Also in the news / Support for fleece rugs maker, landfill site extension, croft house grants and EV charger for Unst business
A LOCAL sheep fleece rug maker says she has increased her sales after receiving support through the Business Gateway programme.
Founded in September 2021, Hart of Shetland produces sustainable woollen fleece rugs unique in colour and texture.
Following a feature on the Channel Five series Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild in February 2022 the business attracted a significant increase in demand which led founder Helen Hart to look for help to develop her hobby into a business.
“Business Gateway was my first port of call, and I am so pleased with the support we have received. It has given me the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue owning my own business, something I had always dreamed of doing,” she said.
To find out more about Business Gateway and its DigitalBoost programme visit: www.bgateway.com/resources/digitalboost/
THE LANDFILL site at Gremista will have to be extended as it is close to full capacity.
A report before councillors on Tuesday said the site, which takes in waste which cannot be incinerated or recycled, will approach full capacity within the next two to three years.
An extension of the current site would give the facility another 15 years of capacity, the report said.
CROFTERS across Scotland will be able to apply for larger sums of money to upgrade their housing under the croft house grant.
The Scottish Government is increasing the grant rate for home improvements from 40 to 60 per cent of the total project cost – with a maximum grant of £38,000. The grant scheme also supports crofters to build new homes.
Last year more than £850,000 in grant funding was awarded to support 28 crofters and their families.
Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “We must do all we can to attract and retain people in our crofting communities, particularly young families. That’s why we are committed to continuing and improving this vital support.”
A UNST based craft business has been awarded £4,000 from Loganair’s GreenSkies community fund to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging point as its visitor centre.
The facility will also enable Glansin Glass in Uyeasound to operate an electric vehicle as its company car.
Company founder Cheryl Jamieson said: “Installing EV charging will support our sustainability ambitions and offer visitors the chance to charge their vehicles.
“It will also help reduce costs for the business and the community. Shetland is the inspiration for my work, but it is very expensive to live here.”
Loganair said the funding was part of a £27,500 payout from Loganair’s GreenSkies fund to six different projects across the UK.
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