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Shetland Social Enterprise, COPE Ltd, to Celebrate 25 Years

  • Submitted by: Beatrice Wishart, Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats.
  • Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 May 2023
  • Motion reference: S6M-08941

That the Parliament congratulates Shetland social enterprise, COPE Ltd, on its 25-year anniversary; understands that the charity will celebrate 25 years on 25 June 2023, with an event in Gilbertson Park, Lerwick, marking 25 milestones in COPE’s history, involving a 25-mile relay, 25 metres of bunting made by the community, games, raffles, and food and drink; further understands that COPE (Community Opportunities for Participation and Enterprise) began in 1998, when Frank Millsopp opened a small catering service in a day centre, providing sandwiches for council workers, which soon expanded to include more and more people, including those with learning disabilities; understands that, today, COPE provides employment and skill development for adults with learning disabilities or autism through its three enterprises, Shetland Garden Company, community reuse and recycling centre, Shetland Home Company, and producer of handmade soap, skin and hair care products, Shetland Soap Company; notes that Shetland Soap Company products are stocked in over 50 boutique retailers and visitor attractions, including the Scottish Parliament shop; commends COPE for its commitment to giving people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a supportive and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued for their abilities and appropriately supported to participate; shares COPE’s belief that everyone, regardless of disability, should have the opportunity to work if they so wish; pays tribute to Frank Millsopp for his vision and drive in creating COPE; notes that he received an MBE for his services to social enterprises in 2009; congratulates all past and present staff and volunteers of COPE for their achievements over the past 25 years, and wishes all at COPE well as they celebrate this anniversary.


Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Annabelle Ewing, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Bill Kidd, Ruth Maguire, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Paul Sweeney