Shetland has long played a vital role in the industrial economy of the UK, particularly in relation to energy, seafood and marine industries. As the global transition to renewable and low-carbon energy accelerates and newer industries such as space continue to develop, the islands are once again at the centre of a major economic and industrial opportunity.
These new opportunities have the potential to bring investment, skilled jobs and lasting economic benefits to Shetland, strengthening island supply chains, creating opportunities for businesses and contributing to the long-term sustainability of island communities.
The Shetland Development Charter has been created to help ensure that these opportunities are delivered in the right way for Shetland and provide the greatest possible benefit for the people who live, work, and invest here.
Led by EmPowering Shetland, the charter establishes a shared set of expectations for organisations developing projects in the islands. The charter recognises the need for investment and infrastructure, but at the same time promotes collaboration, transparency and responsible development.
As Shetland's role in the UK's future economy continues to grow, the new Shetland Development Charter sets out a shared vision for how major infrastructure projects can create long-term benefits for communities, businesses and future generations. The charter aims to ensure that investment supports a fair transition, protects the environment and helps build a prosperous future for the islands.
Shaping Shetland's future
The charter recognises the need for investment and infrastructure, but at the same time promotes collaboration, transparency and responsible development.
Putting communities at the heart of development
What is the Shetland Development Charter?
The charter combines several principles that support economic investment and growth while considering local communities and organisations and how they should benefit. It recognises that successful projects are about more than infrastructure and investment. They are also about people, places and ensuring that local voices are heard.
Its aims include:
• Supporting a fair and inclusive transition to renewable energy.
• Ensuring communities have a meaningful voice in developments that affect them.
• Encouraging coordination between projects to reduce unnecessary impacts and duplication of infrastructure.
• Supporting the delivery of clean, secure and affordable energy.
• Creating a lasting legacy for Shetland residents, businesses and future generations.
A roadmap to responsible growth
The Shetland Development Charter does not replace existing planning or regulatory processes. Rather, it complements them by encouraging developers, investors and stakeholders to consider how projects can contribute positively to the islands as a whole.
Shared ambition, shared responsibility
The charter is built on the principle that creating positive outcomes requires partnership.
While it sets expectations for developers and investors, it also includes commitments from Shetland as a community. This reflects a shared ambition to ensure that the islands benefit proportionally from opportunities.
Organisations that choose to adopt the charter will also produce a delivery plan outlining how they will put its principles into action and demonstrate their commitment to responsible development in Shetland.
Building a lasting legacy
The energy transition represents one of the most significant opportunities Shetland has seen in generations.
The Shetland Development Charter provides a framework for ensuring that future investment is aligned with the values, priorities and aspirations of island communities. By encouraging long-term thinking, community engagement and responsible development, it aims to help create a legacy that benefits Shetland for decades to come.
As new opportunities emerge, the charter offers a clear statement of how Shetland wants development to happen, not just for today's communities, but for future generations as well.
Read the full Shetland Development Charter and learn how EmPowering Shetland is helping shape a fair and sustainable energy future for the islands.