Shetland Community Screening Project

The Shetland Community Screening Project 2025-2029 builds on the good work of Viking Genes to date. From the 3,000+ Shetlanders previously screened, those having actionable genetic variants risking their health have already been able to access preventative healthcare.

This new Community Screening Project aims to offer free screening to an additional 5,000 Shetland residents, enabling the identification of people who are at risk of life-threatening diseases.  For those affected, the screening will allow early interventions through providing a pathway for treatment through a good relationship with the NHS.

With the support of communities across Shetland, the intention is to offer screening from the academic year starting in 2026.

In addition, the project aims to raise awareness of the opportunities afforded by community-wide genetic screening and advance genomic medicine as a preventative measure beneficial to the future direction of healthcare in the country.

Viking Genes Shetland is a voluntary committee supporting this work and helping to raise £1M for the project to become a reality.  Viking Genes Fund has charitable status, (Charity Number SC004307).

To support this fundraising effort, find the links below:

For fundraisers

Making a personal donation

Making a company/community group donation

For more information on the Shetland Community Screening Project

Viking Genes Shetland + contact