Anger in Bressay as Scottish Water insist on ending supply from local loch

Bressay residents campaigning against proposals to supply water to the island from the Sandy Loch have been told by Scottish Water officials that the project will go ahead despite public opposition.

At a meeting between members and representatives of the community and Scottish Water’s director of communications Chris Wallace, customer service delivery director Peter Farrer and Raymond Aitken on Friday, strong protests were made against the publicly-owned company’s stance.

The trio did agree, however, to travel to Bressay to meet the public, although Mr Wallace said this would be to “inform” them of the proposals.

Signatures are still being collected for a petition against the abandonment of the local Bressay supply. This will close after next Friday.

Organiser Louise Scollay said: “Although Scottish Water representatives have told us today that community opinion is unlikely to change the proposed plans, we are happy that they have now committed to a meeting with the public. The community in Bressay must be fully informed and deserve the opportunity to have their opinions heard.”

During the meeting councillor Allan Wishart said he was angered that the community was not being heard and accused Mr Wallace of being in denial about what people wanted.

For full story, see next week’s Shetland Times.