SCD began in 2011 following the community’s successful challenge against the closure of Sandness Primary School. Operating at the time as an unincorporated organisation, Sandness Development Group (SCDG), set up the Sandness fish runs to bringing fresh food into the community; organised the local Voar Redd Up; responded to emergency needs during Covid-19 and severe weather and power outages; supported local groups with property transfer and maintained Melby toilet facility following the SIC’s decision to cease operating the site in 2012.
Ten years on, the decision by Shetland Islands Council to dispose of Melby Pier, along with an offer of support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), galvanised the group to become a proactive community development company. We became established as a Company Limited by Guarantee, (Company number SC770032) in May 2023 and gained charitable status in May 2024, charity number: SC053334.