SAT announces Geopark partnership with Mirrie Dancers
Published: 04 June 2019
Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) has announced a partnership with Mirrie Dancers Chocolatier to celebrate and promote Shetland’s Geopark status.
Mirrie Dancers is the first in what SAT hopes to be a series of partnerships with local businesses and craft producers. The aim of the partnerships is to work together to promote the very best of what Shetland has to offer and highlight the significance Shetland’s geological heritage continues to have. SAT is the managing body for the Geopark and partnerships with local businesses are aimed at promoting Shetland’s unique geological heritage and its’ impact on our natural and cultural heritage, landscape and produce.
Shetland was designated as a Geopark in 2009 and awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2015. Shetland is one of just 7 UNESCO Geoparks in the UK, and only 2 in Scotland. Ruth Mackenzie, Chair of the Shetland Amenity Trust said, “The Geopark provides a fantastic opportunity to tap into a network of international trade from all over the world. Mirrie Dancers is an excellent example of a local business showcasing the best that Shetland local produce has to offer, and we are very excited to be working together going forwards.”
Dave Williams, owner of Mirrie Dancers commented, “We are proud to be the first business in Shetland to become a Geopark partner. Shetland has been at the heart of what we do, our products reflect the fantastic natural environment and landscape and we love working with other local producers. Being a Geopark partner is a great opportunity for us to work with the Shetland Amenity Trust and other partners to promote Shetland as a Geopark as well as promoting our own products.”
SAT retail outlets at the Museum and Archives, Sumburgh Head, and Old Scatness will shortly begin stocking Mirrie Dancer chocolates and will be working with them to develop collaborative products. The Trust are also keen to partner with a range of other local businesses and craft producers. Geopark partnerships offer local businesses the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Geopark, tap into training and expertise at the SAT and develop collaborative offers and initiatives. It also enables them to make the most of the Geopark designation for Shetland and for their businesses.
If any businesses or craft producers are interested in exploring forming a partnership with Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark please get in touch with Rory Tallack, Geopark Manager at the Shetland Amenity Trust Rory.Tallack@shetlandamenity.org , 01595 694688.
