The Viking Community Fund has distributed over £1 million to 52 projects in the Shetland Islands since its inception on 1 September 2024.

The funding has provided vital support to a diverse range of community initiatives, from small grants for youth clubs and sports teams to significant investments in strategic priority projects.

Strategic Priority Projects have received over £600,000 of the total funding. Among these is a £114,349 award to the Brae Rural Energy Hub, which will contribute to staffing costs over a four-year period from November 2025 to October 2029.

Andrew Hall, Director of the Brae Rural Energy Hub board, commented: "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."


Other notable awards include £79,800 for the South Nesting Boating Club to fund an Environmental Impact Assessment for their marina project and £60,000 for the Scalloway Community Development Company to undertake a District Heating Feasibility study.

Smaller grants have also made a significant impact. The Brae Community Hall received £34,200 to upgrade its car park surface, while Bigton Community Shop was awarded £3,850 for a similar project. Youth-focused initiatives also benefited, with the Lunnasting Young Ones Club receiving £920 for new equipment and roller skates, the 1st Aith Brownies securing £1,000 for filmmaking equipment, and the Tingwall Youth Club obtaining £766 for sports equipment and craft kits.

Eleanor Gear, the Shetland Community Benefit Fund Manager, highlighted the broad impact of the funding: "It's not always the largest grant awards that deliver the greatest value to our communities, often those smaller grants to enhance a project or test an idea have just as big an impact."

The Viking Community Fund was established to ensure that the local community benefits from the Viking Wind Farm development, a major onshore wind farm project currently under construction in Shetland. The fund aims to support projects that enhance community facilities, promote sustainability, and boost the local economy.