Environmental best practice recognised

Eleven local projects received Shetland Environmental Awards at a ceremony in Shetland Museum today.

The winners were the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, Garden Ecology Trail Sandwick (GAETS), the Nature Hide at Skeld Marina, Nesting Primary School, Olnafirth Primary School, Shetland RSPB Wildlife Explorers Group, Scalloway Primary School Eco Committee, Shetland Islands Climate and Settlement Project (SICSP), Shetland Young Scot Youth Legacy Ambassadors, Michaelswood and Rick Nickerson.

The awards, which recognise sustainability, innovation and best practice, were judged by Shetland Amenity Trust and the Shetland Environment Group.

Amenity trust chairman Brian Gregson 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 11 winning projects range from small initiatives achieved on a shoestring to a project which has raised millions of pounds.

“On behalf of the trust I would like to thank the Shetland Environment Group for judging the award nominations.

“Finally, on behalf of the group I would like to pass congratulations on to all of this year’s winners – we hope you are proud of your award and what you have achieved.”

This year’s awards were again sponsored by the major players within the environment sector in Shetland, including SEPA, SNH, the SIC, the RSPB, Shetland Civic Society, VisitShetland and Shetland Amenity Trust. The awards presentation event was also sponsored – by the Total Laggan-Tormore Project.

SEPA chairman David Sigsworth and chief executive James Curran presented the winning projects with their awards. The award plaques were made by Cunningsburgh-based Enviroglass, from 80 per cent recycled glass.

Friday’s Shetland Times will include profiles of the award winners.