Three projects in Shetland totalling an investment of £1.6 million are set to bring much needed jobs to the islands.

With the help of a funding package of £330,000 from Shetland Enterprise two fish processing units at Blackness Pier in Scalloway have recently been built.  Two local firms, sustaining 12 jobs in the area now occupy them.

Local building firm Irvine Contractors built the two 1,500 sq.ft. semi-detached buildings after submitting the successful tender to Shetland Enterprise.

Hunter's Fish lease one of the new units.  Owner Andrew Hunter said: "These fish processing units are great they allow us much more scope for processing locally caught fish.

"Our previous base required substantial modernisation to meet our needs but these new units are ideal.  They are much more spacious and allow us to keep our standards at the highest level."

Brothers Angus and Ivor Johnson owners of Johnson Seafarms who lease the other unit said: "We are delighted with this new facility.  It will allow us to diversify our business and supply goods that highlight the quality of products available from Shetland."

Local firm Jamieson and Bruce have began work on a £475,000 development on Yell aimed at attracting inward investors and much-needed new jobs to one of Shetland's island communities.  The office/workshops offer accommodation for four potential new businesses.

The project, financed jointly by local enterprise company Shetland Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund, is due for completion by the autumn.

Shetland Enterprise spokesperson, Rae Tulloch, said: "We have had enquiries from various interested parties about the units.  The need for this type of facility was brought to our attention last year by a number of inquiries for office and workshop space.

"This project will provide new opportunities for business to start up on Yell and will ultimately bring new jobs to the local community."

Also underway is work at the historic pier at Voe.  The funding package of £851,000 from Shetland Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the European Regional Development Fund, Shetland Islands Council and the Voe Pier Trust will double the pier's current capacity.

The redevelopment will also see the construction of a serviced industrial site with associated parking and a storage area.  This will allow local businesses to expand and diversify aswell as attracting inward investment.

Pontoons at the new marina will be able to accommodate 23 boats of various sizes.

Peter Johnson, chairman of the Voe Pier Trust, who is managing the project on behalf of the community, said: "The replacement of the existing dilapidated pier together with the various other planned improvements around the pier will regenerate this area which has been the focus of commercial activity in Voe for more than a century."

Shetland Enterprise development manager David Watson said: "With the oil related activities at Sullom Voe decreasing this development will boost the community of Voe.  Any income received through the new pier and its facilities will be re-invested in the development and in the wider community for the benefit of everyone in the surrounding area."