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Council / SIC selling off old Quarff school

The former Quarff school. Photo © Google 2023

SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) is looking to sell the former Quarff school – and said more properties may be disposed of in the future amid budget challenges.

The council is also inviting expression of interest in leasing the former Train Shetland building.

Offers are invited on the former Quarff school and schoolhouse up until 2pm on 27 April.

The school closed around 20 years ago, and previous plans for a community cafe and soft play centre in the building failed due to funding challenges.

The same 27 April deadline applies for the former Train Shetland building in Lerwick, which has become vacant following the merger of the local tertiary education sector a couple of years ago.

Earlier this year the SIC passed its 2023/24 budget amid significant warnings over its budget challenges.

Reviews will be carried out among all directorates on possible savings. Councillors also imposed a further in-year one per cent savings target across the SIC.

A spokesperson for the SIC said: “The council continues to dispose of, or generate income from, any buildings that are no longer required for service delivery. 

“As we continue to review how we deliver services in light of budget challenges, it is possible that there will be further disposals.”

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