Shetland Invites Community Projects for Climate Action Funding

Individuals and organizations in Shetland are encouraged to apply for funding aimed at fostering community-led climate action initiatives. This opportunity arises from the ‘Climate Action Ting’ participatory budgeting project, facilitated by the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. The initiative, which is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and the Coastal Communities Fund from Shetland Islands Council, will culminate in a participatory budgeting event scheduled for March 14, 2026.

Grants of up to £7,500 will be awarded to selected projects, allowing the public to vote on which initiatives they believe should receive funding. To inform the community about this project and how to participate, the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub will host an event on November 29, 2023, at the Islesburgh Community Centre from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

During this event, attendees will learn about the Climate Action Ting project and how community organizations can submit funding proposals. The session will feature a panel of speakers, including Andrea Sánchez Quiroz, the development officer for Shetland at the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. She will be joined by Frances Browne, Magnie Holbourn from Foula Electricity Trust, and Brydon Sinclair from Nesting Community Development Company.

Sánchez Quiroz expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I’m so pleased to be working on the Climate Action Ting project. I’ll be able to support groups to design and develop new and existing projects so that they can participate in the finale event in March 2026. I can’t wait to hear all the different ideas to take community-led climate action; it’s going to be such an inspirational day.”

The application process will commence in January, allowing communities to submit their project ideas to the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. These submissions will be prepared into presentations for the public vote on March 14, 2026. The funding will continue until the total available pot of £40,000 is exhausted, promising to engage local groups in meaningful climate action initiatives.