Town gears up for Big Brother as CCTV system ready to be installed

WORK to install Shetland’s first ever CCTV system will start in the next few weeks, giving Lerwick the same state-of-the-art security network as Scotland’s largest cities.

The SIC has awarded the £250,000 contract to Airdrie-based company Scotshield, which will begin installing a network of 14 hi-tech cameras shortly.

The cameras will be controlled and managed via a private radio network, and will cover an area from the foot of Harbour Street to Faerdie Maet, with three on the Esplanade. No roads will be dug up for cable work, as all images will be transmitted to the local police station using the latest radio wave technology.

As part of the deal, fire and security specialists Scotshield will provide all maintenance and monitoring for the new CCTV system, which will be in place by early spring 2009.

Scotshield’s northern regional director Eric Anderson said: “We are delighted to be working with Shetland Islands Council to provide the people, businesses and visitors of Lerwick with the latest CCTV security system.

“Lerwick may be one of the most remote towns in Scotland but it is still subject to the same security issues as the big mainland cities. Our radio-controlled CCTV system will provide the police with real-time images and can be used during daytime and at night.

“At Scotshield we pride ourselves on offering a first-class service that not only meets our clients’ needs, but is coupled with the very best technology available on the market today.”

The council gave its approval to the installation of CCTV nearly a year ago, but the project has been subject to delay because the town centre is a conservation area and some of the cameras are to be sited on listed buildings.

Attention had to be given to the camera brackets to make sure they would blend in with the historic buildings. Some of the cameras will be attached to lampposts.

Lerwick police welcome the long-awaited installation. Inspector Ross McKillop said: “The police, as part of the Shetland Community Safety Partnership, are confident that the CCTV system will make a significant impact on levels of anti-social behaviour endured by residents and visitors to Lerwick town centre. CCTV has also been proven to be valuable in reducing fear of crime.”

The CCTV equipment has been in storage in Shetland for several months and the monitors will now be installed in the police station.

Scotshield is Scotland’s largest independent systems company, having successfully designed, installed and maintained systems for clients including the Ministry of Defence. It recently won a £3.5 million contract to provide and maintain all the life safety systems at schools across Scotland.