The Viking Community Fund (VCF) has invested more than £2.14 million in communities across Shetland during 2025/26, supporting 76 projects that are helping local people, organisations and communities to tackle fuel poverty, support young people, strengthen community facilities, protect the natural environment and other local issues.
The figures are highlighted in the Fund's second annual report, marking the second year of funding delivered through the Viking Community Fund. Since its launch in September 2024, the Fund has awarded more than £3.8m to projects and initiatives across Shetland.
The latest report shows that £2,147,184 was awarded in grants from a total annual fund of £2,297,465, supporting projects ranging from energy efficiency improvements and apprenticeships to community halls, bursaries, sports facilities and environmental initiatives.
A major area of investment during the year was helping households experiencing fuel poverty. More than £800,000 was allocated towards reducing the cost of living, with significant funding supporting home energy efficiency improvements through partnerships with Warmworks and Shetland Islands Council.
The Fund also continued its commitment to supporting young people, investing in bursaries, apprenticeships and the Shetland Fishing Youth Opportunity Programme. During the 2025/26 funding year, 83 bursaries worth £76,699 were awarded to students and apprentices, while 10 local businesses received support to employ apprentices aged 16 to 25.
The year saw investment across all parts of Shetland, with the Community Grant Scheme supporting 63 local projects. Funding helped improve sports facilities, public halls, community buildings, youth activities and local development projects.
Among the projects supported were upgrades to community halls to improve energy efficiency, improvements to sports facilities in Bressay, Whalsay and Whiteness, support for community group outings and events, and funding for organisations working to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.
The Strategic Fund also supported a number of large-scale initiatives with long-term benefits for Shetland, including:
- Energy efficiency improvements for households experiencing fuel poverty.
- Community-led housing support to help communities explore new housing solutions.
- Apprenticeship funding for small businesses.
- The Shetland Fishing Youth Opportunity Programme.
- Community-led marine mammal monitoring.
The Viking Community Fund was established to ensure that the benefits associated with Viking Energy are shared with communities throughout Shetland. The Fund is administered by the Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) and focuses on priorities including reducing the cost of living, supporting young people, improving housing, strengthening communities and protecting the natural environment.
Key Highlights 2025/26
- £2,297,465 received by the Viking Community Fund.
- £2,150,139 awarded in grants.
- 76 projects supported across Shetland.
- £779,499 invested in reducing the cost of living.
- £456,782 invested in supporting young people.
- 83 bursaries awarded to students and apprentices.
- 63 community grant projects funded.
