Council looks to reshape Scalloway land and image

Sessions offer chance to put forward ideas for village

The fishing village of Scalloway on Shetland is to have its image and landscape revamped.

The Re-Create Scalloway project is entering its next phase. Information relating to the improvement and changes to the Scalloway landscape are being outlined at drop-in sessions yesterday and today in the village’s public hall.

Councillor Mark Burgess said: “So far there has been a really great response from the questionnaires and online. At the first workshops it would have been better to get more through the doors, but those who attended delivered some really high quality input.

“A number of areas in Scalloway have been perhaps overlooked for development, and some the community would say shouldn’t, so the drop-in sessions offer the ideal opportunity to bring more ideas together and look to the future growth of Scalloway.”

The project is being led by Shetland Islands Council and Scalloway Community Council, with a draft plan expected to be submitted towards the end of summer.

Simon Pallant, planning officer for Shetland Islands Council, said: “A lot of engagement has gone into the project, particularly

“A number of areas in Scalloway have been overlooked”

with young people, with pupils at Scalloway Primary, pupils at the high school and youth centre giving really good feedback and engagement.

“We are looking at ways in which to reach those who cannot attend workshops and we have done that through our website, where people can view and make comments on the project. So we are trying to reach as wide an audience as possible, in particular groups who are seldom heard from.

“We have really engaged with the community in ensuring they have had the chance to be directly involved and that has worked well. Some great relationships have been forged.”

So far 120 people have completed questionnaires during public engagement sessions in May, covering an array of topics such as public spaces, waterfront development opportunities and housing.

Funding for the project has been made available through the Making Places initiative, with Scalloway one of 19 communities in Scotland to receive funding from the scheme.

Drop-in sessions for the public are from 5 to 7pm. A presentation relating to the findings so far will take place from 7 to 9pm.

Photograph by Jim Irvine FUTURE: Scalloway harbour and castle, in Shetland, as the council seeks lcoals’ views on improvements through drop-in sessions.