Community / Charitable trust confirms large grant pay-outs
SHETLAND Charitable Trust (SCT) has announced £9.67 million in grants to support 28 charity services and trusts in the isles.
The awards for 2025/26 represent an increase of £765,000 on this year’s spend under the large grant scheme.
The three big trusts – Shetland Recreational Trust, Shetland Arts Development Agency and Shetland Amenity Trust – together with the SIC rural care model account for over 80 per cent of the payout for 2025/26, receiving a total of £7,860,000.
The recreational trust will see its grant increase from £3,389,200 in 2024/25 to £3.69 million in the coming financial year.
Shetland Arts Development Agency will see its grant take a significant rise from £752,400 in 2024/25 to £1.05 million in 2025/26.
The amenity trust will receive £1.3 million in 2025/26 compared to £1,261,700 previously.
However the rural care model will receive £1.82 million, down from around £1.986 million in 2024/25.
Other successful applicants include Shetland Island Citizen’s Advice Bureau, which will see its funding increase to £335,000 to help provide free, confidential and independent information service.
Shetland Care Attendant Scheme (£75,000) and VAS Shetland Carers (£50,000) will receive funding increases to provide support for unpaid carers in the community.
Ability Shetland was awarded £90,000 to tackle the inequalities faced by people with disabilities when accessing sport and other physical activity.
A new recipient of SCT grant aid is the award-winning Shetland Community Bike Project which will receive £55,000 towards its work in supporting people who have difficulties with employment and education.
The awards were approved by SCT trustees at a meeting on 21 November, giving the successful organisations four months’ advance notice of their funding for next year.
Charitable trust chair Robert Leask said: “It’s gratifying that SCT can continue supporting all these excellent services including new recipients at an increased level.
“They all contribute into the overall quality of life and making Shetland a great place to live.
“We realise it’s important for these organisations to have some surety and confidence in their service planning in the years to come.
“For that reason, we look to offer support, in principle, for up to five years.”
| Organisation | Grant amount £ | Purpose |
| Shetland Recreational Trust | 3,690,000 | To support the cost of leisure and sports facilities at locations throughout Shetland |
| SIC – Rural Care Model | 1,820,000 | To support an enhanced level of community care |
| Shetland Amenity Trust | 1,300,000 | To support delivery of a range of services in the fields of heritage and culture |
| Shetland Arts Development Agency | 1,050,000 | To support the cost of activities in dance, drama, theatre, film, literature, music, crafts and visual arts |
| Shetland Islands Citizens’ Advice Bureau | 335,000 | To support a free, independent and confidential advice and information service |
| COPE Ltd | 265,000 | To support placements, training and employment for adults with learning and/or physical disabilities |
| Shetland Women’s Aid | 140,000 | To support service for victims of domestic abuse as well as a safe place to live when required. |
| Voluntary Action Shetland – Market House | 110,000 | To support the costs of operating Market House |
| Voluntary Action Shetland – core costs | 105,000 | To support a central point for advice and information to the local voluntary sector |
| Ability Shetland | 90,000 | To support addressing inequalities faced by people with disabilities when accessing sport and other physical activity. |
| Shetland Care Attendant Scheme | 75,000 | To support short breaks and respite for people who provide care for family or friends at home. |
| Mind Your Head | 66,000 | To support the cost of mental health services and wellness support. |
| Shetland Link Up | 61,000 | To support service for the recovery of people affected by mental health |
| Voluntary Action Shetland – Shetland Befriending Service – Children and Young People | 60,000 | To support a befriending service for younger people |
| Royal Voluntary Service | 60,000 | To support a range of community activities and services for the elderly and disabled |
| Shetland Bike Project | 55,000 | To support people who encounter barriers to mainstream employment, education and training. |
| Voluntary Action Shetland – Shetland Carers | 50,000 | To support unpaid carers to manage their caring role and their own health and wellbeing |
| The Compass Centre (Shetland Rape Crisis) | 41,000 | To support a range of support work including advocacy, counselling and activism |
| Moving On Employment Project | 40,000 | To support young people to engage with activities, training and work experience for employment related goals |
| OPEN youth organisation | 40,000 | To support the organisations peer education, peer mentoring and research, and other youth activities |
| Who Cares? Scotland | 37,000 | To support children, young people and young adults who have experienced the care system. |
| The Swan Trust | 31,000 | To support the running of the sail training boat The Swan. |
| Gaada community art | 31,000 | To support a range of art activities with an emphasis on individuals with disabilities |
| Clan Cancer Support | 30,000 | To support a dedicated children and families service in Shetland |
| Alzheimer Scotland – Shetland | 24,000 | To support the dementia adviser role ensuring a range of activities so that no one faces dementia alone |
| Dogs Against Drugs | 22,000 | To support an education programme in schools raising awareness of drug misuse |
| Shetland Community Connections | 19,000 | To support a range of activities including Shared Lives Shetland Service, Community Brokerage / Connectors and Improving Cancer Journey service |
| Voluntary Action Shetland – Shetland Befriending Service 16+ | 18,000 | To support a befriending scheme for over-16s who have difficulty managing their own home and living independently. |
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