2015 Shetland Environmental Award Winners Announced

Published: November 11th 2015

2015 Award Winners (Image: Austin Taylor) enlarge 2015 Award Winners (Image: Austin Taylor) Shetland Amenity Trust hosted the Shetland Environmental Awards at a ceremony held in the Museum and Archives today. Seven local environmental projects won an award for demonstrating sustainability, innovation and best practice.

Brian Gregson, Chairman of Shetland Amenity Trust and the Shetland Environment Group which judge the awards, said: “On behalf of Shetland Amenity Trust, I would like to thank the Shetland Environment Group for judging the award nominations. The awards, as always, have been truly inclusive, and there were nominations for a wide variety of projects from all sectors of the community. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners – who should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved over the last twelve months. We hope you enjoy the award and continue to inspire others to preserve, protect and champion Shetland’s incredible environment in the future.”

Unfortunately this year’s presenter, renowned local naturalist and wildlife photograph Brydon Thomason fell ill on the eve of the awards but kindly donated a framed wildlife print to the winner of the Alan Inkster Award, which was presented to Logan Johnson by Ruby Inkster for his outstanding voluntary contribution and commitment to the environment. Ruby also stepped in to present Shetland Environmental awards to all seven winning projects.

2015 Awards enlarge 2015 Awards The 2015 awards were made by Cunningsburgh based Enviroglass, from recycled glass and concrete. This year’s design took the form of polished circular planters.

This year’s awards were again sponsored by the major players within the environment sector in Shetland, including Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, Shetland Islands Council, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Shetland Civic Society, VisitScotland and Shetland Amenity Trust. The awards presentation event was also sponsored by the Total Laggan-Tormore Project.

The winners of the 2015 Shetland Environmental Awards are:

Anderson and Brae High School Pupils

For their highly successful and wide-reaching Bruck Monster campaign targeting roadside litter.

Brae High School

For engaging the entire school and Brae community to design and create a playground that connects pupils and local families with nature.

Logan Johnson

For his long-term commitment to the environment and for encouraging his peers to get involved in wildlife.

Nesting Primary School

For transforming a piece of waste ground into a picnic and safe play area for the whole community .

RSPB

For their Nature Friendly Schools programme to create play areas that encourage wildlife and better connect Shetland pupils with the natural world

Whiteness Primary School

For engaging the entire school and Whiteness & Weisdale community to design and create a playground that connects pupils and local families with nature.

Yell Community Council

For improving beach access and for preserving and maintaining two of Shetland’s accredited beaches for locals and visitors alike.