Global Yell Ltd

With the help of LEADER, Global Yell, a social enterprise based in Yell, has established the Centre for Creative Industries to promote textile and music based activities and events throughout Shetland

Photo: Andy Ross
Photo: Andy Ross

These include:

  • weaving workshops with nursery pupils in Shetland Schools;
  • “Singing Saturdays” for older primary age children;
  • adult learning sewing classes;
  • singing sessions for adults with learning difficulties;
  • “Textile tours” to market Shetland craft products to visitors.

The Centre’s running costs for 3 years from 2009 to 2012 were supported by LEADER funding of £41,787 and by Shetland Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The Centre houses four state-of-the-art computer aided looms that enable it to attract professional weavers to take up residencies, and are also used by textiles students from Shetland College.

The project’s benefits are widespread:

  • individuals of all ages acquiring new skills and confidence;
  • increased community activity and events and new community groups bringing people together;
  • the local economy and individual micro businesses benefit from the development of new craft products and the promotion of Shetland craft producers.
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