Community / Bell has ‘no issue’ with women playing ‘equal part in all aspects’ of Up Helly Aa
SHETLAND Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell says he personally has “no issue with women having the opportunity, along with men, of playing an equal part in all aspects” of the Lerwick Up Helly Aa.
Speaking in a personal capacity and not representing the council, Bell said as a point of principle no-one should prohibited from doing something based on their gender.
In an Instagram post published by the account Scottish Selfdom, the Lerwick councillor said: “If you ask me should anyone be stopped from doing something they want to do based purely on their gender then, clearly, the answer is no.
“So it follows, as a point of principle, that I personally, have no issue with women having the opportunity, along with men, of playing an equal part in all aspects of Up-Helly-Aa.”
Bell previously said that the Lerwick Up Helly Aa is a “community festival, run by the community for the community, and it is for the community for change it if they want to”.
The gender equality debate surrounding the town Up Helly Aa reared its head again at this year’s festival after an alternative bill was placed at the Market Cross before being removed.
Bell’s full response to Napier University student Chloe Irvine can be read here.
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
