Tuesday 12 August 2025
 11°C   SSW Light Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Education / Tribute to ‘stalwart’ Budge at final education meeting

Former director of children's services Helen Budge. Photo: Shetland News

A TRIBUTE was paid to the SIC’s outgoing children’s director Helen Budge earlier today in the council chamber as she attended her final education and families committee meeting before her retirement.

Committee chairman Davie Sandison said Budge will be a “big miss” as she hangs up her boots after 13 years in the director role.

He described Budge as a “stalwart of this council” and someone who has brought an “incredible amount of benefit” to the local authority.

Budge began her career as a teacher in 1989 at the Urafirth Primary School, before moving onto Dunrossness.

She moved into central management in 1999 and undertook several roles before becoming director in 2011.

Speaking alongside a tearful Budge, Sandison told Monday’s committee meeting that it had been an “absolute pleasure” working with the outgoing director.

He said there have been some “high achievements and some tough tasks” during her time.

Meanwhile recruitment for Budge’s successor continues, with a closing date for applications set for 8 September.

One of the most senior roles within the council, the job comes with a salary of just over £100,000 per year.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:

  • Removal of third-party ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 

Sign up
for our Newsletters

Stay in the loop with newsletters tailored to your interests. Whether you're looking for daily updates, weekly highlights, or updates on jobs or property, you can choose exactly what you want to receive.

Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

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.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

  • Removal of third-party ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.