The Shetland island of Papa Stour has been experiencing significant depopulation over the last forty years, and the Papa Stour History and Community Group (SCIO) (PSHCG) was formed and constituted as a registered charity, to support and enhance all aspects of island life. Group members are resident islanders, local crofters and homeowners, and people with familial and social connections. There are eight trustees, and more than 40 members and 'Friends of Papa Stour'.

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Our vision is to enable Papa Stour to remain a viable community, maintaining local service provision, improving employment opportunities, and preserving Papa’s natural, historic and cultural resources which are at risk of loss and deterioration.

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As well as having exceptionally beautiful scenery, Papa is a Maritime Conservation Area, a Special Area of Habitat Conservation and a Geopark, and has a rich archaeological, cultural and genealogical heritage, so has much to offer a diverse range of visitors.

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The PSHCG’s previous activities range widely from developing an important Viking site and Stofa replica, repairs to the Kirk and preservation of a rare stained-glass window, to buying a Defibrillator and organising a Music Day.

In 2016 we bought the B-Listed Kirk aiming to keep it primarily as a kirk, but also to develop it as a community hub for islanders and a visitor centre with income generation potential. We aim to upgrade the building and improve the facilities, for the benefit of islanders and visitors alike. The building needs extensive building works as well as internal improvements and provision of lighting, heating, (including solar panels) water and toilet facilities, and disabled access.