Letters / Why are properties empty?
Rita Smith of the Shetland Solidarity with Refugees group mentioned “While there is high demand for housing in central parts of the islands, she pointed out that in outlying areas and smaller islands there ‘must be hundreds of buildings that are empty and could easily be used’” (‘Isles could help ease refugee crisis’, SN 7/9/16).
Has Rita not considered why these properties are empty?
I list a few reasons:
1. No local employment prospects.
2. Very poor if any local bus and transport services.
3. Very poor GP service locally, if any.
4. Absolutely no local dental service.
5. No local access to social worker, health visitor, benefit adviser et al.
6. Local schools under constant threat of closure. Sadly SIC has a policy of absolute centralisation, so many local rural amenities are closing or being allowed to run down (community halls etc.).
Now just consider yourself a refugee, apart from the problems outlined above, you probably will not speak English. Is there a single GP, schoolteacher, social worker, counsellor, advisor or anyone local, who speaks your language on Shetland or especially in these outlying areas? The answer is no.
Can you reach the local shop without a car? Again the answer is no. Just how many refugees own a car?
I am wholly sympathetic to the plight of refugees, however, their problems will never be solved unless some of the people advocating help actually engage their brains. Not a forte of those who advocate rural settlement in outlying areas on smaller islands.
Now if the SIC actually helped these outer areas, restoring transport links, infrastructure, instead of endless centralisation to Lerwick, we could settle refugees anywhere on Shetland. Even in central parts as the high demands for housing and services would be considerable less. All areas, outlying and central, could and should be allowed to thrive.
Ian Tinkler
Clousta
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.