Tributes paid to former councillor Loretta Hutchison

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Whalsay and Skerries councillor Loretta Hutchison who died recently aged 76.

A stalwart for both Whalsay and Skerries, Hutchison was elected unopposed in May 1994 for the electoral ward that at the time consisted of the two islands.

Standing as an independent she was re-elected in 1999, again unopposed, and then chaired the council’s development committee for a period of two and half years until December 2001.

Following a by-election Josie Simpson took the seat and held it until 2012. Last night (Monday) he paid tribute to his predecessor’s work.

“She was a good councillor for Whalsay and certainly fought very hard for the island,” he said.

“Ferries were a big thing then, and it is the same today, and something has to be done because we have an aging fleet now.”

Also paying tribute was local resident and current councillor for the wider North Isles ward, Duncan Anderson, who said he wanted to extend his “heartfelt condolences” to the family and friends of the former councillor.

“She spent over seven years representing her community on the council for which I am sure many in Whalsay remain grateful,” he said.

“She is survived by a large family who will be grieving her loss; they have my deepest sympathy.”

The council flag was flying at half-mast over Lerwick Town Hall on Monday as a mark of respect and to coincide with her funeral.