A study of Shetland's social economy commissioned by HIE Shetland is already helping to design and target training courses for the islands' busy voluntary sector.

A survey of voluntary and community organisations operating within Shetland shows that the islands have one of the most vibrant social economies in the country.

It suggests the community and voluntary sector in Shetland is vast, employing up to 6,600 people in 600 separate organisations, almost one third of the isles' population. Of these almost 2,000 are full time equivalent employees, while more than 4,000 act purely as volunteers.

Based on a 24 per cent response rate, the survey suggests the social economy generates an annual income of £50 million, of which £23 million is spent directly on wages and salaries.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has confirmed the importance of the sector, saying "Shetland reports the greatest number of, and greatest income from charities per 10,000 of resident population" in Scotland.

HIE Shetland commissioned Reference Economic Consulatants to carry out the survey to establish how they could most effectively support this key part of Shetland's overall economy.

Katrina Wiseman, strategic projects manager with HIE Shetland, said: "The main purpose of the study was to understand the size and shape of Shetland's social economy, and to help the main agencies target their support much more effectively."

The survey has already helped Shetland Council of Social Service design a training course on committee skills, with further courses on project and financial management in the pipeline for next month.

Kate Gallant, development worker with Shetland Council of Social Service, said: "The survey has proved to be extremely valuable. It has informed us what training and information individuals and organisations would like, and it helps us tailor our training courses to their specific needs."

The survey suggests there is a potential demand for up to 1,400 places at training events, though this figure could be an over estimate. The main demand for training is in drug and alcohol awareness, health and safety, food hygiene basic computer and keyboard skills and project management.

One area of growing interest is the internet and almost one fifth of groups who responded to the questionnaire said they were interested in setting up a website attached the Shetland Community Portal.

Bill Crook, community work manager with Shetland Islands Council, said: "Those working with and as part of the community and voluntary sector have always known the extent of the contribution of this sector in Shetland. This study provides evidence to verify this, and a strong baseline from which we can continue to build."