Scalloway lab testing firm to close with seven jobs lost
Shetland Analytical Services, formerly SSQC, to cease trading after 40 years of business
A SCALLOWAY-based laboratory testing firm has announced its sudden closure following a “sustained downturn in sales” after 40 years in business.
Shetland Analytical Services, previously known as SSQC, is set to cease trading because of a “continued decline in revenue” and “limited access to funding”.
Seven jobs are set to be lost as a result of the closure.
The company became an employment ownership trust only in January 2026, having changed its name to Shetland Analytical Services last December.
Managing director Steven Laidlaw was appointed to oversee the company last June, and stated then they hoped to expand and attract new business from the wider UK.
However in a statement released today (Friday), Laidlaw said the board had taken the “extremely difficult” decision to close the company down.
Laidlaw said they had faced strong competition from mainland companies, and that some customers “understandably have used alternative services where costs are lower”.
“Following a comprehensive review of the organisation’s financial position and future viability, the board has concluded that it is no longer sustainable to continue operations,” Shetland Analytical Services said.
“This decision has been reached after careful consideration of all available options and in the context of prolonged economic pressures impacting the business.”
SSQC was set up in 1985, and the company has carried out a wide range of food and drink microbiology, chemical, aquaculture and water quality testing – most recently from Port Arthur in Scalloway.
It became Shetland Analytical Services in December, saying the name change would “better reflect its current and expanding services”.
Just one month later, the company said it had become an employment ownership trust – with the management structure remaining unchanged, and with Laidlaw leading the business as managing director.
Laidlaw said becoming an employee-owned business “strengthens what we already do, while ensuring the business remains independent, resilient and focused on long-term quality and service”.
Less than five months later, Shetland Analytical Services said that a “continued decline in revenue, coupled with increased cost pressures and limited access to funding”, had left them with no choice but to close.
In his statement today, Laidlaw said this had been an “extremely difficult and carefully considered decision for the board”.
“Despite sustained efforts to stabilise the business and secure additional funding, the combined impact of reduced income and increasing costs has made it impossible to continue operating,” he said.
“As an island-based laboratory, we have faced increasing challenges in competing on price with larger mainland providers, alongside the practical difficulties associated with transporting samples to and from the island, which have placed additional pressure on both our service delivery model and operating costs.
“We recognise that many local customers have had to make difficult choices and, understandably, have used alternative services where costs are lower.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to all our customers for their support and loyalty over many years, as well as to our partners and stakeholders who have worked with us throughout this time.”
He added that the board wanted to thank the staff “for their commitment, professionalism and contribution to the organisation over many years.”
“The organisation will now commence an orderly winddown of operations in accordance with its statutory and contractual obligations,” he said.
“SAS extends its appreciation to its customers, partners and the wider community for their support throughout its years of operation.”
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