Education / Fetlar school to be mothballed
COUNCILLORS have given the green light to mothballing Fetlar Primary School.
The number pupils at the island school is now zero, and there is no indication this will change.
The decision to mothball the school was made at a meeting of Shetland Islands Council’s education and families committee on Monday.
Mothballing is a term used when a school is effectively shut but able to reopen should there be a need to.
A report to councillors said: “Should the need arise in the future for education provision in Fetlar, a conversation will be held with central officers, parents, carers and children about the re-opening of Fetlar Primary School.”
The existing two school staff have been informed and discussions will take place on their options.
Monday’s meeting heard that the council would discuss potentially relocating the staff’s jobs, within appropriate travel distance.
The school – which has gone through the mothballing process before – shares a headteacher with Baltasound in Unst.
Shetland already has two mothballed schools, in the island communities of Skerries and Papa Stour.
Most of the discussion at Monday’s meeting was about the procedure about “unmothballing” at school, with Shetland Central member Moraig Lyall successfully amending the motion to include a request that a policy be developed.
Meanwhile there were no representatives from the North Isles – which includes Fetlar – at Monday’s meeting as the ward’s existing two councillors decided not to put forward a member to the committee while a by-election looms for its vacant third seat.
Lerwick South member John Fraser said it was “disappointing” there was no representation from the North Isles at the meeting – but children’s services director Helen Budge said the SIC had spoken to the chair of Fetlar 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.