Climate / Climate festival highlights community action and energy advice
The event brought together local companies, community groups and national organisations to showcase projects tackling climate change across the isles
MORE than 20 exhibitors took part in Shetland Islands Council’s fourth Climate Festival on Saturday, while a full programme of talks, workshops and family activities kept the venue busy throughout the day.
Among the speakers at the Clickimin was David Thomson from Shetland Aerogenerators, who explored the challenge of fuel poverty in Shetland and the unique factors that contribute to higher energy costs.
The talks concluded with Gareth Powell from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, who highlighted how climate change is affecting local species such as the bumblebee and oysterplant.
Team leader of the council’s climate change strategy team Claire Ferguson believed the event succeeded in combining education with fun: “It’s been brilliant. We had a busy morning, it’s been a more family-focused event.
“We had Bookbug, and had a lot of families in. We’ve had bikes you can pedal on to see how much energy you generate, that’s been a crowd pleaser. There’s been a competitive element to it.”
Shetland Library ran the Bookbug session, and there was also a ‘kidz zone’ where children could build robots and mini wind turbines.
Meanwhile, the Bowlers Bar was transformed into a community hub for workshops on climate action across Shetland.
Ferguson added: “Part of what the climate festival does is show the breadth of what’s involved in climate action.
“Sometimes when people mention climate projects we immediately think of renewable energy, but it’s important to highlight all the sectors that contribute – from the Bike Project to home energy efficiency.”
One of the new projects showcased was the government-funded Brae Rural Energy Hub, which is expected to open soon.
Engagement and development officer Jade Wilson said: “We’re going to do e-bike hire, a co-working space, and create a place where people can get energy advice and look at what funding is available.
“We’re so excited, it’s well needed in Brae generally and it’ll help break the ice in coming to the centre.”
The hub will also feature a café and provide one-to-one support for people seeking advice on reducing energy costs or accessing relevant services.
Energy efficiency and fuel poverty were strong themes throughout the day, with organisations such as Warmworks and Home Energy Scotland offering guidance on grant schemes and practical measures.
Contract manager at Warmworks Tracey Saunders said: “We’ll be running an area-based scheme focusing on making people warmer in their own home, lowering heating costs and reducing energy bills.
“There’s a huge demand for heating and insulation in Shetland because of the high energy bills here.”
She added that there are a variety of grants on offer, explaining: “A lot of people don’t realise they’ll be eligible for these schemes so it’s worthwhile getting checked.”
Warmworks recently opened a base at the Toll Clock Shopping Centre.
Meanwhile Home Energy Scotland shared similar advice.
Energy advisor Justine Clark explained: “We work with people in fuel debt, or looking at reducing their energy bills through insulation measures.”
Her colleague John Clarkson added that Warmer Homes Scotland can provide “around £10,000 worth of works” for eligible households, including insulation, heating systems, heat pumps and even solar panels in some cases.
Like Warmworks, there are a variety of grant schemes available through Home Energy Scotland available to owner-occupiers in Scotland, including for people on benefits and low incomes.
With practical advice, hands-on activities, and opportunities to get involved, organisers hope the festival has sparked fresh conversations about climate action across Shetland communities.
The festival was sponsored by ESB, developers of the Stoura offshore wind farm who held a public consultation event in Voe on Thursday.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
