A dozen projects have been recognised in the annual Shetland Environmental Awards, which acknowledge sustainability, innovation and best practice.
The awards always attract a wide range of nominations. This year, half of the awards went to schools and their communities for a range of ecological or interpretive work. The others involved initiatives as diverse as a tannery, gardens, a new caravan and camping site, the restoration of Sumburgh Lighthouse and the sustainable sourcing of fish.
Brian Gregson, Chairman of Shetland Amenity Trust and the Shetland Environment Group, which judges the awards, congratulated all the winners for what they had achieved. He said: “The awards have always been truly inclusive, attracting nominations for a wide variety of projects from all sectors of the community and this year is no exception. The twelve winning projects range from small initiatives, achieved on a shoestring, to a project which has raised millions of pounds.”
Mr Iain Gulland, Director of Zero Waste Scotland, presented the winning projects with their awards. He said: “I was delighted to attend and present the Shetland Environment Awards 2014. The winning projects were inspiring and demonstrated action across the whole community, from schools and local businesses to the older generation. As ever, I think we can all learn something from what happens in our island communities when it comes to understanding how taking action locally can contribute to a better future globally.”
The 2014 awards plaques were made by Cunningsburgh-based Enviroglass using 80% recycled glass. Sponsorship of the awards came from a range of national and local agencies and voluntary organisations and the oil company, Total.
The schools that won awards were Aith Junior High, Bressay Primary, Foula Primary School and Community, Nesting Primary, Ollaberry Primary and Sound Primary. The other awards went to Brucehall Extra Care Community Garden, Burravoe Pier Trust, Frankie's Fish & Chips, Highlands Garden, Shetland Tannery Ltd and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve.
You can download the 2014 Environmental Awards Booklet, which contains full details of all the winners and makes inspiring reading.