Letters / Impending doom for island communities?
With the recent news story (‘Skerries’ outlook bleak as population halves’, SN 31/8/16) regarding the potential demise of Skerries (population halved in a few short years!) and ongoing attention towards inter-island transport links I am left worried not just for the future of Skerries but for all of Shetland’s islands, indeed Shetland itself – much of our economy is based on the industries of the outer isles.
For decades Shetland’s most fragile communities have suffered first neglect then savage cuts from the SIC. Do they really want to preside over an era of depopulation and centralisation? Many in the isles now feel that is exactly what they want. For years our concerns have fallen on deaf ears. As a Whalsay resident, I can attest to the damage done to the Island when the factory shut – something which likely would never have happened with a better ferry service or a fixed link. I can only imagine how hard it must be for the people of Skerries in these dire times.
Tavish Scott is right to call for action (‘Tavish calls for Skerries action’, SN 3/9/16). However council leader Robinson’s lukewarm statements that the council’s “door is always open” and they need to “hear from the Islanders first” must rankle with the Skerries residents. The door was not open and they were not listened to when the SIC railroaded through the closure of the secondary school, why should they believe they will be listened to now?
As for transport links, it is welcome that this major issue is finally being addressed but I fear alternatives are being ignored again. Fixed links have not been properly investigated and could prove to be the answer over the long term. Not only that but alternative proposals such as the option described by Whalsay resident and former ferry man Peter Anderson (’40 years of neglect’, SN 27/8/2016) are not receiving any consideration even though it would hugely cut down the crossing time and address most, if not all, of Whalsay’s transport problems. As usual residents fear the SIC have secretly decided what they will or won’t do long before any consultation takes place.
It is the view of myself and Wir Shetland that our current system of Government neither has the inclination, the political will or (supposedly) the funds to support these communities which do so much for life in Shetland. They have repeatedly come after our schools which I believe is the thin end of the wedge which will be used to force these places to become unviable. In utter contradiction of the SIC’s stated aim to “support the rural population and reduce depopulation” (Shetland Local Development Plan, pg14).
With the wealth of natural resources on our doorstep and the sizeable contribution the Isles make to Shetland through fishing and aquaculture we must ask ourselves why is this being allowed to happen and what can we do to stop it? We believe the solution is a new constitution and government for Shetland which addresses the needs of ALL areas and puts Shetland in control of its own affairs and finances. Things must not continue as they are or our communities will eventually succumb. Why not try something different? It works for many other island groups, why not ours?
Duncan Simpson
Membership secretary
Wir Shetland
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