More than £2.1 million was distributed across Shetland in 2025/26 via the Viking Community Fund, backing 76 initiatives throughout the islands.

Set up to ensure local people share in the benefits of the Viking Wind Farm, the Fund is run by the Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF). It supports priorities such as tackling fuel poverty, creating opportunities for young people, upgrading community facilities and protecting the environment.

A major emphasis over the year was helping households facing fuel poverty, including support for home energy efficiency measures delivered with Warmworks and Shetland Islands Council.

Young people also benefited through bursaries, apprenticeships and the Shetland Fishing Youth Opportunity Programme. In 2025/26, 83 bursaries worth £76,699 were awarded to students and apprentices, and 10 local firms received support to employ apprentices aged 16 to 25.

-- Advertisement --

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."

Through its Community Grant Scheme, the Fund backed 63 projects during the year, including upgrades to community halls and sports facilities, youth activities, and efforts to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.

The Strategic Fund supported longer-term work such as 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.