Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.4°C   NE Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Trust chairman retires; Hjaltland chief takes over

Former Shetland Recreational Trust chairman Joe Irvine (centre) receives a clock from general manager James Johnston this week, with new chairman Bryan Leask. Photo SRT

SHETLAND Recreational Trust chairman Joe Irvine has retired from the post after almost a quarter of a century on the board of trustees.

The former headmaster of Brae high school joined the trust in May 1990 and became chairman five years later.

He is being replaced by Hjaltland Housing Association chief executive Bryan Leask, who was elected by his fellow trustees on Wednesday evening at an event in the Lerwick Hotel.

Leask is the coach of Shetland’s successful senior rugby team and has been closely involved in the sport’s development in recent years.

Irvine said he was retiring with the “reassuring knowledge” that the trust was in safe hands of “very capable staff and trustees”.

“Sport in Shetland has evolved a great deal in the last 25 years and I am privileged to have been able to contribute what I could to that,” he said.

During those years the recreational trust has grown from 65 to almost 250 staff, with attendances at the local leisure centres rising from 400,000 to 700,000 a year.

The period also saw the opening of the swimming pools in Sandwick, Scalloway and Lerwick’s Clickimin, the town’s bowls hall and Apex Fitness Centre, the west mainland leisure centre, the Brae pool extension, the new Clickimin running track and squash courts.

He was a key organiser of the 1995 NatWest Island Games in Shetland, when he also coordinated the sail boarding competition.

He also received the European Community of Sport award on behalf of the trust in Brussels last year.

He is currently chairman of the Voxter Trust which manages the Voxter Outdoor Centre and has previously served on the Shetland health board.

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.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.