Geopark Shetland gets international recognition

Geopark Shetland has been recognised as one the UK’s seven Global Geoparks under a new Unesco programme.

Unesco – the United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture – announced the scheme, the first of its kind in more than 40 years. It puts global geoparks alongside highly-regarded Unesco World Heritage Sites.

The new designation was approved yesterday at the 38th session of the Unesco general conference in Paris.

The UK sites are part of a growing international network of Global Geoparks – areas of outstanding geological interest which use their unique geology to drive community development.

Geopark Shetland has brought in about £500,000 of funding from outside Shetland to deliver projects and activities.

Jimmy Moncrieff, general manager of Shetland Amenity Trust, the managing organisation for Geopark Shetland, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Shetland to receive Unesco recognition for its world-class geology.

“It is a prestigious accolade which everyone in Shetland should be proud of. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has worked so very hard to bring this to fruition.”

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott congratulated all those involved with the Shetland project.

He said: “Geopark Shetland encompasses some of the UK’s most extraordinary natural sites which both visitors and residents enjoy, such as the Keen of Hamar in Unst, the cliffs of Eshaness and the St Ninian’s tombolo, which have now received the international recognition they deserve.

“The newly awarded Unesco status is certain to encourage greater international interest and investment to Shetland, along with increased number of visitors and partnership opportunities.’’

“Accolade which everyone in Shetland should be proud of”