SRT seeks proposals for future use of Scalloway Pool building

SHETLAND Recreational Trust is inviting proposals from individuals, interested parties and community groups for future uses of the Scalloway Pool building.

It is also seeking views on how the building can be retained or repurposed as a valuable part of the Scalloway community.

The charity reiterated however that the building continuing as a public swimming pool within its network is not an option.

The pool closed its doors to the public at the end of March as the SRT sought to become more financially sustainable.

It was met with the formation of a ‘Save Scalloway Pool’ campaign group, which is still active.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the SRT said trustees have “deliberately maintained the mothballed building to preserve its condition while allowing time for proposals or alternative operating models to come forward”.

The SRT added that the costs associated with mothballing were budgeted within financial year 2026/27 as part of “long-term strategic objectives to find a sustainable future for the whole of Shetland Recreational Trust and safeguard the future of leisure provision throughout Shetland”.

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It said that it is necessary to begin considering new uses now so that a decision can be made and any transfer enacted in early 2027, before the change of the financial year.

Any decision regarding the future of the asset must comply with Scottish charity law and the trust’s governing obligations.

Trustees have a legal duty to ensure that any future use or disposal of the asset represents the best outcome for the charity and its beneficiaries.

This does not mean the highest financial value must be achieved. Instead, the SRT said this means the best outcome should be sought.

Trustees say they would prefer to avoid the “last-resort” of placing the property on the open market.

Interested parties are being encouraged to submit a business case or proposal setting out how the building could be retained or repurposed for the benefit of the Scalloway community or a local business.

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All submissions will be considered by the SRT board at scheduled meetings. Ideas can be submitted until 11 December 2026.

The SRT said engagement with “credible options” will continue until a final decision is possible.

If there are multiple credible options then trustees would have the option to convene a special meeting to seek further input.

A package of information about the building for interested parties has been collated and is available on the news page of SRT’s website.

This information highlights that the staffing costs at the Scalloway Pool in 2025/26 amounted to around £200,000.

Anyone with interest can forward documents or proposals to:

FAO Robert Geddes, CEO, Shetland Recreational Trust, Lochside, Lerwick, ZE1 0PJ

Folk can also use this digital link.