Next council could be made up of 23 elected members
Ryan Taylor
An extra councillor could be elected to the Town Hall next year, giving the SIC 23 elected representatives.
Boundaries Scotland has submitted final proposals for councillor numbers and wards to Scottish Ministers.
The commission says it would be in the interests of “effective and convenient local government” for Shetland to be represented by 23 councillors in seven wards.
That could comprise one ward returning two members (Shetland West), while three wards would return three councillors (North Isles, Shetland North and Lerwick North and Bressay).
Four councillors could meanwhile represent Shetland Central, Lerwick South and Shetland South.
Council Convener Malcolm Bell said: “The council engaged with Boundaries Scotland’s consultation that took place in 2019 and I note the final proposals that are being put forward to Scottish ministers.
“Having a strong representative democracy is so important to Shetland’s future, and we will soon be starting our work to encourage candidates to stand for election.
“So, this report comes at an important time, with the local council elections now less than a year away.”
Thomas Jamieson
It will be good to see going back to 2 elected member’s for our ward, Just now we have 3 all weisdale central based and you never see or hear from them in our area nor trying get anything .
When we had Ena Tait and Mr a.i. Tulloch that was elected members that was worth having .
At least if cut back to 2 again we hope to get 2 new members who will fight for our ward .