News / Lottery lifeline for Tingwall glasshouse
THE FIRST STEP towards reviving the huge glasshouse in Tingwall is being taken with the help of a £10,000 lottery grant.
Local community action group Transition Shetland is hoping to help bring the building back to life after it has lain dormant for several years.
The group plans to appoint consultants to carry out a study into the feasibility of running the glasshouse as a community venture, making it available to individuals and groups to grow fruit, vegetables and other plants under glass.
They said the time was right to bring the glasshouse back into use with the growing interest in local food production and the popularity of polytunnels throughout the isles.
The study will examine the condition of the building and gauge the level of community support to take the project forward.
The idea was developed by Tingwall and Girlsta Development Association co-chairman Pete Glanville, who is a member of Transition Shetland and has been closely involved in the lottery bid.
“We are extremely pleased to have received this grant from the Big Lottery Fund,” he said.
“It is a major contribution towards turning the Tingwall glasshouse into what it was always meant to be, a viable and vibrant centre for growing.”
The group’s chairman Pete Bevington added: “A lot of people have been asking about this building and there is a clear desire within Shetland to see it being used productively.
“If we can demonstrate there is sufficient local interest to take this forward, then we believe it could become a real asset to this community – a real garden of Eden in the north.”
Transition Shetland has been meeting for more than two years to discuss how the islands should approach a future that holds twin threats from climate change and peak oil.
It holds monthly meetings, which are open to the public, at Islesburgh community centre, where topics have ranged from growing food and tackling waste, to transport and energy.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
The next meeting is at 7pm on 18 February at which there will be a talk and discussion about organic wool production.
“We are always looking for new ideas and would welcome anyone who has an interest in Shetland’s future to come along,” Bevington said.
Highlands and islands list MSP Jean Urquhart has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Transition Shetland.
Her motion also “notes what it sees as the enlightened thinking behind the Transition Network, which is active across the world and which recognises that infinite growth within a finite system, such as the Earth, is impossible, and commends its aim of creating happier, stronger and fairer communities in a future affected by high energy prices and climate change.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.