Councillor ‘uncomfortable’ with Trust shake-up resigns

North Isles councillor Gary Cleaver has resigned from Shetland Charitable Trust with immediate effect.

He said he felt uneasy about the new form of the trust and intends to concentrate on his duties as a councillor.

In an email to trust general manager Ann Black and fellow trustees, Unst-based Mr Cleaver wrote: “My reason for resigning is fairly simple and I hope uncontentious. I feel that the limited abilities that I possess will be better employed solely acting in what I feel is my primary role as a North Isles councillor.

“The project of separation between the trust and the SIC is now underway and although the newly constituted board will not be of a shape that I am comfortable with, it hopefully represents a staging post on the road to a truly independent and accountable body.

“It was never my intention nor expectation to serve as a trustee, but I hope that in my short tenure, I have contributed in some small way to the strengthening of the trust’s independence; which I feel is vital, if the ever-increasing call for its help and involvement in the civic and social life of Shetland are to be successfully met.

“In conclusion, I offer my best wishes to the current trustees and to the members of the new look trust when it convenes. I hope that as a Shetland Island councillor, I will be able to be involved in supporting and enabling the excellent work that the Shetland Charitable Trust does for the folk of Shetland.”

Mr Cleaver will be confirming his decision by letter.