A local community development group has take over the former Nesting School - the first time property has been obtained from Shetland Islands Council using new asset transfer legislation.

The Community Development Company of Nesting (CDCN), a registered charity, has successfully acquired the Aald Skül and surrounding land in Vassa, South Nesting. The group plans to use it as a multi-functional space for a range of community activities such as childcare, a community gym and workshop space.

The transfer follows a request made to the council under Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. This legislation introduces a right for community bodies to make requests to local authorities for assets that they feel they could make better use of.

Council officers have worked closely with CDCN to help progress their ambitions for the school and the group has worked hard to complete community consultations, a feasibility study, business planning, and funding applications to the Scottish Land Fund, Shetland LEADER, and others.

Dougie Stevenson, chair of CDCN, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to take ownership of the Aald Skül and have great plans to use it for the benefit of the local community in Nesting. We are currently advertising for a Development Worker, funded by the Scottish Land Fund, Shetland LEADER and the council’s Economic Development Fund to help us deliver on these plans and we’re grateful for their support to date.”

Alastair Cooper, chair of the council’s development committee, added: “This is the first time we’ve been able to successfully conclude a formal request by a community group for the transfer of assets. This is a great example of community empowerment in the spirit of the legislation, and demonstrates how communities can help themselves to realise their aspirations. I wish the group well for their future projects and all that they will do to contribute to the thriving community in Nesting.”