Over 120 groups apply for Viking funding in first year

Shetland Community Benefit Fund.

More than 120 community groups have applied for around £300,000 of Viking benefit funds in the first year of the scheme.

The organisers of the South Mainland Up-Helly-A’ festival were handed almost £10,000 for improvements to its galley shed, while £5,000 was given to improve the Symbister Public Hall.

A grant of £10,000 was handed to the Fetlar Community Association for its new website.

The Unst junior badminton, football and netball associations have all received grant aid, as well as the Sandwick and Scalloway boating clubs.

Shetland Community Benefit Fund chairman Chris Bunyan said the first year of the scheme had been “very successful”.

He said there were many areas in which funds were still available for projects.

“Delting has already given out £51,000 in grants and still has £49,000 available for projects that qualify, and are approved by the community council, and will have another £50,000 in September,” he said.

“The scheme is simple to use and it’s easy to apply.

“There are few restrictions on who can apply or what funds can be used for.”