News / SIC abandons Round Britain race
SHETLAND Islands Council has pulled the plug on sponsoring the Round Britain and Ireland Race, which it supported to the tune of almost £100,000 during 2006 and 2010.
Sponsoring the internationally recognised race cost just over £44,000 this year, resulting in a “tangible” benefit to the island economy of £58,000, according to the council’s economic development unit.
At the SIC’s development committee on Thursday, councillor Rick Nickerson argued for continuing the sponsorship at the next race in 2014 as this was a good way of marketing Shetland to an audience in the south of England.
But the clear majority of councillors at Thursday’s development committee meeting agreed with councillor Jonathan Wills who said times were hard, and the council could not afford to sponsor the event.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.