SSEN Transmission backs Festival of the Sea as headline sponsor of Oban’s Clipper Race 2026 stopover events
3 July 2026
Image: The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is heading for Oban later this month. Pic credit: Clipper Race.
SSEN Transmission has announced its sponsorship of the Festival of the Sea, forming a key part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Oban 2026 stopover programme in Argyll.
As the main sponsor of a wide range of community and visitor events throughout the festival, SSEN Transmission’s support will help bring together local residents, businesses and visitors to celebrate Oban’s maritime heritage and its place on the global sailing stage.
The Festival of the Sea will showcase a programme of activities designed to engage the whole community, from family-friendly events and cultural performances to opportunities for people to connect with the Clipper Race crews and learn more about the region’s strong links to the sea.
SSEN Transmission’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to Argyll and the wider west coast, where it plays a key role as a major employer delivering critical electricity infrastructure to support the transition to a cleaner, more secure energy system.
Image: The Clipper Race Oban 2026 stopover programme, including the Festival of the Sea, takes place from the 13-19thJuly. Pic credit: Clipper Race.
By sponsoring the Festival of the Sea, the company is investing directly in the communities it serves - helping to create a vibrant, inclusive programme that offers lasting social and economic benefits.
Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore at SSEN Transmission, said:
"We’re proud to be the main sponsor of the Festival of the Sea as part of the Clipper Race Oban 2026 stopover. As a major employer in the area, we’re committed to not only delivering vital infrastructure, but also playing an active role in the communities where we live and work.
“This sponsorship is about celebrating Argyll’s rich maritime heritage, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to be part of something truly special. We’re delighted to be helping bring this fantastic programme of events to life for local people and visitors alike.”
Cathy Craig, CEO of Argyll & Isles Tourism Cooperative, said:
“SSEN Transmission’s headline sponsorship is a fantastic show of support for Oban and the Festival of the Sea. The Clipper Race will bring people together around our waterfront, support local businesses, and shine a global spotlight on Argyll’s maritime culture. Through Love Oban, AITC is proud to help promote a celebration that local communities and visitors can share and enjoy.”
Oban’s role as a host port for the Clipper Race is expected to attract significant national and international attention, providing a boost to tourism and showcasing the region’s unique culture and landscape.
Through its sponsorship of the Festival of the Sea, SSEN Transmission aims to ensure the benefits of the stopover are widely shared - supporting community pride, encouraging participation, and leaving a positive legacy long after the yachts have departed.
The Clipper Race Oban 2026 stopover programme, including the Festival of the Sea, takes place from the 13-19th July.
SSEN Transmission is currently working to deliver a multi-billion pound programme of grid upgrades across the north of Scotland, including it’s Argyll and Kintyre 275kV reinforcement programme. This is a series of projects within Argyll which will reinforce thee electricity transmission network across the region while enabling the future connection and transmission of renewable power, bringing a major boost to jobs, the local supply chain and community benefit.