Six new directors have been appointed to the board of the Brae Rural Energy Hub Community Interest Company (CIC), marking a significant milestone as the Hub transitions from its origins as part of a pioneering Innovate UK-funded decarbonisation project to a model of community-led governance. This shift comes as the Hub prepares for its summer launch.
The newly appointed directors bring diverse expertise, strong community connections and a real drive to bring improvements and benefits to Brae and the wider communities in Shetland. They include Julie Nicolson, a Brae resident with financial expertise; Sarah Henry, experienced in project management; Rosalind Griffiths, a Delting Community Council member and Shetland Times contributor; Marlene Fillingham, who brings background in finance and electric vehicle sales; Sean Fillingham, managing director of Heatsave Shetland with extensive experience in energy retrofitting; and Robert Clark, a Brae resident passionate about sustainable community development. They join the four founding directors, Ellie Ratter, Andrew Hall, Ian Johnstone and Peter Long, meaning the Hub now has a full board.
We're delighted to welcome such an enthusiastic and skilled group of directors to lead the future of the Brae Rural Energy Hub. Each brings valuable perspective and fresh ideas that will help shape our services to meet community needs as we transition to full community ownership.
Jade Wilson, Engagement and Development Officer at the Hub
The appointments come at an exciting time for the Hub, following the recent announcement of £114,349 in funding from the Viking Community Fund to support staffing costs from November 2025 to October 2029. This funding will ensure the Hub can provide comprehensive support to the community in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.
Community leadership takes centre stage
The transition to community-led governance has been met with significant local enthusiasm, with the director recruitment process attracting strong interest from residents eager to contribute to Shetland's low-carbon future.
The opportunity to join the board of the Brae Rural Energy Hub is a chance to make a real impact in our community. I'm excited to use my experience in the renewable heating industry to help ensure the Hub is both environmentally and economically sustainable while making decarbonisation accessible for everyone in our community.
Sean Fillingham, one of the newly appointed directors
The new directors will guide the Hub as it prepares for its official opening in summer 2025, following the completion of renovations to transform the Brae Youth & Community Centre (BYCC) where the Hub will be located, into a warm and energy-efficient facility that will showcase practical solutions for sustainable living. Importantly, BYCC will continue to offer valued community space as before, with longstanding groups resuming their activities in the refurbished building.
After two years of research and development of the Hub its really exciting have people from the Brae area step forward and want to give their time to shape the future of the Brae Rural Energy Hub. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by the new board members is a testament to their belief that the Hub is going to bring something that the community needs and will benefit from. This level of community engagement is exactly what the Rural Energy Hubs project is all about – empowering local people to lead decarbonisation efforts that meet the challenges and opportunities of their local community.
Anna Marriott, Project Manager for the Rural Energy Hubs project
Looking ahead to summer launch
As the Hub builds towards a summer launch, more information will be shared about the range of services available at the Hub, as well as the hosting of community events. This includes the imminent community bike day, which will be held on 24 May 2025 at the Brae Astroturf Pitch. Further details about Hub services and activities will be announced as plans progress.
The Brae Rural Energy Hub, when fully operational, will offer co-working spaces, electric vehicle charging stations, e-bike rentals, an energy advice service, and a community café – helping to make decarbonisation easier, more affordable, and an integral part of everyday life in Shetland.
For more information about the Brae Rural Energy Hub, please contact Jade Wilson at [email protected].