Shetland Groups Invited to Apply for Climate Action Funding

Community groups, clubs, and organisations in Shetland can now apply for funding to support climate action initiatives. The initiative, known as the Climate Action Ting, is part of a participatory budgeting project led by the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the Coastal Communities Fund, this project aims to empower local communities to propose and vote on climate action projects.

The Climate Action Ting event is scheduled to take place in March 2026, where grants of up to £7,500 will be available for successful projects. Members of the public will have the opportunity to vote on which initiatives they believe should receive funding. To help communities understand the application process, an informational event will be held on November 29 at the Islesburgh Community Centre from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.

This event will feature presentations from key speakers, including Andrea Sánchez Quiroz, the development officer for Shetland at the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. She will be joined by Frances Browne, Magnie Holbourn from the Foula Electricity Trust, and Brydon Sinclair from the Nesting Community Development Company. Sánchez Quiroz expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m so pleased to be working on the Climate Action Ting project. I’ll be able to support groups to design and develop new and existing projects so that they can participate in the finale event in March 2026. I can’t wait to hear all the different ideas to take community-led climate action; it’s going to be such an inspirational day.”

Applications for the funding will open in January 2026. Community organisations interested in participating will submit their project ideas to the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. Subsequently, they will prepare presentations for a public audience on March 14, 2026, where attendees will vote on the projects. The total available funding for this initiative is £40,000, which will be allocated to successful organisations until the funding pot is exhausted.

This participatory budgeting approach not only encourages community involvement but also highlights the importance of local initiatives in combating climate change. By empowering residents to have a direct say in which projects receive funding, the Climate Action Ting aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards climate action in Shetland.