The Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) has announced that a total of 69 projects have received more than £1.4 million in funding during the first year of the Viking Community Fund. The confirmation was made to coincide with the first anniversary of the fund's launch on 1 September 2024.

As the largest fund of its kind in the UK, the Viking Community Fund is set to distribute an estimated £72 million over the anticipated 25-year lifespan of the wind farm. This initiative offers stable, long-term support for community-led projects that might otherwise struggle to get off the ground, helping to create a lasting legacy for the Shetland islands.

A significant portion of the funding in the first year was directed toward priorities identified in a Shetland-wide community consultation, particularly schemes aimed at encouraging young people to remain in or return to the islands. A total of £222,891 in grants has been allocated to these projects. This includes £135,000 shared by ten local businesses to support 11 apprentices through the Apprenticeship Support Fund for Small Businesses, and £64,042 awarded to 67 individuals under the age of 25 for bursaries and training.

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A young apprentice who received a bursary said the funding "really helped me get started with my modern apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery" by enabling them to purchase essential tools.

To help address the cost of living, the Fair Isle Electricity Company will use a grant of £86,487 from the fund to begin a critical technical upgrade to its microgrid. Jack Whitwell, Development Manager for the Fair Isle Development Company, said the award was vital for securing the final funding needed for the project. The upgrade will install new battery systems and intelligent grid controls to maximise power from the island's wind turbines, reducing reliance on expensive diesel generation and providing "clean, affordable, and reliable energy for the entire community."

Other grants have been awarded to a diverse range of initiatives, including £114,349 for the Brae Rural Energy Hub to cover staffing costs, £79,800 for an environmental impact assessment for the South Nesting Boating Club's marina project, and £14,500 for consultancy support to local development companies exploring community-led housing solutions.

The Community Grant Scheme, which allocates funding to Shetland's 18 community councils, has also continued to support a variety of local projects, distributing almost £330,000 to 54 initiatives in the past year.

Eleanor Gear, SCBF Fund Manager, said it had been "great to see such a diverse range of initiatives receiving support in Year 1." She added that the fund is already in discussions with local groups developing new projects and encouraged others to get in touch.