HIE says it recognises the ‘extent of transport challenges’ that affect Shetland communities
WHALSAY is in line to get a visit from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) representatives soon – following concern from the local community council that the island is being missed out.
It comes after a recent HIE board visit to Shetland, which was preceded by chief executive Stuart Black heading to the isles last month.
Black said following a trip to Yell and Unst in September that the “time is right to be considering fixed links” to replace ferries.
Whalsay Community Council said at the time that the island’s own transport links were “most in need of an upgrade”.
Earlier this month HIE held a board meeting in Shetland for the first time in more than two years, with members also travelling to Yell as they undertook visits to projects the agency part funds.
Whalsay Community Council then wrote another letter expressing its disappointment that the development agency did not visit the isle to discuss transport.
But a spokesperson for HIE said the local area team is planning a visit to Whalsay soon and “would be happy to hear from any businesses or organisations that would like to meet to discuss any projects or business ideas”.
However they reiterated that transport links like tunnels are not part of its remit.
The spokesperson added: “The [board] meeting provided a great opportunity for board members to visit organisations, which are leading on projects recently supported by HIE including those in Yell.
“We recognise the extent of transport challenges that affect communities in Shetland.
“While the direct provision of fixed links is not within our remit, it does have an important influence on businesses and the long-term resilience of communities; matters that are very much part of our remit.
“Our area team is planning a visit to Whalsay soon to discuss potential projects and would be happy to hear from any businesses or organisations that would like to meet to discuss any projects or business ideas.”
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