Engagement continuing on Boddam access issues, police chief says
SHETLAND’s police chief says there is ongoing engagement around access issues in Boddam.
Area commander chief inspector Chris Sewell said he recognises the impact the situation is having on people and the wider community in the South Mainland.
It centres around the so-called “Boddam Wildlife Sanctuary” set up by local resident Sandra Irvine, who says land and foreshore in the area is not open to the public and is in allodial ownership, or absolute ownership.
The website for the ‘sanctuary’ says the Scottish Outdoor Access code does not apply to allodial land in Shetland.
Under the Land reform (Scotland) Act 2003 the public has the right of responsible access to most land and inland waters, and is seen as having delivered “significant public benefits”.
Irvine, who is linked to Stuart Hill’s Sovereign Nation of Shetland and also does not believe Shetland is part of Scotland or the UK, also appears to be trying to charge people an admission fee of £1,000 per hour per person.
This rise to £5,000 per vehicle per hour, with payment by cash only.
Irvine’s website previously included photos of wildlife enthusiasts who had attended the Boddam area on a ‘name and shame’ section, but these have now been taken down.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, Sewell said: “I am aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding ongoing issues in the Boddam area and recognise the impact these matters are having on those involved and on the wider community in the South Mainland.
“Police Scotland has been engaging with relevant partners and stakeholders, and arrangements are being made for representatives to meet and discuss the issues that have been identified.
“The purpose of this engagement is to ensure that concerns can be heard, and that there is a shared understanding of the relevant legal and community considerations.
“In the meantime, I would encourage anyone who experiences issues at Boddam to contact Police Scotland on 101, or attend at Lerwick Police Office, to report their concerns”
Shetland South councillor Alex Armitage attempted to bring up the subject in a meeting of the SIC’s environment and transport committee on Wednesday.
He said the issue is the one that “probably taken up most of my time as a councillor in the last four years”.
Armitage said there has been a “number of allegations that people who are responsibly exercising their right of public outdoor access have been harassed”.
He noted the work undertaken by the council’s outdoor access officer already, “but it’s still an issue – I think the number of allegations I’m hearing is escalating”.
Development director Neil Grant said he was aware of the situation.
“There are a number of our services that are involved,” he responded.
“In terms of what happens next and what action the council takes, I’ll need to get back to you on that.”
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