News / Charlie was ‘hub of the community’
TRIBUTES have been paid to Unst community stalwart Charlie Priest, who died recently after a short illness.
Over the years, Charlie – who grew up alongside twin Bertie – helped to run the Final Checkout shop and P&T Coaches, while he drove taxis, buses and ambulances and worked as a crofter too.
The 69 year old was involved in the Haroldswick Hall and the Norwick Up Helly A, as well as sailing and the eela, and was an integral part of the Unst community.
He also featured on the BBC’s An Island Parish TV series last year, with Charlie and Bertie’s well-equipped peat shed in the northerly Skaw gaining big attention.
In November last year Charlie was given the “unsung hero” prize at the first North Isles awards ceremony.
North Isles councillor Ryan Thomson said Charlie was an “incredibly friendly gentleman”.
“A very industrious man, he was always willing to go out of his way to help anyone in need, including our family countless times,” he said.
“Someone mentioned to me that he represents all the qualities of what makes Unst such a wonderful place, another said he was the hub of the community. That speaks volumes as to how highly he was regarded within the isle, and beyond.
“A warm, kind and caring individual, it was a privilege and an honour to have known him. My thoughts are very much with his family at this sad time.”
Unst Community Council chairman Gordon Thomson said Charlie was known across the isles.
“He was one of the best known people in Unst and throughout Shetland, because of his personality and because he was involved in so many groups and activities,” he said.
Thomson described Charlie as “indefatigable – he worked all hours of the day and night.”
“It’s a tragedy, because he was so active,” he added. “Even last week I was speaking to him. He is just a larger than life character.”
The team at the island’s Belmont House added that Charlie was a “mainstay of so much of what makes Unst such a wonderful place”.
There will be extra sailings timetabled into the Bluemull Sound ferry service to provide extra capacity for Charlie’s funeral on Saturday.
The amended timetable will run between 10.15am and 1.25pm and booking is recommended.
A Leask’s bus will also be leaving the Esplanade in Lerwick at 8.45am on Saturday. To book a place, contact 01595 693162.
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