In 2004, as a result of detailed work by the Economic Development Unit of Shetland Islands Council, Northmavine was awarded the Scottish Executive’s Initiative at the Edge (IatE) status. This status was given to rural communities in Scotland, classed as economically and socially fragile.

At a specially called Extraordinary General Meeting in 2004, the members of the IatE Local Development Group became the new Board of Directors of the Northmavine Development Company (NDC).

In 2008, after a special resolution passed at the AGM, the NDC became the Northmavine Community Development Company (NCDC). Membership, assets and liabilities of the NDC were transferred to the NCDC. NCDC is now a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.