Change needed to take back control
Many local comments regarding the state of Shetland’s governance include “feeble excuses will no longer do” which can all be ‘ summarised as “Shetlanders are not in control of anything”.
Dissatisfaction with everything (no need to list them all here) is rife.
It’s the result of a Holyrood style democracy, centralising power unto itself, which does not address Shetland’s concerns, and will not be assuaged by a few crumbs off the table.
In addition to the ineptitude of both governments, it seems the opinions of unkan MSPs (only there courtesy of being drawn from the top of their party’s list) are accredited more attention and weight than those of many locals.
The diktats from the likes of SSEN Transmission and its many other divisions – rides roughshod over all, and result in Shetland having no apparent say or recourse over what’s done in the past, present or future. What’s to be done:
The SIC, elected members and officials, are seen as remote by the populace (whilst trying to cope with demanding situations during a difficult period), but are constrained by a plethora of restrictive regulations.
The SCT should never have been wrestled away from the SIC by the charity regulator.
Surely the time has come for Shetland to call a halt to the juggernaut combination of Holyrood, Westminster and unelected and unaccountable corporations, making Shetlanders serfs in their own land, invaded by wind turbines on and offshore, seemingly multiplying exponentially.
The frustration was evident during the community council meeting last Saturday, alluded to later in the Sheeks Aboot Shetland episode on Sunday morning.
It has become necessary for people to bring their concerns to the fore at community council meetings only because little or no heed is taken of their concerns at SIC, Holyrood or Westminster levels.
To counteract that democratic deficit, a proposal to establish citizens panels has been made in the past, by SAAT (Shetland Autonomy Action Team) whose time has perhaps come.
Radical change is needed to take back control as did Faroe.
Serious consideration should be given to revert to a Crown Dependency. The Falklands (with or without its new oil) with the same population as Scalloway enjoys such a label and manages quite well). Also, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
In 2020 the SIC voted overwhelmingly 18-2 to formally explore options for achieving financial and political self-determination. To date little progress is evident, but action is now well overdue.
Cecil Robertson
Inverness
