Shetland Food & Drink (SFAD) manager Claire White said the initiative, running from 3-31 August, could provide vital impetus to hospitality outlets that have lost most of their expected 2020 tourist season trade.
Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the month cafes and restaurants will be able to offer a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks at sit-in premises. Owners of those establishments will then be able to claim the discount, up to a maximum of £10 per diner, back from the government.
Alcohol and service charges are excluded from the offer. It does not apply to outlets offering solely takeaway or mobile food facilities. 
So far a number of SFAD members have confirmed they will be participating in the scheme, including The Dowry and The Peerie Shop in Lerwick, Da Haaf in Scalloway, Busta House Hotel and Mackenzies Farm Shop in Cunningsburgh.
Claire said the coming weeks could be critical for many cafes and restaurants, which in addition to losing the bulk of this summer’s tourists will not have the wintertime fillips provided by Shetland Wool Week or the Up Helly Aa season, as they strive to get back on their feet following spring’s unanticipated shutdown.
She said: “As the community readjusts following months of the Coronavirus lockdown, we completely understand there will be those who remain reluctant to come out, in particular those who have been shielding, and those people should not feel any pressure to do so.
“But for anyone who does feel ready to get back out and about in a social environment, and with the school holidays drawing to a close, ‘eat out to help out’ offers a great chance to treat yourself to a delicious lunch or dinner lovingly created by some of the mainstays of the local food scene.
“Whether it’s a delectable waterfront seafood experience courtesy of Mike & Lorna in Scalloway, James’ legendary scones and soups at Da Peerie Shop, Helen’s inventive sharing plates at The Dowry, Joel & Grant’s much-loved fare at Busta or a 'muckle' breakfast at Mackenzie's for less than a fiver, this is perhaps a one-time opportunity to enjoy top-notch Shetland scran at a knockdown price.”
- You can search for participating outlets within five miles of the postcode you enter on this UK Government website .