Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.6°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Open letter to councillors: please right this wrong

Dear councillors,

We have been informed that fishing communities across the UK are set to benefit from £75million of government investment to spur the industry’s post-Brexit growth.   

Regarding this apparent benevolent gesture by the government, might this be the catalyst for the Shetland Islands Council to perhaps take another look at the proposal to develop their Whalsay harbour?

It is reported that a £65million infrastructure fund will be made available for projects including modernising ports and harbours, alongside increasing capacity and efficiency at processing and aquaculture facilities; this is exactly what was sent to the SIC, in a proposal to enhance the Whalsay harbour over a decade ago.

The harbour development proposals including new fish processing facilities was presented to both the SIC and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in 2011 (see attached files here and here).

A request was also presented from a Norwegian company wishing to build fish processing facilities in the Whalsay harbour, but it was all dismissed, after the councillors followed advice from the director of development, who had presented the council with a report that appears to have contained false and flawed reasons for the dismissal of the project in 2016 (Link to report and minutes provided here).

This decision also squandered the opportunity for the SIC to acquire EU grants of 40 to 60 per cent, that could have reduced the harbour development costs to around six million; it also prevented the Norwegian company Nergard from building their fish factories in Whalsay.

Had the fish factories been built and in production during the past decade, harbour landing dues could have earned from 1 to 2 million pounds per annum for the SIC, which could have paid off any loans they may have borrowed for the harbour improvements. The SIC could by now have been in profit from the development.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Those plans are already in place and with a few changes made here and there to improve them, the plans could be used straight away.

The Shetland Islands councillors must now see, how wrong the decision was; to pass up the opportunity to gain the grant funding for improving this harbour in 2011, on the whim of SIC officials. 

Please right this wrong, as this harbour is the home port of a large variety of registered vessels; working in various industries that benefit the Shetland economy. 

William Polson
Vice chair
Whalsay Community Council

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.