The environmental group which wants to bring the Tingwall glasshouse back into use has been granted £9,000 towards a feasibility study.
The group, which has been meeting since 2010, wants to explore the possibility of turning the glasshouse into a community growing venture. They will now invite consultants to tender for the work.
Transition Shetland wants to assess the structural condition of the building and the level of community interest in using it. It was erected in the late 1980s but has stood empty for around a decade.
If the study recommends it, a business plan will be drawn up to refurbish the glasshouse as a space for individuals and groups to grow food. The building could also be used for educational and therapeutic purposes.
Transition Shetland chairman Pete Bevington said: “We hope that very soon we will be able to appoint a consultant who can find out if this dream of having a flourishing green space under glass at Tingwall can be realised.
“So many people have told us they would love to see this marvellous community asset brought back to life, so we do hope that folk come forward to support making this a reality.”
Transition Shetland was awarded the money from the European Leader Fund. This was agreed by the Shetland Leader local action group on Thursday, and follows an award of £10,000 from the National Lottery’s Awards for All fund towards the study.