The Scottish Government’s multi-million-pound programme will fund free and low-cost sport and activity opportunities in Shetland, delivered by Shetland Islands Council with local partners to reach children and young people across the islands.
The Shetland Islands are set to receive support from a national initiative designed to expand access to sport and physical activity for young people. Backed by a substantial Scottish Government investment and coordinated by sportscotland, the programme will create both free and low-cost options across the islands so that children and young adults can participate close to home.
The local delivery is led by Shetland Islands Council in collaboration with community organisations, clubs and national sporting bodies.
By aligning local delivery with a wider campaign inspired by major international events, the initiative aims to harness increased public interest in sport and channel it into long-term participation.
These opportunities are intended for young people aged three to 26 and are meant to remove financial and practical barriers to getting active.
What the investment will provide
The funding forms part of a broader £20 million package that supports a national campaign to boost youth engagement in sport.
Within Shetland, the investment will pay for a mix of events and ongoing provision: drop-in sessions, short courses, community festivals and club taster sessions. The project emphasises accessibility and local delivery so families do not need to travel far to take part.
Key elements include initiatives that encourage the development of healthy routines and social networks. Activities will be tailored to suit different ages and abilities, with the expressed goal of creating lasting habits and stronger community ties through movement and shared experiences.
Local partnerships and delivery model
Shetland Islands Council is coordinating with a wide network of partners to make these offers available island-wide. Organisations involved range from disability-focused groups to arts and cultural bodies and sporting clubs. Partners named in the plan include Ability Shetland, the Shetland Recreational Trust, Shetland Arts, local dance organisations and regional teams such as Shetland Netball and the Scottish Football Association.
This collective approach is intended to reach young people from diverse backgrounds and to ensure programming responds to local needs. By using existing community assets and club expertise, the programme aims to offer both one-off events and ongoing sessions that can continue after the initial campaign period.
Inclusive approaches
A priority for the local programme is ensuring activities are inclusive. That means designing sessions that accommodate different physical abilities, financial situations and geographic constraints. The partnership with disability-focused organisations and community trusts supports this objective by providing specialist knowledge, adapted equipment and transport solutions where needed.
Goals and expected outcomes
The initiative intends to do more than stage a summer of events; it is designed to influence long-term behaviour. By creating multiple entry points to sport, organisers want young people to discover activities they enjoy and then continue participating through clubs, school programmes or community groups. Outcomes being sought include increased physical activity levels, new friendships and stronger links between families and local clubs.
Local leaders emphasise the value of beginning these habits early. For younger children, exposure to a variety of activities can support fundamental movement skills. For older teenagers and young adults, opportunities to try new sports can open pathways into volunteering, coaching or competitive play.
Community voices
Neil Watt, the council’s executive manager for sport and leisure, described the local programme as an opportunity to “bring exciting, accessible activities to young people in Shetland” and stressed the council’s commitment to reach people regardless of location or background. Similarly, sportscotland’s chief executive highlighted the wider aim of using sport to strengthen communities and create lasting change.
These endorsements reflect a shared belief among partners: when a community works together to remove practical and financial barriers, more young people will be able to experience the benefits of regular activity.
How families and clubs can get involved
Residents who want to take part or to host activities are encouraged to connect with the council or local partners. Clubs and community groups can apply to deliver sessions or to receive support for equipment, venue hire and promotion. The emphasis is on creating a simple pathway from an introductory session to regular participation.
Information on events, sign-ups and partner contacts is available through the national campaign hub administered by sportscotland, which centralises resources and guidance for local delivery. This makes it easier for families across Shetland to find nearby activities and for organisations to coordinate schedules and share best practice.
Overall, the programme represents a coordinated attempt to turn national funding into practical, local opportunities. By combining government investment, national agency coordination and community-level delivery, Shetland aims to give children and young people meaningful ways to be active now and into the future.
