Fishing bursaries, insulation and Burra mini golf course – how £2.14m Viking funds were distributed
THE VIKING Community Fund has invested more than £2.14 million in 76 community projects across Shetland during the 2025/26 financial year.
Energy efficiency projects in community halls, sports facilities, student bursaries and money to help folk tackle the cost of living were all part of the spend for the latest year.
The figures are highlighted in the fund’s annual report, marking the second year of funding delivered through the Viking Community Fund.
Since its launch in September 2024 the fund has now awarded more than £3.8m to projects and initiatives across Shetland.
More than £800,000 was allocated towards reducing the cost of living this last year, with significant funding supporting home energy efficiency improvements through partnerships with Warmworks and Shetland Islands Council.
Community halls in Burra, West Sandwick, Unst, Ollaberry and Lerwick were supported to improve their energy efficiency, with more halls to be supported in the next year.
And 83 bursaries totalling almost £77,000 were awarded to students and apprentices, with 10 local businesses supported to employ young apprentices in the isles.
Among those to benefit were a student awarded £1,000 towards a new welding mask, and a young joinery apprentice given £1,000 towards their tools.
The community grant scheme supported 63 local projects, including £11,480 for Bressay Sports Club to upgrade its parking area and to make it safer with new pin kerbs and extra capacity.
Fraser Park in Scalloway was given £10,302 for a new ride-on mower, while Whalsay Sports Development Trust was awarded £5,000 for perimeter fencing around the Harbison Park football pitch.
There was also support for community group outings and events, and funding for organisations working to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.
Other awards included £1,000 for The Outpost in Burra to construct an outdoor mini golf course, and £1,000 to the Nesting Primary School parent council to buy four iPads for the classroom.
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Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) chair Chris Bunyan said they had also been working on community housing plans, which were taking time to develop.
“Our largest share of funding, £800,000, has been invested in improving the fabric of homes, enhancing the energy efficiency of properties for households experiencing fuel poverty,” he said.
“Particularly pleasing is the success of our bursary and apprenticeship schemes, especially helping to develop, together with the Shetland Fishermen’s Trust, a new fishing ‘apprenticeship’.
“The community grant scheme continues to support a large variety of local projects, and I must thank the community councillors and clerks for all their work making this scheme so successful.”
Fund manager Eleanor Gear said the “simple aim” at the fund’s heart was to “sustain and develop Shetland communities”.
“Whether it’s supporting young people, helping families, improving community facilities or creating opportunities for the future, every project reflects local people making a positive difference,” she said.
“The impact of this funding reaches far beyond the pounds awarded, strengthening communities, creating opportunities and improving quality of life across Shetland.
“We are grateful to everyone whose time, energy and commitment helps make these projects possible, and we look forward to continuing to support communities in the years ahead.”
The Viking Community Fund was established to ensure that money associated with the Viking Energy wind farm could be shared with communities throughout Shetland.
The fund is administered by SCBF and focuses on priorities including reducing the cost of living, supporting young people, improving housing, strengthening communities and protecting the natural environment.
You can read the full report here.
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