News / SIC clears staff to attend protest march
SHETLAND Islands Council’s chief executive has quashed widespread rumours that council staff have been ordered to boycott Saturday’s march through Lerwick opposing school closures.
Social media this week has seen much speculation about emails from on high advising staff to steer clear of the event.
However on Thursday SIC chief executive Mark Boden confirmed that no such order had been issued.
“We can not and should not restrict council employees from attending this event, so it is OK for employees to attend this event,” he said.
However he stressed that any staff who do go along will be doing so in their capacity as private individuals and not as council employees.
The council will also expect staff to behave according to the council’s code of conduct.
The march has been organised by local campaign group Communities United for Rural Education (CURE) as a celebration of rural schools.
It is timed two days ahead of a crucial debate in the council chamber that will decide on the future of education at Sandwick junior high school, which education officials are recommending become an S1 and S2 only institution.
Communities from across the isles who are battling the council’s plans to reduce the size of the islands’ rural junior high schools in Sandwick, Aith, Whalsay, Yell and Unst and close primary schools in Sandness, Urafirth, North Roe and Burravoe are expected to turn out in force.
The march through central Lerwick will start at the Market Cross at 11am and go up Commercial Street to Baroc, before turning right down the Esplanade and back to Market Cross.
Organisers advise Commercial Street will be closed for vehicle access between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Access to the Fort Car Park is still permitted but may be restricted as the march goes past.
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
