New charity aims to support local knitting community
A NEW charity dedicated to safeguarding and promoting Shetland’s knitting heritage has launched.
The charity is called SOK: Shetland’s Organisation for Knitters.
It is undertaking its first fundraising campaign to support training, resources and community gatherings.
The charity said it was established to provide structured support for knitters with cultural and geographic ties to Shetland.
Its aims include documenting traditional knowledge, helping local knitters develop teaching and speaking skills, and strengthening the voice of local knitting community in how its heritage crafts are represented across the world.
Chief officer Anne Frost said: “Knitting has long been central to Shetland’s cultural identity.
“Fair Isle, Shetland Lace, and machine knitting are living traditions in Shetland, but the wider knitting economy has shifted.
“Many people now connect to Shetland’s heritage knitting through classes, talks, and other experiences. SOK will help preserve these skills with integrity, support local knitters to share their expertise, and keep Shetland’s heritage knitting thriving.”
SOK will begin operations in the new year and will focus on fundraising and community outreach in the meantime.
The SOK website says Leah Irvine, Elizabeth Johnston, Steven Malcolmson and Amy Sandison are trustees of the charity.
It adds that Karen Arellano and Amanda McCartney are additional board members, while Terri Leask is also involved.
The charity launched during the 2025 Shetland Wool Week.
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