Brae energy hub secures staff for next four years after almost £100k boost
THE NEW Brae Rural Energy Hub has secured almost £100,000 in coastal community funding to cover its staffing costs for the first four years.
The £97,287 grant from the Shetland Islands Council’s Coastal Communities Fund comes after the Viking Community Fund pledged £114,349 towards the project earlier this year.
The combined funding means the hub is now fully staffed, and ready to get under way with a four-year project from November 2025.
A “competitive recruitment process” was carried out after the coastal communities money was guaranteed, with appointments made to key posts.
When up and running the hub – which initially received funding from the UK Government – will offer practical energy advice, electric vehicle charging, co-working spaces and e-bike hire, aiming to help people with decarbonisation in the community.
A new café will also be launched in the building on conclusion of the extensive retrofit of the Brae Youth and Community Centre, transforming the space into a model for energy efficiency.
Details of the hub’s opening and launch date are set to be announced in the coming months, once final preparations are complete.
Engagement and development officer Jade Wilson said the team was “very grateful” for the financial support, which she said “shows confidence in what the hub is working to achieve for Shetland.”
“With both grants now in place, our team is ready to help Shetlanders access practical advice, save on energy costs, and enjoy all the new facilities under one roof,” she added.
“We want to create a space where communities can share ideas and we can support putting them into action.
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“Every small step, conversation, and project helps us move toward a more sustainable Shetland — building confidence across the community that decarbonising is achievable through both significant steps and small practical actions, while also helping people understand and participate in Shetland’s changing energy landscape.”
The hub’s mission has been described as to offer “practical energy solutions and inspire greener living, all within a warm, welcoming setting.”
Brae Rural Energy Hub director Marlene Fillingham said the project would not have been possible without the financial backing they have received.
“The provision of staff allows more time and opportunity to participate and develop a wide variety of activities that benefit communities across Shetland, not just Brae.”
Construction work began at the site in March, with insulation, new heating and solar and batteries being installed to create a warm, energy efficient facility for the community.
The project had initially been expected to be completed in August.
The Brae energy hub is a first for Shetland and forms part of a larger rural energy hubs project, funded by Innovate UK’s £25 million Net Zero Living Programme.
Shetland Islands Council has also commissioned a feasibility study to see if a district heating scheme, potentially powered by a wind turbine, could be used to heat homes in Brae.
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