Discriminatory application (Douglas Young)

The SIC’s planning department would like the Thule Bar to remove the red neon “T” sign from its premises as it is against planning regulations within the Lerwick Conservation Area. It worryingly has the time and expense to refer this matter to the Scottish government.

Within the Conservation Area, there are numerous neon signs already installed advertising motorcycles, fast food and pubs; signs arguably less pleasant on the eye than the subtle red Thule sign. I like it.

I do not know the owner of the Thule Bar personally, but feel sure if he has access to competent legal agents, they would successfully bring a case of discriminatory application of planning regulations; unless the planners are going to nip oot alang the street and get all offenders’ signs binned?

You will notice I have not mentioned the huge corrugated, angular building, elsewhere on Lerwick’s waterfront. This was a temptation resisted – for now.

Douglas Young
Sumburgh.