Animal welfare charity shop in Lerwick to open its doors
A NEW charity shop raising funds for animal welfare in Shetland will open its doors to the public this morning (Friday).
After months of preparation, the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary is opening the charity shop in the Toll Clock Shopping Centre at 9.45am today.
Shetland Animal Welfare aims to raise funds to help fill the gap left behind by the departure of the Scottish SPCA (SSCPA) from the isles.
Local politicians have also thrown their weight behind the venture, including MP Alistair Carmichael and MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad.
Shetland’s MP Carmichael, who will attend the shop’s opening, said that animals are a “big part of life in Shetland”.
“We all care about their welfare and we have a long tradition of looking after them,” he said.
“The loss of that support for animal welfare from public and charitable organisations has had a serious impact so I am delighted that local people are now stepping up to the plate and wish them every success.”
Recently elected MSP Goodlad added: “It is wonderful to see local people taking the initiative to develop a service that meets the needs of the community and builds on something that people have come to value.
“I wish them every success with this exciting venture and hope it receives tremendous support from the Shetland community.”
Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary director Pete Bevington said he came up with the idea after visiting other sanctuaries on the Scottish mainland last winter.
“After a nine month gestation I am especially happy we’re able to open the shop today,” he said.
“My late wife Jan, who founded the seal sanctuary in Hillswick almost 40 years ago, would have been 79 today and I can’t think of a birthday gift that would have made her happier.”
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Jan’s cousin Derek Hart – well known locally for running the MRI scanner appeal for NHS Shetland – has moved north to manage the shop.
“I am delighted to be associated with this venture and have every confidence it will be another Shetland fundraising success story,” Hart said.
“I feel especially proud to be doing this in the name of my dear cousin Jan who we all miss so much.”
The directors hope to use the funds raised to found further facilities.
“We have excellent rehabilitation facilities for seals and otters, thanks to funding from the local council and the local oil industry, but there is nothing for birds or small mammals,” Bevington said.
“And practically every day we receive calls about ones in need of help so we need to find ways to meet that need without the SSPCA.”
Shetland Islands Council’s environmental health department has also had to pick up the slack left by the departure of the national charity.
Wishing the new venture every success, local councillor Moraig Lyall, who chairs the SIC’s environment and transport committee, said: “It’s clear that the withdrawal of the SSPCA has left a gap in the provision of care for animals in Shetland and the wildlife sanctuary are to be commended for stepping up and helping to fill that gap.
“I am confident that the Shetland community will be generous in their donations of goods for sale, time spent volunteering to run the shop and making purchases.”
The shop is still in the process of setting up its operating systems, so it can only accept cash payments for the time being.
Bevington thanked Malcolm Younger and the Toll Clock Shopping Centre, Lerwick Port Authority, transport company Streamline, local artist Anne Barron and design firm Art Machine for their support.
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