CDCN has completed a range of projects to improve community facilities and explore opportunities identified by local residents.
This section provides information about completed developments and project work, including feasibility studies. Completion of a feasibility study does not necessarily mean that the proposal proceeded; it records the research undertaken and conclusions reached.
Nesting Scrapstore Expansion
CDCN secured £88,095 through the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to expand the Nesting Scrapstore at the Aald Skül.
The project provided a new portable cabin, improved access and additional parking, increasing the Scrapstore’s capacity to collect, organise and redistribute reusable materials.
Read about the Nesting Scrapstore funding award
Growing Spaces Nesting
Growing Spaces Nesting developed new opportunities for community growing at the Aald Skül. The project included Polycrubs and improvements to the surrounding growing space, supporting local food growing, practical learning and community participation.
Read more about Growing Spaces Nesting
Green Funeral and Burial Services Feasibility Study
CDCN commissioned a feasibility study to explore the potential for environmentally sensitive funeral and burial services in the local area.
The study considered community interest, possible service models, practical requirements and potential locations. It was undertaken to inform future discussion and does not mean that CDCN currently provides funeral or burial services.
Read the Green Funeral and Burial Services Feasibility Study
Aald Skül Community Ownership and Renovation
CDCN was established to protect the Aald Skül and retain it for community use after the building was at risk of being sold.
Following community consultation and the preparation of a sustainable business plan, CDCN acquired the buildings and surrounding land from Shetland Islands Council through Community Asset Transfer for the nominal sum of £4. CDCN was the first organisation in Shetland to complete this process.
Funding was then secured for design work, planning, staffing and extensive renovations, which were carried out in 2019. The project protected the home of the Nesting Local History Group and created the foundations for the Aald Skül’s present use as a community hub, including the Nesting Scrapstore, Nesting Gym, office, meeting spaces and outdoor facilities.
Garth and Laxfirth Gravestone Restoration
During its early years, CDCN funded and organised work to reinstate fallen gravestones at Garth Cemetery and Laxfirth Cemetery.
The project helped protect local heritage, improve the appearance of both cemeteries and demonstrated CDCN’s commitment to reinvesting income from its activities in the wider community.
Projects are listed newest first. Dates show the main delivery or completion period.
Aald Skül Low-Carbon Improvements
2025–26
During 2025–26, CDCN completed a programme of low-carbon and energy-efficiency improvements at the Aald Skül to reduce energy use, manage running costs and improve the long-term sustainability of the community hub.
A 21.87 kWp solar photovoltaic system comprising 54 panels was installed, together with 38.4 kWh of battery storage. The operational system is designed to generate approximately 13,700 kWh of electricity each year, with the batteries allowing more locally generated energy to be stored and used at the Aald Skül.
The solar and battery installation represented an investment of approximately £51,639 before VAT. Highlands and Islands Enterprise was the principal funder, contributing 70% of the project cost. The remaining 30% was provided by the Shetland Community Benefit Fund through the Viking Community Fund. Earlier building-warrant work was supported through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, delivered by Local Energy Scotland.
The completed work also included system connections, performance monitoring and smart-meter arrangements to make better use of electricity tariffs and export opportunities.
During 2025–26, new heaters and upgraded lighting were also installed in the Nesting Scrapstore, improving comfort, energy efficiency and the resilience of the facilities.
Scrapstore Team Leader Development Project
2022–25
CDCN secured £36,758.04 from the Coastal Communities Fund towards a three-year Scrapstore Team Leader post. With CDCN’s contribution, the total project value was £49,010.72.
The post coordinated volunteers, promoted the Scrapstore, developed reuse and recycling opportunities and helped increase the enterprise’s income and community benefit. The funded project ran to December 2025 and helped establish stronger foundations for the Scrapstore’s continuing work.
Following the end of the external funding, CDCN was able to retain a part-time Scrapstore Team Leader using its own funds, allowing the role and its community benefits to continue.
Supporting Local Community Facilities and Activities
Recent years
CDCN helped local organisations secure funding for practical improvements and community activities. This included outdoor clothing for Nesting Primary School, interior repainting at South Nesting Public Hall and other practical improvements for local facilities.
CDCN’s support included researching opportunities, preparing applications and helping partner organisations deliver and report on funded work.
This wider work has involved facilities and organisations across the area, including the Aald Skül, North Nesting Public Hall, Skellister Stores and South Nesting Boating Club.
Community Resilience Generator
2024
Following the prolonged power outages experienced in Nesting during December 2022, CDCN applied to the SSEN Community Resilience Fund for a portable generator.
The generator was subsequently purchased to strengthen local preparedness and help support the community during extended power cuts and other emergencies.
Community Tree Planting
2024
Community volunteers came together to plant 1,000 young trees in the grounds around the Aald Skül. The planting day turned plans for the outdoor space into practical action and created an opportunity for people to work together outdoors.
The new planting will help develop the grounds over time, adding habitat and biodiversity while creating a greener and more sheltered setting for community growing and recreation.
Community Action Plan 2024–2034: Community Engagement and Development
2023–24
During 2023–24, CDCN worked with Community Enterprise Scotland to develop the Nesting, Girlsta and Wadbister Community Action Plan 2024–2034.
The engagement process included household surveys, stakeholder interviews and community events in North Nesting, South Nesting and Girlsta. These activities gave residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders opportunities to identify local needs, share ideas and set priorities for the area.
The feedback was assessed and used to produce the ten-year Community Action Plan, which was published in 2024. The engagement and plan-development phase is complete; delivery of its priorities remains ongoing and is covered separately under Current and Upcoming Projects.
Green Funeral and Burial Services Feasibility Study
2023–24
CDCN commissioned a feasibility study to explore the potential for environmentally sensitive funeral and burial services in the local area.
The study considered community interest, possible service models, practical requirements and potential locations. It was undertaken to inform future discussion and does not mean that CDCN currently provides funeral or burial services.
Read the Green Funeral and Burial Services Feasibility Study
Growing Spaces Nesting
2023–24
Growing Spaces Nesting created new opportunities for community food growing at the Aald Skül. The project provided Polycrubs and improved the surrounding growing space, offering sheltered areas for practical learning, local growing and community participation.
Warm Spaces Nesting and Peerie Daytrips Oot
Winter 2022–23
CDCN supported South Nesting Public Hall to secure £4,184 from Shetland Islands Council’s Winter Activities Fund and helped deliver a programme of eleven Warm Spaces events. Approximately 80–100 people participated across the programme.
The events offered free transport, food, activities, workshops, talks and films, helping residents connect during the cost-of-living crisis. The programme also included three free “Peerie Daytrips Oot” to Brae, Scalloway and Walls, combining transport, lunch and local visits.
Together, the activities provided welcoming, affordable opportunities for people of all ages to meet others, take part in community activities and visit other parts of Shetland.
Nesting Scrapstore Expansion
2022–23
CDCN secured £88,095 through the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to expand the Nesting Scrapstore at the Aald Skül.
The project provided a new portable cabin, improved access and additional parking, increasing the Scrapstore’s capacity to collect, organise and redistribute reusable materials.
Future of Nesting Chapel
2022–23
CDCN worked with the community to explore ideas for the future use of Nesting Methodist Chapel. The project gathered suggestions and developed initial concepts to support discussion about the building’s potential.
This was exploratory work and did not commit CDCN to taking ownership of the building or delivering a particular option.
Establishment of the Nesting Gym
2020–21
CDCN established the Nesting Gym as part of the development of the Aald Skül into a sustainable community hub. The project created a well-equipped, locally accessible fitness space operated with the support of volunteers.
The completed facility is now available to inducted members through online booking.
COVID-19 Community Support Programme
2020
In 2020, CDCN secured £7,500 through the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to help residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The programme supported volunteer deliveries of essential food, groceries and medication; provided loanable internet-enabled tablets; offered free access to workspace, internet and printing facilities; and delivered community wellbeing activities including a growing project.
Aald Skül Community Ownership and Renovation
2017–19
CDCN was established to protect the Aald Skül and retain it for community use after the building was at risk of being sold.
Following a public meeting, CDCN consulted local residents and community groups about the future of the site. Research and a sustainable business plan were then prepared to demonstrate community support, identify possible uses and show that the buildings could have a viable long-term future under local ownership.
That work supported CDCN’s successful Community Asset Transfer application to Shetland Islands Council. The buildings and surrounding land were transferred to CDCN for the nominal sum of £4, making this the first completed Community Asset Transfer in Shetland.
The transfer brought an important public asset into community ownership, protected the home of the Nesting Local History Group and gave the community long-term control over the site. Ownership also provided the foundation from which CDCN could attract investment and develop the Aald Skül as a community hub.
Funding was then secured for design work, planning, staffing and extensive renovations, which were carried out in 2019. The project protected the home of the Nesting Local History Group and created the foundations for the Aald Skül’s present use as a community hub, including the Nesting Scrapstore, Nesting Gym, office, meeting spaces and outdoor facilities.
Garth and Laxfirth Gravestone Restoration
Early years
During its early years, CDCN funded and organised work to reinstate fallen gravestones at Garth Cemetery and Laxfirth Cemetery.
The project helped protect local heritage, improve the appearance of both cemeteries and demonstrated CDCN’s commitment to reinvesting income from its activities in the wider community.
In 2023, CDCN also donated a park bench to Garth Cemetery, providing a place for visitors to sit and reflect.
Establishment of the Nesting Scrapstore
2016
The Nesting Scrapstore was established in 2016 as a community enterprise offering affordable second-hand goods while encouraging reuse and reducing waste.
Supported by volunteers, it became an important community service and income-generating activity at the Aald Skül. Its later physical expansion is covered separately above.
