Among the Trust's aims are to preserve and protect the architectural heritage of Shetland and it owns and operates many historical buildings.

In partnership with other organisations, the Trust is responsible for the administration of Geopark Shetland which was formally designated in September 2009.

Shetland Amenity Trust purchased the land upon which Old Scatness sits in 1995 to allow excavation to take place, and to allow public access to the site.

[6] As of 2018[update], Da Voar Redd-up has resulted in the removal of 1,900 tonnes of litter from the environment.

The event is believed to be worth around £2 million to the Shetland economy annually.