Initiative at the Edge - What does this mean?

Initiative at the Edge is a designation - a status if you will, or perhaps more like a badge, that is awarded, by the Scottish Executive, to areas within Scotland that are seen as needing regeneration - socially and economically.

Northmavine, because of its more isolated situation in Shetland, its small and declining population and the problems it faces with regard to housing, employment and services - all really problems related to population size - has Initiative at the Edge status.

Getting this status basically means two things. First of all, it comes with the money to employ a full time Project Worker and run an office and do the administration, and secondly, there is, because of the status, the opportunity to obtain funding from grant aiding bodies for projects to help reverse decline.

The Northmavine Development Company (now known as Northmavine Community Development Company or NCDC), which was already in existence, was taken over - with their agreement! - by a community group made up of local volunteers set up to administer the Initiative at the Edge programme.

It's really up to the community of Northmavine to say what it wants this programme to be. The Company has conducted a community consultation
throughout Northmavine, produced a Development Plan based on the results of the consultations, and has overseen the setting up of a number of projects based on the priorities identified. It continues to consult folk on issues affecting the area - like changes in crofting and provision for young people in the area.