This grant, along with sums raised from film screenings and a raffle, plus a matching sum from LEADER, is for phase one of the Shetland Film Archive development project.

The funds will be used to employ a Development Officer to compile a detailed plan and secure funding to establish a film archive in Shetland, as well as to deliver more local film screenings, catalogue old films, train volunteers, develop the website and establish a network of local access points where people can view digitised copies of old films of Shetland. The project hopes to begin the recruitment process in the autumn.

Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “This is an exciting project driven by Shetland’s local residents. It demonstrates how our heritage can be a living part of a community bringing people together to learn from and enjoy their shared identity. We are delighted to be giving this worthwhile venture our full support.”

Archivist Brian Smith of Shetland Amenity Trust Archives Service commented “We at the Archives Service are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting this important project. Old films are unique records of people, pass-times, events and activities from our past. It is important that we work to preserve as many of these records as possible, and make them available for viewing and studying now and in the future.”

Gwilym Gibbons, Director of Shetland Arts, said: "This is fantastic news for Shetland. Not just for Shetlanders who may wish to see the magic of moving image of the past both but for film and television makers both near and far who will draw upon this very special resource, building a greater understanding of the isles".

Film Archive Group Chairperson Pat Christie said “This is wonderful news. With this help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we can now work towards establishing a local film archive to collect in, preserve and make copies of old films of Shetland. Our research has shown that there are many, many collections of old films in Shetland, and if we don’t take action now, these will be lost.”

Kathy Hubbard, Shetland Film Club, said: “This will result in a tremendous resource that people will value; films that they will love to watch again and again. It also means that films that are being made now can find a home for the future."  

Jane Matthews, visual artist, commented: ‘This film archive is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in Shetland’s heritage and with this funding the project will become an invaluable asset. The potential it will offer to those working in the creative domain is enormous.’’

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. To date, it has invested over £550million in Scotland’s heritage.