Press Release

The following projects have successfully been awarded funding through the EU LEADER Programme by the Shetland Local Action Group on 10th March 2011:

Shetland Moving Image Archive Group for phase 1 of establishing a local moving image archive. Approval of £27,555, 45% of total project costs.

Belmont Trust to furnish and equip Belmont House in Unst as high quality self-catering accommodation, a tourist attraction and a venue for local events and to set up a website to promote the venue and take on line bookings. Approval of £16,674, 45% of total project costs.

Shetland Islands Council for a pilot project to establish “Next Generation” broadband of up to 25MB connection speed by building a “backhaul” network between Fetlar and Lerwick to increase the bandwidth and availability of wireless broadband in Fetlar. Approval of £50,000, 50% of total project costs.

Shetland Islands Council for a grant scheme to provide financial support to groups and organisations staging new or additional events and festivals in Shetland. Approval of £30,000, 50% of total project costs.

Shetland Islands Council (in partnership with Community Energy Scotland) for a grant scheme to assist community groups to improve the energy efficiency of their premises and thereby reduce costs. Approval of £200,000, 50% of total project costs.

Burravoe and District Development Group to construct a building to be used as a community and cultural centre for the local community of Burravoe in Yell. Approval of £158,944, 47.5% of total project costs.

Shetland College for a project to provide “Rural Access to Innovative Skills for Employability” across rural areas of Shetland and the Staneyhill area of Lerwick. Approval of £149,336, 50% of total project costs.

Shetland Islands Council for a project to modernise access to a range of services in Shetland by developing a single plastic card that can be used for services such as library, leisure facilities, school meals, buses and inter island ferries. Approval of £77,500, 50% of total project costs.

Moving On Employment Project Ltd to develop a Transition Support Service for young people across Shetland with additional support needs or autistic spectrum conditions, helping them move from full time education or from benefits into training and employment. Approval of £57,431, 47.5% of total project costs.

* All approvals are subject to match funding and pre-conditions being met.