Sport / Views sought on Brae pitch replacement options
PEOPLE are being invited to offer their views on the proposed replacement of the Brae football pitch, as part of wider plans for the future of the village’s high school.
Following early stakeholder engagement two options have been recognised for the replacement of the community grass pitch, which has been identified as the preferred site for the proposed new Brae Campus buildings.
One option is for the SIC to potentially purchase the Brae hockey pitch from Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) and resurface it for football, and create a new 3G hockey pitch in Lerwick.
Another is to build a new synthetic football pitch on the current school site once the buildings are demolished.
These options were presented to elected members at the Shetland Islands Council meeting held on 25 March.
Members agreed that an options appraisal should be undertaken to assess the alternatives in more detail.
The outcome of this appraisal will be reported to members at a future meeting, where a decision will be taken on the preferred option to move forward.
The existing community grass pitch in Brae is the only football playing field in the North Mainland and is the home ground of Delting Football Club.
Any replacement pitch must meet competitive football standards and continue to support both community and sporting use.
The existing synthetic hockey pitch at Brae is the only facility in Shetland suitable for competitive hockey and is currently owned by the SRT.
While the International Federation for Association Football (FIFA) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) are working towards a shared multi‑sport surface standard, no surface currently meets the performance requirements for both football and hockey.
As a result, pitches must continue to be designated for either football or hockey, not both.
Officers working on the Brae Campus project will be available next week to discuss options with any interested parties and to take comments.
They will be at the reception area of Clickimin Leisure Centre, Lerwick, on Wednesday 15 April from 2pm to 5pm.
On Thursday 16 April they will be at the secondary department of Brae High School, from 4pm to 7pm.
An online survey is also available, and the deadline for responses is 5pm on 22 April.
Once the consultation closes, responses will be analysed for a report presented to councillors to seek approval for a preferred option.
The full business case for the Brae Campus is expected to be considered by councillors in early 2027.
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