Long-serving councillor Iris Hawkins stands down

Shetland Central councillor Iris Hawkins is quitting the local authority to get married. She will stand down with effect from 5pm on Friday.

Mrs Hawkins, 64, is to marry Magnus Hughson, brother of her fellow Shetland Central councillor Andrew Hughson.

She has been an elected member of Shetland Islands Council for 17 years, starting as the councillor for Scalloway before the wards changed to the bigger three-member Central Ward.

Mrs Hawkins’ surprise announcement came this afternoon, just before a meeting of the Full Council.

She said she had thoroughly enjoyed representing her constituents. “I have found it personally greatly satisfying to be able to help individuals with their day-to-day problems and concerns, as well as the Shetland-wide work I have been involved in as a councillor.”

She wished her successor every success in what she said was a rewarding role and she wished her constituents, the councillors and SIC staff all the best for the future.

Mrs Hawkins’ first husband, Francis, died in 2007. They have two grown-up sons, Roland and Steven.