Wir Shetland councillors?

THE POLITICAL group campaigning for Shetland to become a British Overseas Territory said it five of its members are already considering standing for next year’s council election.

Following Wir Shetland’s AGM on Wednesday night, newly elected chairman James Titcomb said the group would be working with its membership over the coming months to identify further candidates.

Currently there is just one of Shetland Islands Council’s 22 elected members who is a member of the autonomy group – north mainland councillor Andrea Manson.

A second council member, Amanda Westlake, left the group earlier this year following a public spat with then chairman John Tulloch.

In a statement on Thursday, Titcomb announced the newly elected office bearers: Ali Inkster (vice-chairman), Kathy Greaves (secretary), Andrea Manson (treasurer) and Duncan Simpson (membership secretary).

Committee members are: Paul Bird, Gary Smith, Ivor Arthur, Ian Tinkler, George Dickson, Aaron Smith and Norman Leask.

Titcomb said that it was the group’s belief that an autonomous Shetland would be an attractive place to live, and as one of the most prosperous regions of the UK it could easily be financially viable.