Planters added to Lerwick street scene

New seating, planters and a plaque in memory of Harry Jamieson have been placed around Lerwick town centre.

Five large planters, four of which have seating, are now in place as part of Living Lerwick’s plans to improve amenities.

The move is in response to research which was done when the business improvement district was set up. Two of the planters with seating are in Harrison Square as it was felt there was “no obvious purpose” for the square since changes were made there.

There have also been issues caused by cars parking right in front of the Shetland Times Bookshop doorway.

This made it difficult for people with wheelchairs or pushchairs accessing or leaving the shop. It is hoped the new planters and seating will solve that problem

Another planter has been installed outside Harry’s Department Store on Commercial Street, next to the benches.

Living Lerwick manager Christena Irvine said town centre business owners felt something was required in memory of Harry, who died in June.

A plaque on the planter, provided free of charge by N-Graved Shetland, reads: “In fond memory of Harry Jamieson 1943 – 2015. A friendly, hard-working, community-spirited and successful businessman. He had endless energy and spent it well. From Lerwick Town Centre businesses through Living Lerwick”

Ms Irvine  said: “We managed to get partial funding from the Community Development Fund for the planters and asked the SIC Bridges project to design and make them. Ryan Jamieson and the students at SIC Bridges have done a fantastic job.

“They designed them from scratch and constructed them to a very high standard. They are also sturdy and able to stand up to the Shetland weather.

“The planters currently have Christmas trees in them but we plan to plant them up with different things at different times of the year.

“Bridges and Cope worked in partnership on this to provide young people with the opportunity to be involved in a practical based project.

“The partnership has been successful due to the appropriate environment provided by Cope, along with the knowledge, expertise and support of Bridges staff. The practical skills learned by the young people has helped improve their confidence and knowledge, which will increase their prospects of gaining employment in the future. So, the project has benefited all concerned.”