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News / Tavish calls for Skerries action

SHETLAND Islands Council needs to show “leadership” and form a multi-agency task force to explore how to arrest a decline that has seen the population of Skerries more than halve in recent years, according to local MSP Tavish Scott.

The island community’s primary school was recently mothballed after its only pupil left to study at Lerwick’s Anderson High School, leading to the loss of four part-time jobs amid worries over the isles’ dwindling population.

In response to Scott’s calls, council leader Gary Robinson suggested that the local authority needs to hear from islanders about their concerns first before any action can be taken.

Skerries’ salmon farm also closed in 2015, leading to the loss of six jobs, while the school’s secondary department was closed by the SIC two years ago.

The permanent population of the community stands at about 30, which is a decrease from 70 just a few years ago.

MSP Scott said multi-agency action needs to take place “as quickly as is practicable” and called on the council’s chief executive Mark Boden to spearhead a task force group.

“The Skerries situation needs some very direct response,” he said.

“What I don’t think we should all do is sigh heavily and let things happen. A group to look at the different aspects of both council policy and both other agencies, properly led by the chief executive, seems to me to be an appropriate way to recognise the seriousness of the situation.”

Scott envisages agencies like Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as well as NHS Shetland, would be involved.

Skerries Primary School.

He added that islanders on the remote community east of Shetland have been raising their concerns for some time.

“They have already been making their voices heard.” Scott said. “There needs to be a new approach now – this is a serious moment for Skerries.”

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Gary Robinson said the council’s door is “always open” to island communities like Skerries.

However, he said it is “very hard” to pinpoint a direct solution to the decline in Skerries, with employment in the isles a key factor.

“First and foremost, any action should be instigated by the islanders themselves,” he said.

“The council would be happy to help and support them, but we need to hear from the islanders first about what is needed to put the islands back on a firm footing again.

“It needs to be led by the community, and be for community. Beyond that, the council and politicians can swing into support.”

Robinson admitted that the “current climate” means the council is unlikely to offer additional financial support to Skerries.

One suggestion to boost employment has been to station the passenger ferry in Skerries, but Robinson said there are concerns over the Filla actually being able to stay in the isles.

“I’m supportive of the concept,” he said, “but we would really need to get into detail of how that would work.

“I don’t think that in itself is the solution, there needs to be more than that. I think the clear thing is having a business starting there.”

North Isles councillor Steven Coutts said he will press for action regarding the future of Skerries, and backed calls for agencies to work together.

“The situation in Skerries is very serious. There is no doubt that a joined up approach is required,” he said.

“There is no quick and easy fix here and the crisis has been many year and decades in the making. The years of uncertainty on the school being the prime example.

“The council in isolation cannot provide the solution. It requires the islanders and the community planning partnership to work constructively together – SIC, NHS, HIE, etc.

“I look forward to the Shetland Partnership Board giving this the priority it undoubtedly requires, and I will be seeking that commitment.”

A meeting meanwhile on the future of inter-island transport in Shetland due to be held in Skerries on Friday was postponed. A new date will be confirmed in the near future.

 

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