Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.3°C   SSE Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Depopulation policy juggle

I notice with great interest comments attributed to an SIC spokesperson on rural population decline: SIC welcomes efforts to tackle rural population decline; SN, 28 October 2019).

Great news one might think in terms of a Scotland-wide recognition of a serious problem effecting remote, rural and island areas, and hopefully at last some ideas to address it but … here in Shetland things have a bit of a twist to it.

Whilst there is no doubt that generally the SIC along with all of us want to see all remote, rural and island communities being helped and supported to sustain and grow, the SIC appears to have seen this as a ‘retreat from the edges and defend Lerwick at all costs’ philosophy.

The years of destabilising rounds of rural school closures and the knock-on effects to play groups, shops, post offices etc in itself kick-started a mini mass migration into Lerwick’s ever growing overspill areas of Tingwall, Gulberwick, Scalloway, Cunningsburgh and Weisdale.

Add to this the draconian, slow and very expensive planning process/regulations and the associated huge building costs that now favour little clusters of commuter belt housing developments and the scene is set.

So like the problem of demands on the SIC to declare a climate emergency when they cannot, I really look forward to seeing how they juggle their unofficial policy of pushing folk from rural Shetland to move near Lerwick, whilst joining the COHI initiative to boost and support our own rural areas.

Vic Thomas
Catfirth

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.

 

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.