Friday 29 March 2024
 5.7°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Youngsters set to take over Lerwick venues

MSP Maree Todd with Shetland youngsters in Lerwick on Tuesday. Photo: SIC

SCOTTISH Government minister Maree Todd was in Lerwick on Tuesday to launch a three-day event due to take place in Shetland in 2018 to mark the national Year of Young People.

The BIG Takeover will see youngsters create a varied programme of music, art, drama, craft, sport and film across seven venues in Lerwick between 14-16 September.

Mareel, The Garrison Theatre, Islesburgh Community Centre, Shetland Library, Shetland Museum and Archives, Clickimin Leisure Complex and Gilbertson Park will all be involved and the events will cater for young people between the ages of 8 and 26, with some due to be open to the public.

The event, which will see children receive assistance from venue staff, has received funding of £38,000 from EventScotland for its estimated costs of £80,000.

Todd – who was recently appointed as the Scottish Government’s minster for childcare and early years – was on hand to meet some of Shetland’s young folk on Tuesday.

The Highlands and Islands list MSP also had time to visit the recently opened new Anderson High School during a quick visit to the isles.

“The BIG Takeover in Shetland is gearing up to be a very exciting event next year,” Todd said.

“As one of the signature events for Year of Young People 2018, it will be a fantastic addition to the programme – involving young people from Scotland’s most northerly region.

“I’ve also been hearing today about plans to bring The BIG Takeover to other island local authority areas – building on the success of this fantastic concept.

“The Year of Young People aims to inspire Scotland through its young people, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contribution to communities and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally.”

Todd was joined in Lerwick by Shetland Islands Council families and education committee chairman George Smith, who said the isles has some “very capable and talented young people”.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“I have no doubt that they will work positively with staff to come up with an exciting and creative programme of local events,” the councillor added.

“I’m sure too that our young folk will gain new skills and confidence, and that local bodies will benefit from some fresh and youthful input.”

Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Shetland Sonny Thomason added that a steering group for the takeover would implement ideas put forward by local youngsters.

“Young Shetlanders will be at the heart of the local plans and this is an amazing opportunity for the public and voluntary sector to work together to support young people,” he said.

The BIG Takeover is one of a number of signature events that will be held across Scotland this year to celebrate the country’s young people.

Anyone interested in getting involved in planning the local takeover is invited to attend a meeting at Mareel in Lerwick on Wednesday 22 November at 7pm.

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.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.