Viking Community Fund awards more than £2.1 million to Shetland communities

More than £2.1 million has been awarded to projects across Shetland through the Viking Community Fund during 2025/26, supporting 76 projects across the islands.

Established to ensure communities share in the benefits of Viking Wind Farm, the Fund is administered by the Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF), with funding supporting local priorities including tackling fuel poverty, creating opportunities for young people, improving community facilities and protecting the natural environment.

A major focus during the year was supporting households experiencing fuel poverty, including funding for home energy efficiency improvements in partnership with Warmworks and Shetland Islands Council.

The Fund has also supported young people through bursaries, apprenticeships and the Shetland Fishing Youth Opportunity Programme. During 2025/26, 83 bursaries worth £76,699 were awarded to students and apprentices, while 10 local businesses received support to employ apprentices aged 16 to 25.

The Shetland Fishing Youth Opportunity Programme is helping young people build the skills and experience needed to pursue careers in Shetland’s fishing industry.

Lindsay Dougan, Senior Community Investment Manager at SSE, said:

“It’s brilliant to see the Viking Community Fund making a real difference across Shetland. From helping with the cost of living and creating opportunities for young people to investing in community facilities, the Fund is supporting the priorities that matter to communities across the islands.

“We’re proud that Viking Wind Farm is delivering lasting benefits for Shetland and supporting communities for the long term.”

Shetland Community Benefit Fund Manager Eleanor Gear said:

“At the heart of the Viking Community Fund is a simple aim: to help sustain and develop Shetland communities. Every project reflects local people making a positive difference, whether that’s supporting young people, helping families, improving community facilities or creating opportunities for the future.

“The impact goes far beyond the funding itself, helping strengthen communities and improve quality of life across Shetland.”

The Fund’s Community Grant Scheme supported 63 projects during the year, including improvements to community halls and sports facilities, youth activities and projects aimed at reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing.

Its Strategic Fund also supported longer-term initiatives including energy efficiency improvements, community-led housing, apprenticeships, the Shetland Fishing Youth Opportunity Programme and marine mammal monitoring.

The annual report is available on the Shetland Community Benefit Fund website.