News / Looking back on the week: SRT debate, shop closures and council finances
SHETLAND News has published a total of 45 stories, eight letters, two news round-ups, two ViewPoints and one Poets’ Corner feature across another hectic news week for our small local team.
Scalloway Pool has again led the news debate, with Shetland News first examining and reporting the details of a Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) letter to Scalloway Community Council on Monday.
Trust chairman David Thomson made a number of claims in the letter, including that Shetland Charitable Trust and Shetland Islands Council were “regularly and repeatedly briefed” about their financial troubles.
Charitable trust told ‘seriousness’ of SRT’s financial outlook before Scalloway closure
That “regularly and repeatedly briefed” line was then the basis of a strong response from SIC chief Maggie Sandison, who vehemently denied the statement.
In a written riposte to Shetland News, Sandison said that only once, in 2023, was the council made aware by the SRT that its financial sustainability was uncertain.
And she said added there was “no prior notification of the decision to close Scalloway Pool” either before it was publicly announced by the SRT last month.
Council was not ‘repeatedly briefed’ about SRT finances, chief executive says
The charitable trust also responded to the SRT’s claims, strongly defending its financial support for the recreational trust and saying it was receiving £19.6 million across the next five years.
At the charitable trust offices on Thursday, the Save Scalloway Pool group handed over a 4,000 signature strong petition calling for the pool to be saved.
But after the charitable trust’s latest meeting its trustees said it could see “no clear way forward” to stop the pool closure.
Closures have been a theme in Shetland this week, with two shops in the spotlight.
The future of the loss-making Hillswick shop is set to be the subject of a local meeting next week, with Northmavine Community Development Company (NCDC) potentially pulling funding.
NCDC chairman Bob McGeady told Shetland News this week that it was “not in the best interests” of the charity to continue propping up the business as it continually lost money.
‘Not in best interests’ of charity behind Hillswick Shop to continue funding long-term
The Beggs shoe shop in Lerwick is also set to close, with local recruitment challenges blamed by the national company. The building’s owner said he was disappointed, but was keen to find a new tenant.
Any other news week, SIC’s impending financial challenges might have dominated the news cycle. But such has been the variety and strength of local news this week, the council’s financial outlook has slipped under the radar somewhat.
A 7.3 per cent council tax rise is being proposed, with councillors set to make the final decision at a meeting this week.
The council heard this week there was a “tug of war” between being financially prudent and continuing to deliver good quality services in the isles.
Some of the cost-cutting measures, the SIC has admitted itself, would be unpopular. These include reducing opening hours at the Gremista dump, cutting back the winter roads service or charging for the use of its public toilets.
The SIC is also recommending a proposed bank holiday to celebrate Scotland’s return to the World Cup this summer be refused, saying it would cost £140,000 to approve.
And finally Northmavine Up Helly Aa, and guizer jarl Lindsay Angus, were in the spotlight on Friday as fire festival fever headed north.
Alex Purbrick’s in-depth discussion with jarl Greybeard looked at the squad’s family connection, his nautical themed suit and his desire for a shave once the big day was over.
Photographer Malcolm Younger also provided a number of photos from the day and night to look back on.
Thanks for all your support this week, with Shetland News continuing to provide news and views free of charge. Remember that if you like what we do and feel able to, you can become a supporter here: https://account.shetnews.co.uk/register/
More stories from the week:
- Work still to do for Compass Centre ahead of 10th anniversary
- SIC admits to failures over ASN plans at Aith
- Ten years and counting for mandolin band
- Nearly £40,000 of drugs recovered, and all court coverage
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