Hostel kitchen revamped thanks to funds left in man’s estate

THE KITCHEN in the Islesburgh hostel in Lerwick has been refurbished thanks to a surprise gift left in the estate of a man who had visited the building on a number of occasions before passing away.

Nearly £18,500 was left in the estate of Dennis Johnstone, who is said to have “loved” Shetland, for the council run hostel.

A report due to presented to a meeting of Shetland Islands Council’s education and families committee next week highlighted that it was felt Johnstone “would be happy for the money to be used for the benefit of the Lerwick Youth Hostel however they think best”.

After consultation with staff it was agreed that the money should be used to refurbish the hostel’s kitchen, which was “very old and dated”.

Included within this refurbishment was the installation of accessible stations for people in a wheelchair, so that they would have access to a height adjustable hob, sink and work surface for preparing their food.

A plaque has also been placed in the kitchen to acknowledge the bequest received from Johnstone.

The work was tendered towards the end of 2024 and undertaken during the hostel shutdown period.

It was completed before the hostel re-opened for Up Helly Aa in January.

The report said the feedback from staff and guests has been “very positive”.

It added: “Islesburgh staff were delighted to have received this very generous bequest, which further demonstrates the high quality of facilities provided by the council within the Islesburgh House Hostel and the excellent customer service provide by all of the staff with the Islesburgh Complex.”