Viking Wind Farm has been named 'Best Community Engagement Strategy' at this year's Scottish Green Energy Awards for its work with young people across Shetland.

Part of SSE Renewables' flagship project, Viking's Community Engagement Strategy considers young people in Shetland as a priority stakeholder, so a range of activities were developed to take the project and renewable energy story to them.

The strategy allowed for engagement with over 1000 students aged 5 -18 both on site and in the classroom, educating on climate change, the weather, how wind farms are built and work, the world of work and career paths.

The prestigious awards, which are organised by Scottish Renewables, took place at the EICC in Edinburgh. The event aims to celebrate organisations, people and projects nationally which are going above and beyond to make a real difference to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland.

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Heather Donaldon, Shore Renewables Development And Construction Director, said: "Our engagement with the communities of Shetland didn't just start at construction, it is something that has been at the center of the Viking Windfarm project from the very beginning. Over the last three years we have opened our doors and welcomed hundreds of students and visitors to the site, and for those that couldn't make it to site we have taken the Viking Windfarm to them.

"We are delighted to have the project recognised, it has truly been a team effort, something that would not have been possible without the support of our delivery partners RJ Macleod. They have been instrumental in helping us work collaboratively with the communities of Shetland and ensure we deliver real, long-term benefit locally."

Julie Graham, Community Engagement Manager For Viking Warm Farm, said: "It is a real privilege to win this award, it is well deserved recognition of the hard work from everyone involved in making a difference to Shetland communities. This wouldn't have been possible without the support of local head teachers, their staff, UHI SDS and DYW who all played integral roles.

"We're extremely proud of our engagement with young people in Shetland which allows us to interact with a large percentage of the population and share our story. We're excited to continue to build upon our existing relationship with communities throughout the remainder of Viking's construction phase and over the lifetime of the wind farm."

SSE Renewables also presented the Contribution to Skills Award for 2023 to Ocean Winds for its commitment to attracting and training skilled people to develop, construct and operate wind farms across Scotland.