Business / Rocky partnership between amenity trust and chocolate maker
SHETLAND Amenity Trust (SAT) has announced a partnership with local chocolatier Mirrie Dancers aimed at promoting Shetland’s geopark status.
SAT is the managing body for the geopark and Mirrie Dancers is the first of what SAT plans to be a series of partners from local businesses and craft producers who will help promote what Shetland offers and highlight the isles’ geology and its impact on our natural and cultural heritage, landscape and produce.
Shetland was designated as a geopark in 2009 and awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2015. It is one of just seven UNESCO geoparks in the UK, and one of only two in Scotland.
The trust’s chairwoman Ruth Mackenzie said: “The geopark provides a fantastic opportunity to tap into a network of international trade from all over the world.
“Mirrie Dancers is an excellent example of a local business showcasing the best that Shetland local produce has to offer, and we are very excited to be working together going forwards.”
Mirrie Dancers owner Dave Williams said: “We are proud to be the first business in Shetland to become a geopark partner. Shetland has been at the heart of what we do, our products reflect the fantastic natural environment and landscape and we love working with other local producers.
“Being a geopark partner is a great opportunity for us to work with the Shetland Amenity Trust and other partners to promote Shetland as a geopark as well as promoting our own products.”
SAT retail outlets at the Shetland Museum and Archives, Sumburgh Head, and Old Scatness will shortly begin stocking Mirrie Dancer chocolates and will be collaborating with them on new products.
According to SAT, geopark partnerships will offer local businesses the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the geopark, tap into training and expertise at SAT and develop collaborative offers and initiatives.
It also enables them to make the most of the geopark designation for Shetland and for their businesses.
The trust is urging businesses or craft producers interested in a partnership with the Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark to get in touch with geopark manager Rory Tallack.
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