Passionate about Shetland’s future
The Trust is governed by independent trustees and managed by a professional team. Together we are committed to ensuring that the benefits we create today are sustainable.
Improving life in Shetland since 1976
Recognising the profound impact the creation and presence of the Sullom Voe Terminal would have on the area and its people, the oil industry contributed money to establish an investment fund. The purpose of this fund was to improve life for everyone living in Shetland. Shetland Charitable Trust was set up to invest and manage this fund.
£millions distributed across Shetland
Since 1976, the Trust has distributed over £370 million across Shetland, enabling the creation and ongoing operation of many public spaces and frontline charities.
Our investments have helped fund the construction of venues such as the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick, as well as leisure centres and care homes.
Investing for the future
The Trust’s early income came as a result of compensation payments by the oil industry in return for hosting the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal. Much of that income was invested in financial markets to generate more money for our communities.
Our role is to continue to invest funds responsibly and use the earnings to support local charities, groups and voluntary organisations not just now, but for future generations.
Testimonials
The funding COPE Ltd receives from the Shetland Charitable Trust supports us in many ways. It allows us to develop and maintain a strong foundation to our core business and assists us to provide on-going employment skill development opportunities to people with disabilities living within Shetland. COPE Ltd highly values the support provided to our organisation by The Shetland Charitable Trust.
“The substantial grant made to us by Shetland Charitable Trust every year allows us to provide first-class facilities and dedicated staff to underpin sporting success among people of all ages and abilities in the islands.”
Having this core funding from the Charitable Trust means that we can use that money where we need it at any given time. It's multi-year funding which really takes the pressure off. To have the funding to keep going is really important as it is improving the lives of disabled folk in Shetland.
The funding that we get from the Charitable Trust pays for part of staff support and matching with other funders. Without local funders we wouldn't have national funders, and without either of those funders, we wouldn't be able to do this, so funding from the Shetland Charitable Trust is incredibly important.
The funding Shetland Arts gets from Shetland Charitable Trust is about making sure the organisation can thrive, access other funds, and deliver on behalf of the community of Shetland. Our funding from the Shetland Charitable Trust really helps us with our conversations with national funders because it shows that we're working on behalf of what the local objectives and priorities are.
The Access to Leisure scheme was introduced to allow folk to be able to get access to classes and activities for a lower cost. I feel that the SRT play a critical role in every community across Shetland and that's all down to the funding of the Shetland Charitable Trust that we're able to maintain that.
Unpaid carers do an amazing job looking after people 24/7 in their own homes, keeping them living at home safely, and they really need help to do that. Thanks to the funding from Shetland Charitable Trust, we've been able to employ a deputy manager, recruit more care attendants, and provide overnights. We're also really grateful for the funding because it means that everybody can get the service for free.
