Webcams website launches crowdfunding campaign

THE SHETLAND Webcams service has launched a crowdfunding campaign to replace its most popular camera as well as install a new one.

The project, which is led by former Promote Shetland boss Andy Steven, needs £9,755 to undertake the work and as of Friday morning (13 April) it was just over £1,000 shy of its total.

The service moved to its own independent website after Shetland Amenity Trust lost the Promote Shetland contract to NB Communication last year, and it is being run largely by Steven himself.

Its popular camera at Victoria Pier in Lerwick needs replaced, while there are plans to add another one further north along the harbour front.

Its live webcams are viewed across the world and they include cameras in Lerwick, Sumburgh and Fetlar.

The website has also relaunched the 60 North online radio station, while local broadcaster Tom Morton has revived his weekly Beatcroft Social show.

The service is currently supported by the amenity trust, which operates the cameras, as well as the Promote Shetland service and sponsors – but running the network does not come cheap.

“Running our high-definition service is complex and very expensive,” Steven wrote on the crowdfunding webpage.

“We have leased servers throughout the world and our digital infrastructure in Shetland and the UK is also costly.

“We no longer operate from a publicly funded marketing budget, and though we do have some support in the form of sponsorship from various organisations and companies, it’s just not enough for us to continue in the way we think you deserve.”

People who pledge £100 or over to the campaign can become a member of Shetland Webcams’ RedEye Club, with more information due to be released on that soon.