Thought-provoking presentations as drive for South Vision continues
“We all need to work together to ensure the best future for the whole community” was the resounding conclusion at Saturday’s event for Shetland South Vision in the Quarff hall.
The first of three guest speakers, SIC principal marketing officer Neil Henderson, kicked off the event by explaining that the economic development unit’s main aim was to encourage new and existing businesses and to support and promote community projects and initiatives.
Along with Visit Shetland manager Andy Steven, Mr Henderson encouraged those present to think about what was unique about the south of Shetland and how that could be enhanced and promoted.
Participants were given postcards and asked to imagine they were tourists on holiday in Shetland and were sending a postcard home explaining what they had liked most about the south end.
Among the replies were the beautiful and clean sandy beaches, the spectacular Mousa broch and the wonderful Sunday teas at the halls. Folk also mentioned the people they met and the good public transport system.
On the down side people spoke about the cost of getting here and of course the weather; “but then again when the seas are rough there’s that added dimension of beauty that extreme weather brings”.
SIC head of transport Michael Craigie explained how transport should not just be seen as a mechanical process but should be thought of as an “enabler” necessary for the sustainability of communities. His talk emphasised the benefits of pooling resources and looking at how people could all help each other to secure a better future.
Youth services manager Avril Nicol said: “These were really thought provoking presentations that helped everyone attending link up the topics of transport, which would assist tourism, which in turn would aid economic development. I am looking forward to attending a future focus group on the same theme from which potential actions will hopefully arise.”
The next event is at Cunningsburgh Hall from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, 30th May. The topic will be the emergency services and utilities such as telecommunications, followed by lunch.
