Isles gear up for 23rd annual Voar Redd Up this weekend

The isles are gearing up for the 23rd annual Voar Redd Up, due to be held this weekend. More than 3,000 volunteers have already pledged their support for the event, coming from all walks of life including hall committees, kirk groups, youth groups, schools, individual families, boating clubs, local businesses, development organisations and many other community groups.

It is still not too late to take part and those groups or individuals not already registered can do so by calling Shetland Amenity Trust on (01595) 694688 or emailing info@shetlandamenity.org as soon as possible.

For those groups already registered, packs containing gloves, bags, safety vests, etc. are awaiting collection from the trust’s offices at Garthspool in Lerwick.

Groups are also reminded to inform the trust after their Redd Up is finished so the collection of bruck can be undertaken as soon as possible. The trust will have four environmental improvement teams deployed to collect the huge amount of bruck for safe disposal and recycling from all parts of Shetland.

Even though the main event is scheduled for next weekend, Redd Ups will continue over the next few weeks with the final tonnage of bruck collected being announced in June.

A spokesman said Shetland Amenity Trust would like to thank BP Sullom Voe Terminal for its continued support of the Redd Up.

Meanwhile Unst woman Sita Hughson has been appointed as Shetland Amenity Trust’s environmental improvement project officer.

Having previously worked for the amenity trust as a marketing officer, she succeeds Mick Clifton who left earlier this year for a new job with Shetland Islands Council.

A good knowledge of trust activities, a masters degree in business administration and a background in science should all stand her in good stead for the tasks ahead.

Ms Hughson said: “I am really looking forward to getting back into a management and technical role as well as developing this important area of the trust’s work. I care about Shetland and its environment and welcome the opportunity to help safeguard its future.”

She will take up her new post in late May.