All households in Shetland are to be asked for their funding priorities for the £2.2m a year the Shetland Community Benefit Fund is due to receive from the Viking Energy Wind Farm once it becomes operational next year.
The major consultation, being organised for SCBF by the consultants IBP Strategy and Research, started last year with over 20 focus groups and other meetings and interviews being held in the islands, looking to identify priorities and ideas for the use of this funding. The consultation is now being extended to give everyone in Shetland the chance to contribute, with a survey questionnaire developed by IBP being delivered to every household in Shetland over two weeks, starting on Monday 3rd April. Residents will also be able to complete the survey online should they wish or to contact IBP to give their views by a telephone interview.
Local business and voluntary / community groups will also be invited to take part in similar surveys to gather their views.
The results of this major consultation will be used by SCBF to prepare a Business Plan detailing the funding priorities for the £2.2m Viking Community Fund.
Full details of the consultation and how to take part, including the online survey, are available at ibp.eu.com/vcfconsultation/take-part
SCBF chair Chris Bunyan said this was one of the most detailed and comprehensive consultations ever carried out in the islands. “It is vital the SCBF use the Viking Community Fund money in ways that reflect the priorities of local communities and the local economy. That is why we have commissioned this consultation and the results will help direct how and where the money is used”.
“I would urge everyone to participate and complete the survey when it is delivered by Royal Mail. Extra copies of the survey are available, and you can also take part online or by telephone.”.
For further information contact:
Eddy Graham,, IBP Strategy & Research, e.graham@ibp.eu.com, 07846 270104
Chris Bunyan, SCBF chair, shetlandcommunitybenefitfund@outlook.com, 07880 590331
