News / Wildlife group and community halls among those to benefit from £2m funding
MORE than £2 million has been awarded to a range of projects under the themes of reducing the cost of living and preserving Shetland’s natural environment.
The money comes from the Viking Community Fund, which distributes grants as a result of funding from the Viking Energy wind farm.
Since January 2025, nearly £300,000 has been awarded to improve 47 homes through an energy efficiency scheme delivered by Shetland Islands Council.
The funding has been used to provide top‑up grants that help homeowners cover their contribution to a Scottish Government scheme, as well as grants for new windows and doors.
From April 2026 to June 2029, the scheme will continue to be delivered by Warmworks Scotland.
Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) manager Eleanor Gear said they had been keen to see targeted support for hard to heat homes since the launch of the Viking Community Fund.
“The success and continuation of this scheme will have a long-term impact on householders, reducing their ongoing energy costs,” she added.
The OPEN project has also received almost £60,000 to recruit a trainee peer researcher and to train up staff, with bespoke training to be delivered later this year.
And a grant of £46,260 has been given to Shetland Bird Club to support the sowing of 20 acres of wildlife crops across Shetland over the next three years.
These short-term pollen, nectar and seed rich “bumblebird” crops will benefit Twite (Lintie), pollinators and migrant birds, and will be managed by crofters.
A number of other projects have also received funding, including a £93,840 grant to Michaelswood in Aith for a new storage shed and greenhouse.
Bressay Development will receive £103,135 towards four years of salary costs for a community development officer, who will work across multiple communities.
Shetland Fishermen’s Trust has been awarded £181,500 for a four-year training programme, aimed at recruiting, training and retaining young Shetlanders in entry level roles within the local whitefish industry.
UHI Shetland meanwhile will receive just under £100,000 to continue boat-based surveys and to purchase enhanced equipment around Shetland and Fair Isle.
Five awards of £10,000 were also made from the community halls grant scheme.
The successful applicants, who were all carrying out energy efficiency projects, were the Burra, North Unst, Ollaberry Hall, Sound and West Sandwick halls.
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