Deputy first minister visiting isles

DEPUTY first minister Jenny Gilruth is visiting Shetland today (Friday), with how local community groups are supporting climate action one of the topics on her agenda.

Gilruth, who is also the cabinet secretary for finance and local government, visited Bressay this morning to hear about the work being done by the Highlands and Islands climate hub.

It comes ahead of Scotland’s climate week, with events held across the country to highlight the work being undertaken to tackle a changing climate.

The SNP MSP said she was “delighted” to visit Shetland to see first-hand “how locally driven climate action allows communities to shape solutions that are relevant to their unique circumstances”.

“We know that island communities are hit particularly hard by extreme weather events which will only increase in frequency and severity due to climate change,” she said.

“That makes the community action taking place on Shetland even more crucial.

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“The first minister has been clear that tackling the climate emergency is at the centre of this government’s priorities.

“This is why we are taking action, including investing up to £6 million in funding for 2026-27 for our national network of 24 community climate action hubs.”

Also present in Bressay were members of Shetland Islands Council’s climate team, and representatives of Bressay Development Ltd and Bressay Outdoor Activity Group.

Highlands and Islands Climate Hub’s Shetland community development officer Andrea Sánchez Quiroz said some of the topics spoken about included climate projects happening on the island, including retrofit work on the Speldiburn centre, energy development, community forestry and community growing.

Gilruth added that it was important during climate week that the country should “celebrate the progress made to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions”.

She said Scotland should also “consider the further steps we all need to take to build the resilience of our communities and safeguard the environment, locally and globally, for the generations who follow us”.

Gilruth is also expected to meet businesses this afternoon to discuss the Scottish Government’s review of non-domestic rates, and is also understood to be holding meetings with Shetland Islands Council.