Two major developments are announced today that open the way for the start of the £2.2m a year Viking Community Fund later this summer. This will be one of the largest onshore funds in the UK.
Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) and SSE Renewables have signed the new legal agreement for managing the fund with payments index-linked for the lifetime of the windfarm.
SSE Renewables has also agreed the SCBF initial 5-year Business Plan, developed after a major island-wide consultation, which looks to support community schemes while devoting most of the funds to major strategic projects that will help make lasting changes for the islands. These will focus on the priorities identified in the consultation –
Encouraging young people to stay to return to the islands
Helping reduce the cost of living in the islands
Improved broadband and mobile coverage
More affordable housing
The environment
Transport between and within local communities
SCBF chair, Chris Bunyan, said: “The legal agreement and Business Plan represents the culmination of many years work but, to coin a phrase, is only the end of the beginning. The really hard part starts now in identifying and supporting local projects. We will be publicising widely what the fund can support and how to apply.”
SSE Renewables Senior Community Investment Manager, Lindsay Dougan, added:
“We are committed to providing a lasting legacy for Shetland’s communities, the fund, which is one of the largest onshore funds in the UK, has already provided over 420 awards to local projects during the construction of Viking Wind Farm. The announcement today is a pivotal point and further underlines our commitment to work with local people to ensure Shetland benefits.”
Copies of the Business Plan, the consultation, and details of the various funds that can be applied for are all available on the SCBF website
