Background

The Community Development Company of Nesting (CDCN) exists to improve the community of Nesting and the surrounding area by providing new amenities and opportunities. CDCN's first task — to acquire, through 'Community Asset Transfer', the land and property of the Aald Skül (Old School), which was the first acquisition of its kind in Shetland — has now been achieved; this property is now being redeveloped to provide a gym and office space. CDCN's attention now turns to providing child care facilities and other amenities such as are specified in CDCN's business plan.

Need for support

CDCN knew what they wanted to achieve when they originally approached us for support, but it was a big undertaking to gather the information needed for the asset transfer. Having our team undertake the research meant that CDCN staff could focus on day-to-day activities. Having an independent consultant undertake the research also provided an impartial overview to better understand the pros and cons of this project.

What We Did

Community Enterprise initially supported the Aald Skul Nesting in 2018. We undertook face-to-face consultations with local people across the village and developed a business plan for a new future for the old school.  This included looking at projects like a workshop linked to Up Helly AA, a scrap store, a gym, and a community space to re-energise Nesting's community.

This unique project resulted in the first asset transfer in Shetland of the old school building into community ownership.

We supported the community again in 2019 by applying to the LEADER Fund to help support the ongoing regeneration of Aald Skül and other community activities.

The application was successful.

We are currently working with the Nesting, Girlsta, and Wadbister Communities on a community development plan. The plan will identify the key areas that residents feel need to be addressed to help the communities thrive.

Over the past six months, we have also been working with CDCN to look at alternative burial options for Shetland. Current services are under pressure due to demand, and the graveyards are reaching capacity. CDCN wanted to understand what alternative options the residents might consider, with a particular focus on processes that supported a net-zero future for the Islands.

Outcomes

CDCN has gone from strength to strength over the past 6 years; they have successfully undertaken an asset transfer, developed services to support the community and are looking at what projects will come next.