Shetland Partnership Network Thursday 24th April 2025

The session focused on heritage and culture, featuring presentations from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT).  Attendees first heard from two representatives of HES, followed by a short coffee break and a presentation from SAT.

The Shetland Partnership Network aims to help partners create a sense of shared ownership of community planning and to create a safe environment for open and honest conversations around the challenges and opportunities to tackle inequalities in Shetland. The Network brings together representatives of all community planning partners in Shetland and offers opportunities for information sharing, developing ideas and building relationships.

Virginia Sharp delivered the first presentation from HES, introducing "Your Historic Place lens," a pilot initiative aimed at integrating heritage considerations into decision-making processes.  Attendees discussed its practical application in planning and community development.  More information about Your Historic Place lens can be found here.

Esther Renwick, District Visitor & Community Manager (Orkney & Shetland) at HES provided an overview of the organisation, highlighting its role in investigating, caring for, and promoting Scotland’s historic environment.  At the local level, she described the significant sites managed by HES in Shetland, including Scalloway Castle, Mousa Broch, Fort Charlotte, and Clickimin Broch.  Esther also discussed HES's positive community impact, including employment opportunities for local people, engagement with thousands of visitors annually, and support for community projects that promote heritage awareness among younger generations.

Alison Moncrieff, Chair of SAT Board of Trustees, provided a brief overview of the Trust’s projects before handing over to Hazel Sutherland, Chief Executive at SAT, who provided a presentation on the Trust’s mission to champion Shetland’s heritage for current and future generations through inclusive community engagement, education, conservation, and sustainable tourism.  Key initiatives highlighted included biodiversity projects, the promotion of traditional skills, and Shetland’s UNESCO Global Geopark.  The presentation also emphasised the importance of strategic investment in heritage, focusing on wellbeing, community pride, climate awareness, and economic development.

Representatives from ten partners participated, with positive feedback about the usefulness of the presentations and the opportunity to hear more about partners’ activities.

The next Shetland Partnership Network will take place on Thursday 26th June 2025.