We are delighted to announce that Shapinsay Church, Orkney Islands Church of Scotland has been awarded an Eco-Congregation Scotland Silver Award in recognition of their work and commitment to caring for creation.
Eco-Congregation Scotland is a movement of Scottish church congregations, of all denominations and none, committed to addressing environmental issues through their life and mission.
(Please see their website for more details about their vision, values and mission.)
The Silver Award recognises congregations which have developed a long-term commitment to promoting environmental issues as an integral part of their congregational life.
To achieve this award, the congregation must show that they meet all the criteria across each award area: spiritual living, practical living, and global living. Full details of the award criteria can be accessed here.
The presentation service took place on Sunday the 2nd of February. There were two celebratory cakes (one with, one without dairy!) and a special message pre-recorded for the congregation by Rev David Coleman, Environmental Chaplain.



Shapinsay Church has been especially commended by the assessors for:
- Communication about environmental issues with the community of Shapinsay
- The use of ‘waste’ ground, converted to a reflective space for others to use.
- Following some restoration work at the Kirk, the congregation have taken the opportunity to take some practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
For further information about Eco-Congregation Scotland and the award scheme please contact:
Sarah Conway, Administrative Coordinator, Eco-Congregation Scotland
administrator@ecocongregationscotland.org 07956 201594