30 years of care on Yell

SHETLAND’S first rural care centre, which served as a model for looking after the elderly outside Lerwick, celebrates its 30th anniversary at the end of this month.

Since Isleshavn care centre opened in Mid Yell in November 1984 it has been home to hundreds of people.

When Isleshavn opened it offered the first alternative to residential care in Lerwick or long stay beds in the town’s Montfield Hospital.

This model of care in rural Shetland has now been replicated with nine care centres stretching from Unst in the north to Levenwick in the south.

Isleshavn has over the years expanded its range of services to become a ‘care hub’ for people in Yell, offering support for local people to live independently at home.

Shetland Islands Council’s social services committee chairman Cecil Smith said: “Isleshavn has been caring for the people of Yell now for 30 years and the centre provides many benefits to the local community.

“I’d like to extend my personal thanks and appreciation to the staff and anyone connected with the centre over the last three decades.”

There will be a celebration at the care centre during the afternoon on Saturday 29 November.