Scalloway Pool campaigners take to Lerwick streets
CAMPAIGNERS opposing the closure of the Scalloway Swimming Pool took to the streets of Lerwick this morning (Friday) in a “peaceful” march through town.
Armed with banners, tambourines and maracas, a group of around 75 began their walk at Clickimin Leisure Complex – the base of pool operator Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT).
They then walked towards the offices of Shetland Charitable Trust on North Road, which is the core funder of the SRT.
Campaigners made their way to Shetland Island Council’s offices at 8 North Ness before heading back to Clickimin.
Speaking prior to the walk starting, Save Scalloway Pool’s Yvonne Clark said it was another chance for the community to show their “strength of feeling”.
“We’ve tried lots of things,” she said. “We’ve had a deputation to the council, we’ve had two petitions, which reached over 5,000 signatures, and still people are coming up to our group saying keep going, don’t stop.”
Folk from all ages took part in the walk, which also drew in plenty of support from passing vehicles.
Police were also on hand to assist, including with traffic management when the group crossed the road outside the charitable trust office.
One local councillor attending was Ian Scott, who has been vocal in recent months about the pool closure.
It said it was an “absolute disgrace” and questioned “where is the democracy in this?”
Highlighting the campaign efforts, Scott said “this is what local democracy is about” – and added his view that it is a “Shetland-wide issue”.
He also pointed to the investments overseen by both Shetland Charitable Trust and Shetland Islands Council. At the start of June the value of SCT’s investment was £478 million, while at the end of May the SIC’s reserves totalled £395 million.
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However the SCT has said it is not able to offer SRT more money without risking the funds it awards to other charities and organisations.
Shetland Islands Council meanwhile has been spending “unsustainably” for years, with a cumulative budget deficit of more than £83 million projected by 2028/29.
The SRT announced plans in January to close the Scalloway Pool to support the wider sustainability of the organisation.
It said closing Scalloway would have the “least community impact due to the proximity to the nearby available sites, which have capacity to absorb the customer numbers”.
In July SRT chief executive Robert Geddes said he was not aware of any formal proposals for retaining or repurposing the building.
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