Our Funders

The Lighthouse buildings at Sumburgh Head have been renovated and restored during a £5.4million development project to create a world class visitor attraction to complement the sights, smells and sounds of this remarkable nature reserve and beautiful location.  The work carried out was only possible due to the generous funding provided by the following organisations. 

The European Regional Development Fund
The Scottish Rural Development Programme is a programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland. Funding in this scheme was available for projects between 2007 and 2013.



Scottish Rural Development Programme
The European Regional Development Fund is funding allocated by the European Union to promote regional development, prioritising issues such as economic growth and development of sparsely populated and outlying areas.


Heritage Lottery FundedThe Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is the UK’s largest dedicated funder of heritage projects. The Fund supports innovative investment in projects with a lasting impact on people and places, and is a leading advocate of the value of heritage to modern life.




Historic Scotland

Historic Scotland provide funding schemes to support projects which provide protection, education and promotion of the historic environment. Their priorities also include developing knowledge and skills and building capacity for local heritage management.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) are the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency. The purpose of the organisation is to generate sustainable economic growth in every part of the Highlands and Islands. One of the stated priorities is to strengthen communities and fragile areas.

Scottish Natural HeritageScottish Natural Heritage is an organisation which aims to promote, care for and improve natural heritage, help people enjoy it responsibly, enable greater understanding and awareness of it, and promote its sustainable use, now and for future generations.


The Wolfson Foundation is a charitable organisation which aims to support excellence, generally through funding capital infrastructure, in the fields of science and medicine, health, education and arts and the humanities.


Shetland Islands Council
Shetland Islands Council is the local authority body for the islands, serving 22,400 people across 1,468 square km. 




RSPB
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the largest wildlife conservation organisation in Europe. RSPB Scotland forms part of the continuing on-site partnership, working with Shetland Amenity Trust providing staff and educational services, as well as continuing their important work on the nature reserve.


Shetland Amenity Trust

Shetland Amenity Trust is the lead partner and project co-ordinator. Following the construction stage of the project, The Trust provides staffing resources and on-going site management services.



The Shetland Charitable Trust is a charity set up to benefit the inhabitants of Shetland. Their aim is to provide public benefit to and improve the quality of life for the people of Shetland, especially in the areas of social care and welfare, arts, culture, sport and recreation and the environment, natural history and heritage.  The Shetland Charitable Trust is a part funder of Shetland Amenity Trust, providing ongoing support and management services.