Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.8°C   E Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Trust is not a “cabal”

I recently saw a poster in a Lerwick shop window, describing the non-councillor trustees of Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) as a “cabal”.

This is as inaccurate as it is insulting, and does nothing to help the campaign to secure an elected majority on the trust. The appointed trustees are an essential part of the trust. They work hard for no pay and have demonstrated their good faith and public spirit. They are not some sort of sinister conspiracy, plotting to wrest control of the trust from the public.

The origin of the trust fund was a gift of public money; almost everything it does adds value to public services (for example: our care homes, leisure centres, swimming pools, art galleries, museums, cinema, performing arts and environmental conservation) which, in most other parts of the country are paid for by local councils – or were, when they had the money.

This intrinsic public character of the SCT makes it desirable that the public should elect a majority of the trustees, but certainly does not preclude co-opting other trustees with skills and experience to offer.

If the elected trustees can no longer be councillors, because of changes in charity law and fears about conflicts of interest, then it follows that their replacements should be directly elected. This is the reasonable compromise which I hope my fellow trustees will eventually accept.

The appointed trustees are complementary to the elected trustees, not competitors in a battle for power. If some of the more extreme and outspoken campaigners would recognise this, it would make the current debate less confrontational and, dare I say it, more charitable.

Jonathan Wills

Shetland Charitable Trust vice chairman

Sundside, Bressay

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.