.
Held as a hybrid event, the conference had live interviews from key specialists streamed to the online audience, providing an opportunity for all partners to meet and discuss opportunities to collaborate with one another. We’ll be using discussions from the event to inform how we can evolve our partnership network and find new opportunities to plug gaps in support.
Some of the key highlights from attendees included:
Molly Shevlin from Citizens Advice Scotland said they’re seeing people with issues that are complex and multilayered, requiring dedicated support from multiple organisations.
Rachel Boland from Age UK Oxfordshire highlighted a new challenge they’ve seen this winter of pensioners experiencing longer wait times for an outcome on pension credit applications.
Lee Healey from IncomeMax said that although digital exclusion can be a barrier to some vulnerable people obtaining the support and benefits they’re entitled to, many people are keen to use digital solutions to boost their income.
Helen Stockton from National Energy Action highlighted how net zero solutions need to be designed with vulnerable people in mind, with Bridget Newbery from Centre for Sustainable Energy adding that conversations around net zero need to be with people and not to people, and need to be meaningful to people’s everyday lives in order to engage them. She also discussed the need to check people who receive new technologies know how to use them.
Stella Osan from Mencap Croydon spoke out about the rising issue of damp in vulnerable homes, with stories she’s heard of landlords painting over dangerous black mould instead of working with tenants to tackle the problem. Richard DeNiese of Mencap Worthing added that it can often lead to people with autism struggling to make the right short-term decisions of keeping windows open to help remove the mould or to keep them closed in order to keep in the heat.
Maureen McIntosh, Director of Customer Service at SGN, explained how hosting the conference is part of SGN’s work to bring partners together to support vulnerable customers to use energy safely, efficiently and affordably.
She said: “We really appreciate how many people took the time to attend and take part in our Winter’s End partners conference. It highlights the importance of working together as we face the challenges that winter brings to communities across the UK.
SGN has teamed up with Generation Science, an innovative educational programme led by Edinburgh Science, to empower primary school children with insights into future energy solutions and how we can tackle climate change.
The leading energy company is delivering LTS Futures – a first of its kind project – which aims to validate the compatibility of utilising the existing gas network to carry hydrogen.
The success of the project, which is repurposing a 30km decommissioned natural gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton, would pave the way for hydrogen transportation on a national scale.
Thanks to a second year of funding provided by SGN, around 380 pupils aged 7 to 11 (primary 4 to 7), who attend schools based along the LTS live trial pipeline, are benefiting from the 90-minute climate and engineering themed sessions.
The Green Machine is an interactive workshop dedicated to unravelling the complexities of energy transfer and renewable electricity generation.
Guided by the Edinburgh Science team of experts, students delve into lessons to refine their understanding and create innovative machine designs.
Recently SGN’s LTS Futures Project Director Nancy Thomson joined the Generation Science team at Granton Primary School, to participate in a session which explored future energy solutions for the Earth’s changing climate.
It looked at different sources of renewable and sustainable energy such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, and how we can utilise them to live in an environmentally responsible way.
Natalie McLaren, Principal Teacher at Granton Primary School, shared her thoughts on the workshop: “I’m thrilled that SGN and Generation Science chose to visit our school – the kids were so enthusiastic and engaged.
“Our pupils responded really positively to the hands-on workshop, and are all using key vocabulary and terms for the energy industry. It got them really thinking about how to conserve energy at home and making a difference.”
Director and CEO at Edinburgh Science, Hassun El-Zafar said: “After an incredibly successful partnership last year, we’re delighted to have once again receive support from SGN for this year’s Generation Science tour.
“Generation Science is our touring programme that brings high quality interactive science experiences into primary schools across Scotland – no matter where the school is based, pupils can enjoy the exact same experience.
“SGN is the perfect supporter for this project, as they share our drive to inspire the next generation of engineers and champion the importance of sustainable sources of energy for our homes.
“Thanks to their generous support, we are able to bring The Green Machine workshop to schools in Granton and Grangemouth.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has extended its partnership with gas distribution network SGN to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and protect communities from its potentially deadly effects.
Many people in the UK using carbon fuelled appliances, such as gas cookers, are not aware of the dangers of CO and do not have a working audible CO alarm. In 2020, out of 8,000 people surveyed, 45% didn’t know that CO doesn’t have a smell, while only 42% had a working audible CO alarm.
As part of the collaboration, they will work together to provide essential safety advice focusing on the hidden dangers of the colourless and odourless gas that can be fatal. They will also promote the importance of installing CO alarms and maintaining gas appliances, helping to ensure even more homes across Scotland remain safe. All the areas covered are listed below.
The initiative builds upon our existing partnerships with SFRS operating in Clackmannanshire, Fife & Stirling, and Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee (PKAD), as well as similar partnerships we’ve rolled out in southern England, where they’ve seen a positive impact in educating the public about CO safety.
We’ve provided CO alarms to each SFRS partner to give to customers in their area during Home Fire Safety Visits. Alongside the lifesaving CO alarms, customers will also receive a helpful tips leaflet which provides all the information they need to stay safe from the ‘silent killer’, and what steps to follow if they suspect CO is present in their home. We’ve produced and shared this leaflet in nine additional languages to meet regional community needs.
Our Social Impact Programme Lead Dan Edwards said: “One of the major aspects of my role is developing projects and partnerships using the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) to raise CO awareness and reduce CO harm.
“Working alongside Scottish Fire and Rescue Service means we can reach even more customers within our network area to make sure everyone stays safe and well. Partnering with vital emergency services to help us spread the word on the dangers of CO will help us to meet our top priority of keeping our customers safe and well all year round.”
The partnership now includes:
Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray (ACAM)
Argyll & Bute, East and West Dunbartonshire (EWDAB)
Clackmannanshire, Fife & Stirling (CFS)
Dumfries & Galloway (DG)
Edinburgh
East, North and South Ayrshire (ENSA)
East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (ERRI)
Falkirk and West Lothian (FWL)
Glasgow (GLA)
Highlands
Lanarkshire (LAN)
Midlothian, East Lothian and Scottish Borders
Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee (PKAD)
Steven Low, Group Commander for the Safer Homes Team at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with SGN to all SFRS areas across mainland Scotland.
“We’ve been working together closely for many years and we know our collaborative approach has been an effective way of achieving our joint goals of making our communities safer.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has extended its partnership with gas distribution network SGN to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and protect communities from its potentially deadly effects.
Many people in the UK using carbon fuelled appliances, such as gas cookers, are not aware of the dangers of CO and do not have a working audible CO alarm. In 2020, out of 8,000 people surveyed, 45% didn’t know that CO doesn’t have a smell, while only 42% had a working audible CO alarm.
As part of the collaboration, they will work together to provide essential safety advice focusing on the hidden dangers of the colourless and odourless gas that can be fatal. They will also promote the importance of installing CO alarms and maintaining gas appliances, helping to ensure even more homes across Scotland remain safe. All the areas covered are listed below.
The initiative builds upon SGN’s existing partnerships with SFRS operating in Clackmannanshire, Fife & Stirling, and Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee (PKAD), as well as similar partnerships we’ve rolled out in southern England, where they’ve seen a positive impact in educating the public about CO safety.
SGN has provided CO alarms to each SFRS partner to give to customers in their area during Home Fire Safety Visits. Alongside the lifesaving CO alarms, customers will also receive a helpful tips leaflet which provides all the information they need to stay safe from the ‘silent killer’, and what steps to follow if they suspect CO is present in their home. SGN has produced and shared this leaflet in nine additional languages to meet regional community needs.
SGN Social Impact Programme Lead Dan Edwards said: “One of the major aspects of my role is developing projects and partnerships using the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) to raise CO awareness and reduce CO harm.
“Working alongside Scottish Fire and Rescue Service means we can reach even more customers within our network area to make sure everyone stays safe and well. Partnering with vital emergency services to help us spread the word on the dangers of CO will help us to meet our top priority of keeping our customers safe and well all year round.”
The partnership now includes:
Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray (ACAM)
Argyll & Bute, East and West Dunbartonshire (EWDAB)
Clackmannanshire, Fife & Stirling (CFS)
Dumfries & Galloway (DG)
Edinburgh
East, North and South Ayrshire (ENSA)
East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (ERRI)
Falkirk and West Lothian (FWL)
Glasgow (GLA)
Highlands
Lanarkshire (LAN)
Midlothian, East Lothian and Scottish Borders
Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee (PKAD)
Steven Low, Group Commander for the Safer Homes Team at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with SGN to all SFRS areas across mainland Scotland.
“We’ve been working together closely for many years and we know our collaborative approach has been an effective way of achieving our joint goals of making our communities safer.”
25% increase in confirmed “Theft of Gas” cases last year
Stealing gas/electricity adds an extra £50 to energy bills*
Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, (powered by Crimestoppers) to raise awareness of the dangers of the ‘Theft of Gas’.
A new hard-hitting video has been produced for the campaign, showing a father tampering with their gas meter and is about to put his whole family in danger. The video has been shared through social media channels with the aim to raise awareness and hopefully make the illegal practise socially unacceptable.
The campaign will run throughout the winter and is supported by the gas industry to help people understand the dangers of tampering with a gas meter, what to look for and how to report it anonymously if you suspect theft.
Dave Garner, Director of Safety at gas distribution network Cadent said: “We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation – safety always comes first.
“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.
“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities to bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”
What to look out for:
A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.
Who to call:
Call the Stay Energy Safe service free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk. You can remain 100% anonymous.
Mark Loveday from Retail Energy Code Company, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the key rules for operating in the GB retail energy market, and works with the energy industry to reduce energy theft, said: “The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years. Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022.
“These figures are concerning, and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’. Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”
In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of the issues to spot when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.
SGN is leading a new £2.5 million partnership with Kidney Care UK which will see them work with the UK’s gas distribution networks (GDNs)1 to offer specialist support to help nearly 18,000 people living with kidney failure across the UK – 1,250 of those in Scotland.
Currently in Scotland there are 1,250 people with advanced kidney disease who rely on dialysis to stay alive. The majority of these patients have a routine which consists of three to four sessions of dialysis a week, each taking up to 6 hours or more in hospital.
On top of this they have to manage the associated stress and time pressures of travel to and from treatment. Due to the time constraints and health impacts associated with treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), only 26% of people on dialysis are in full time employment2. The consequent low income means many people with kidney failure live in relative poverty, compounded by the misery of increasing costs of living.
The unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors, will support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD, with vital support to help tackle fuel poverty.
The initial two-year project will provide a holistic suite of services, including face-to-face support, where customers will get assistance with benefit entitlement, welfare support and specialist money and energy advice.
The service will maximise outcomes, in terms of financial support, whilst also promoting energy and carbon monoxide awareness.
The expansion of Kidney Care UK’s patient support services will mean that people on dialysis will have access to a dedicated, personal, face-to-face support service.
This will serve the 1,250 kidney patients on dialysis treatment in the 26 units across Scotland, as well as supporting people in the North East, North West, the South West and South East of England. Delivered by trained and trusted Patient Support & Advocacy Officers, the service will enable patients to access all the benefits and welfare support they are entitled to.
Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “We are pleased to be working with SGN as part of a transformational partnership with the Gas Distribution Networks across the UK to support nearly 18,000 vulnerable kidney patients in need of immediate support; 1,250 of these in Scotland.
“Philanthropic investment from our partners is enabling Kidney Care UK to increase its direct, on the ground support to thousands of dialysis patients, delivering tangible welfare and wellbeing benefits at a time when it is more important than ever”.
Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager at SGN, said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people with health conditions are uniquely impacted by higher than average energy costs.
“By working in a joined-up way with Kidney Care UK, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”
An updated statement on our work in Crewe Road South, Edinburgh:
Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN. said: ‘After investigations into a smell of gas at the Crewe Road South junction, our specialist team of engineers have decided to fully replace our gas network at this location.
“We understand this will be disruptive, but the work will prevent future emergency work and disruption.
“In order to do this work safely, the temporary road closure in Crewe Road South, between its junctions with Carrington Road and Craigleith Road, will remain in place. The road is closed in both directions.
“For safety reasons and to help the flow of traffic (including emergency services) around our work, Edinburgh City Council has asked us to temporarily close Craigleith Hill Avenue at its junction with Crewe Road.
“A signed diversion will be in place via Carrington Road, East Fettes Avenue and Comeley Bank Road.
“Please be advised, this road closure will affect motorists travelling to and from Western General Hospital. Please allow extra time for your journey. We’re liaising closely with the emergency service to limit disruption.
“We know this is a busy route and will be working extended hours to complete this upgrade work as quickly and safely as possible.
“We expect this work to take five more weeks to complete.”
SGN has teamed up with Generation Science, an innovative educational programme led by Edinburgh Science, to empower primary school children with insights into future energy solutions and how we can tackle climate change. The leading energy company is delivering LTS Futures – a first of its kind project – which aims to validate the compatibility of utilising the existing gas network to carry hydrogen. The success of the project, which is repurposing a 30km decommissioned natural gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton, would pave the way for hydrogen transportation on a national scale.
Thanks to funding provided by SGN, around 330 pupils aged 7 to 11 (primary 4 to 7), who attend schools based along the LTS live trial pipeline, have benefited from the 90-minute climate and engineering themed sessions.
The Green Machine is an interactive workshop dedicated to unravelling the complexities of energy transfer and renewable electricity generation. Guided by the Edinburgh Science team of experts, students delve into lessons to refine their understanding and perfect their innovative machine designs.
Recently SGN’s LTS Futures Project Director Nancy Thomson joined the Generation Science team at Moray Primary School in Grangemouth, to participate in a session which explored future energy solutions for the Earth’s changing climate.
It looked at different sources of renewable and sustainable energy such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, and how we can utilise them to live in an environmentally responsible way.
Heather Chalmers, P6 class Teacher at Moray Primary School, said: “The Generation Science experience was absolutely delightful. As the students immersed themselves in the wonders of renewable energy, they discovered a world brimming with possibilities.
“The team took them on a wonderful journey through the ages, tracing the origins of fossil fuels and illuminating the necessity for sustainable alternatives. From the intricacies of solar panels to the power of wind turbines, each discussion highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in shaping our future. The workshop not only sparked curiosity but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
“Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was truly heart-warming. What made the experience even more remarkable was the generosity of the sponsor, whose support made this invaluable, educational opportunity accessible to all. Grateful for their contribution, we’re reminded of the immense impact such partnerships can have in nurturing young minds and fostering a brighter, greener tomorrow.”
Laura McLister, Head of Learning at Edinburgh Science, said: “We’re delighted to have SGN on board as a supporter for this year’s Generation Science tour.
“Our mission for Generation Science is to provide high quality science activities to primary school pupils across Scotland, providing the same experience no matter where they live.
“SGN share our drive to inspire the next generation of engineers and champion the importance of sustainable sources of energy for homes. Thanks to their generous support we’re able to bring ‘The Green Machine’ to Granton and Grangemouth.”
