Letters / Decision to close Scalloway pool needs to be reviewed
The closure of Scalloway swimming pool seems to be a rush job, ill thought out, with no thought of the consequences to Scalloway and the surrounding area, with no obvious financial case being made, or, more importantly, intended to be made.
I wonder if Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) were aware any financial issues; apparently they only found out at the same time as the closure story was sprung on local councillors and the community.
As Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) are answerable to SCT this seems odd at best, it implies that if there are financial issues SRT have had no discussions with SCT about funding.”
SRT have spent a lot of money on improvements at Scalloway pool this year, and now they are looking to others to retain or re-use the building, where was the forward planning there?
We are talking about the use of public money here, but the way that Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) decisions are being handed down from on high gives the impression of a secret society ruling as they see fit.
From the start, there has been no local engagement, and it seems like SRT intend that there will be none. I would remind SRT that we are talking about the use of public money here, it is not their money!
Left to their own devices, they have made a decision, and feel that the public do not need any further information. From their lack of detailed response to date, they seem put out that they have to justify their decision.
Available SRT material shows no indication of a problem in ‘Trustees Report and Financial Statements 2025’ or in the SCT 2025-30 Strategy which argues for maintenance of current provision here.
It is ironic that the Scottish Government has announced funding in the Scottish budget for primary school swimming as SRT looks for closure.
Scalloway Pool serves more than Scalloway.
People in Trondra, Burra and Tingwall are the most obvious beneficiaries, but others travel to Scalloway too including Whiteness and Weisdale and further afield.
The Scalloway Pool staff have a good name for dealing with swimming instruction and providing folk with special needs a welcoming environment.
Going for a swim using public transport from Burra or Weisdale to get to Lerwick is not really an option, it makes for a long trip, and is unlikely to be repeated too often.
SRT should be held to account. Why are SIC so quiet? They pay for the use of SRT facilities. Scalloway Pool is relatively handy in the Central Ward, but if it closes then SIC can look to its transport budget increasing to move school pupils into Lerwick, never mind the disruption to the school day. Time for SIC to speak up.
This decision should be reviewed, if there is a case to be made, then make it out.
Brian Nugent
Parliamentary candidate for Sovereignty
Burra
