Letters / Just shocking
There is a bittersweet irony about the report in Tuesday’s Shetland News that the Junior Up Helly Aa committee is to discuss allowing girls into the junior squad (Junior UHA to discuss letting girls take part; SN 6/02/2018).
At a time when there is wall to wall news about the hundred year anniversary of Women’s Suffrage, the anachronistic nature of the Lerwick Up Helly Aa men and boys only situation is plain ludicrous.
No doubt there are many and varied excuses why women and girls are ‘not allowed’ in the squads, but not one of them can be valid, and I don’t care what the reasons/excuses actually are.
The language is also archaic in this day and age. That the Junior committee is having a meeting to discuss if girls can be ‘allowed’ into squads is quite frankly outrageous.
It should be automatic, not a matter for discussion for boys to ‘allow’ girls.
Just shocking.
Dorothy O’Brien
Brae
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.