Members of the Northmavine Development Company are celebrating a successful first year with Initiative at the Edge (IatE) status, which gives the area funding priority for their developmental projects. 

The Northmavine Development Company is the local development group delivering IatE in this area.  The group has been working hand in hand with the community to progress projects which will strengthen the social and economic life of Northmavine, providing the area with a vibrant and sustainable future.

In May this year (2005), six months after extensive consultation with the wider community, the Company launched a development plan for the area, identifying the priorities and direction for the next three years.

Key themes are economic, social and environmental regeneration and groups are now actively working on issues in the following areas: tourism, crofting, youth and a website promoting the area.

Pat Christie, the local development officer for the area, said: "To say the last year has been an eventful one for the Company would be something of an understatement but all the hard work has definitely been worth it as the projects get underway and we start to see things coming to fruition. 

"I'm sure the coming two years will be even more rewarding as we have a number of other great projects in the pipeline."

One of the projects the Company is currently looking into is the possible community ownership of the St Magnus bay Hotel; they are working towards a registration of interest under the Land Reform Act.

The North Isles (Unst, Yell and Fetlar) are one of the other IatE designated areas (10 in total).  Pat added: "Earlier this year our group got together with the North Isles group for a unique first ever meeting on the Yell ferry.  This was to swap ideas and information and to learn from each other - it was really useful and we hope it will become a regular event for us in the future."

The Development Company is receiving £51,000 from Shetland Enterprise; £10,200 from Shetland Islands Council (SIC) Economic Development Department; £10,200 from SIC Community Development; £10,200 from the Crofters Commission and £20,400 from Communities Scotland to fund a part-time local development worker and support worker over the three years of IatE status.

So far the Company has been successful in securing Community Economic Development (CED) funding through Shetland Enterprise to develop a website for Northmavine, to promote the area both locally and worldwide.
 
Sarah Dell, development manager with Shetland Enterprise, said: "The Northmavine Development Company; directors, employees and the community of Northmavine have in the first year of operation made significant progress towards the social and economic development of the area."

For more information or to discuss the work being done in Northmavine call Pat Christie on 01806 544222 or email: office@northmavine-iate.shetland.co.uk

Further information about Initiative at the Edge and areas that have been involved in the programme in the past is available at www.initiative-at-the-edge.org.uk