Shetland Islands Council is preparing for the first Shetland Climate Festival, which takes place this weekend at Clickimin with a range of events to raise awareness of climate change, and to explore solutions that mitigate and adapt to its impacts.

Shetland Islands Council's Climate Change Programme teams are hosting events alongside organisations finding ways to reduce the impact of climate change. There are eight different sessions on Saturday, sharing knowledge of climate science, technology and action.

Over 30 exhibitors will be present, representing the six themes of the Climate Change Programme: Energy, Transport, Buildings, Business and Industry, Nature-based solutions, and Resource Use. Exhibitors will showcase solutions for climate change challenges in Shetland, covering many topics from domestic energy efficiency to the circular economy and reuse.


The crew of the Novara One Planet Arctic research icebreaker will host a workshop on what climate adaptation means for Shetland, sharing their experience working with other remote island communities. They are offering tours of their specialist expedition yacht in Lerwick harbour, with limited slots available for Saturday afternoon – anyone interested can sign up at the Novara stall in the Climate Festival.

Taste of Shetland and Michael Taylor of Taylor Made will be cooking in the food trailer and offering free samples to promote local produce. Buying local produce reduces food miles and the carbon footprint of food, and also helps build island food resilience. The trailer will showcase produce from a range of exhibitors, including fish, meat and more, offering tasty options for visitors to the Climate Festival.

The festival will also feature a Kids Zone with learning opportunities and activities for all ages. School projects by primary and secondary pupils will also be on display, to see what the younger generation thinks about climate change.

Moraig Lyall, Chair of the Council's Environment and Transport Committee: "Shetland Climate Festival 2023 has an exciting and diverse programme, with something for everyone. The festival highlights the excellent work being undertaken across Shetland to tackle climate change, as well as helping local households and businesses identify ways to make changes which will have a positive impact on both the climate and our natural environment, and their own finances."