Viking
Through our Viking wind farm we make around £2.2million per year available for community and charitable projects. Between 2024 and 2049 we expect to invest £72 million in local projects.
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Projects supporting communities in any of the 18 community council areas in Shetland can apply.
The priorities of the fund from 2024-2029 have been identified through a Shetland wide community consultation and have informed the six priorities outlined in the fund’s ‘A Legacy for Shetland’ business plan. The priorities include
- More Younger People Wanting to Stay and/or Come Back to Shetland;
- Better Transport Links Within and Between Communities;
- Reduced Cost of Living in Shetland;
- Better Broadband and/or Mobile Phone Connections;
- Improved Housing Supply and Affordability
- Preservation and Enhancement of Shetland’s Natural Environment
HOW TO APPLY
The Viking Community Fund is administered by local co-operative Shetland Community Benefit Fund. For more information about the funds, and how to apply, please contact Shetland Community Benefit Fund by clicking here.
Funding Case Study
£1million distributed from Viking Community Fund
The Viking Community Fund has awarded over £1,000,000 by April 2025 to 52 projects since it was launched on 1st September last year. Shetland Community Benefit Fund, which manages the Viking fund, said this was a milestone it was proud to have achieved in just over six months.
Projects meeting the Strategic priorities for funding account for over £600,000 and include, £114,349 to the Brae Rural Energy Hub towards staffing costs over 4 years from November 2025 to October 2029.
Andrew Hall, Director of the Brae Rural Energy Hub board said
“We are delighted to have been awarded funding from the Viking Community Fund. Having staff within the Brae Rural Energy Hub is essential to its success. Our staff will be located within the Hub at the Brae Youth and Community Centre daily, offering the public support in our services such as hiring electric bikes, using our co-working space and electric chargers. As well as this, they are there to co-ordinate events and offer energy advice, supporting the community to reduce energy costs and increase awareness of simple ways to reduce carbon footprint”
The South Nesting Boating Club have been awarded £79,800 for an Environmental Impact Assessment to progress their marina project, £60,000 for the Scalloway Community Development Company for a District Heating Feasibility study and £17,273 to the Fair Isle Marine Research Organisation (FIMRO) for a sand eel survey.
CONTACT DETAILS
For more information on this fund please contact:
LINDSAY DOUGAN
Senior Community Investment Manager
Tel: 01738 340292
Email: lindsay.dougan@sse.com