
HIE approved £1.6m across 21 projects in Shetland, boosting business productivity by an average of 50 percent across 10 organisations, and stimulating capital investment of £4.46m. Forty jobs were created or retained at an average salary of £31,600. Additionally, HIE secured over £1.7m in external investment and supported 32 organisations with innovation, leading to the launch of 41 new products, services, or processes.
Supported projects in Shetland included Papa Stour History and Community Group, which received £105,000 to transform the newly acquired Papa Stour Kirk into a vibrant community hub and visitor centre.
Bigton Collective Ltd was awarded £84,360 for its Hymhus decarbonisation project, enhancing the energy efficiency and accessibility of the former church building while preserving its heritage. The project includes both internal and external improvements and new outdoor facilities.
Seaspray Shetland Ltd received £49,983 to invest in a new automated bagging machine, replacing the existing dual-machine system, reducing electricity consumption, and increasing production efficiency. Shetland Composites Ltd was granted £26,515 to develop new industrial premises at its current site improving product storage capacity and providing a property to let.
Sutherland Real Estate Ltd were supported with a grant of £38,714 towards the costs of upgrading and expanding the Westings hotel, and Shetland Livestock Marketing Group were awarded £93,000 for equipment for efficiency improvements at the abattoir, and for adaptations to decarbonise the facility.
HIE’s achievements were made possible through a combination of financial investments and non-financial interventions such as advice, information, and signposting to other sources of assistance.
Katrina Wiseman, HIE’s area manager for Orkney and Shetland, said: “The projects we have supported, from the far north in Unst to Virkie in the South, showcase the significant potential and entrepreneurial spirit of our local businesses, social enterprises, and community groups.
Looking ahead, we have significant opportunities on the horizon. We are committed to working closely with businesses, social enterprises and community organisations in key sectors, such as renewables, tourism, creative industries and food and drink, to maximise the economic growth and overall prosperity of our islands.”
Related Articles
Investment in Caithness and Sutherland helps HIE achieve targets
Results were achieved through a combination of financial investment and non-financial interventions.
Island investment boosts HIE outturns for 2024/25
HIE figures show strong outturns against key targets during 2024/25.
Highlands and Islands projects awarded Scottish Land Fund support
A pub in Glenuig, a historic church in Tain and a shop in Glenelg are among projects that have been supported in the latest round of funding by the Scottish Land Fund (SLF).
Renewable energy training centre officially opened in Inverness
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has officially opened Aurora’s pioneering Renewable Energy Training Centre in Inverness - the only facility of its kind serving the Highlands.
Multi-million pound investment announced for Kishorn Port
A multi-million pound investment is being made in one of Scotland’s most strategically important ports.
Commercial diver training company in Argyll to scope expansion
A commercial diver training company in Argyll is exploring the potential to expand the business to include closed bell diver training.
Funding award for £1.5m community-led Glen Urquhart hub project
Ambitious plans to create a community hub in Drumnadrochit has secured up to £375,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Arran leisure resort to expand offering
A leisure business on the island of Arran is upgrading some of its visitor offerings to broaden its appeal to international visitors.
Innovative project at Moray carrot firm will lead to growth
An innovation project by a major carrot grower in Moray is forecast to strengthen the company’s position and create more jobs.
Shetland building firm drives growth and creates jobs
A £1.7m project to help businesses grow in Shetland secured up to £486,956 investment from HIE.
Limited space for businesses on Digital Tourism Support programme
Businesses in the tourism sector and its supply chain in the Highland Council area are being encouraged to secure a place on the Digital Tourism Support Programme.