Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.5°C   NE Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Life returns to the White House

LERWICK’s very own White House is slowly being repopulated again with five council services now operating from the North Ness building.

Shetland Islands Council headquarters at North Ness in Lerwick. Photo: Shetland News

The £7.3 million Shetland Islands Council headquarters was suddenly evacuated in September 2016 due to concerns over its structural integrity.

Following prolonged surveys and loading tests the building was given a clean bill of health in March this year, when the SIC’s capital programme team returned to the premises to oversee the move back.

More recently procurement, human resources, health and safety as well as risk management have all transferred back.

Director of corporate services Christine Ferguson said: “There are some lighting upgrades and some maintenance being done in the lower ground floor offices before the planning service can move back in, followed by governance and law, including our committee services staff.

“There are some changes being made to the reception area on the ground floor to make it more customer friendly.

“Once these are complete, then the chief executive, finance, internal audit and housing will also move back into the building.”

Back in August, chief executive Maggie Sandison said the local authority was hoping to fully occupy the building before the end of the year.

An internal ‘lessons learned exercise’ into what led to the sudden evacuation with all its repercussions is ongoing.

Its outcome will be made public at a later date, according to reassurances from the chief executive as well as council convener Malcolm Bell.

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.