Community / Westside community councils given additional funding
TWO community councils in the west of Shetland have secured £33,000 in extra funding between them which will be distributed through public voting in a participatory budgeting event in the spring.
The Sandsting and Aithsting and Sandness and Walls community councils will receive the money from the Scottish Government’s Investing in Communities Fund.
The joint westside project was one of 250 successful applicants to the fund across Scotland.
Participatory budgeting sees events held in communities, with residents able to vote for projects they think should be given a slice of funding.
It has already worked well in nine of Shetland’s 18 community council areas.
The westside project will focus on priorities highlighted in Shetland’s Partnership Plan, with tackling inequalities, providing opportunities for inclusion and developing strong and resilient communities on the agenda.
Chair of Sandsting and Aithsting Community Council John Priest said: “The Westside has a strong tradition of volunteering to enhance their communities.
“This Investing in Communities Fund grant from the Scottish Government has the potential to support great work done by many organisations on the Westside.”
Theo Smith, one of the three councillors for Shetland West, added: “I am delighted that this project has secured Scottish Government funding and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work on the successful application.
“It is great to see a joint effort with the two community councils working well together and I hope this funding will greatly benefit the whole of the Westside.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.