Conservation sessions planned

People are being given the opportunity to comment on proposals relating to three conservation areas – two in Lerwick and one in Scalloway.

The Lerwick Lanes conservation area was designated in 1975, recognising its waterfront setting, unusual town plan and notable buildings. 

A nearby New Town Conservation Area – designated in 1986 – lies west of Lerwick Town Centre, and includes the mainly residential areas of King Harald Street, St Olaf Street and Burgh Road.  

Scalloway Conservation Area was designated in 1982 in recognition of its harbour setting and buildings worthy of preservation.  

Shetland Islands Council carried out appraisals of the three conservation areas in 2010.

Now, a review has been undertaken to ensure that these three appraisals reflect any changes.

While the appraisals have found relatively little change in the character and appearance of the conservation areas, the SIC says there has been a noticeable deterioration in the overall maintenance and repair to buildings in all three areas.

It has also highlighted a notable increase the use of “inappropriate” modern details and materials, such as replacement windows and doors. 

No boundary changes are being proposed. But the SIC proposals are being made to review permitted development rights to reflect legislation and policy. 

Permitted development rights include certain building works that might not need planning permission, such as minor extensions, or the construction of fences or walls. 

There are also proposals to give consideration to the introduction of areas of special advertising control to ensure that advertisements are in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.

In addition, it is proposed to create guidance on a range of relevant topics, such as the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings, shopfront and advertisement design and the use of paint or limewash finishes.

The month-long public consultation period launches today.  

The appraisals and further information can be viewed on the council website at  www.shetland.gov.uk/planning-building/conservation-area-reviews

There will be public drop-in sessions with details of proposals at:

• Islesburgh Community Centre on Monday 24th March.

• Scalloway Youth Centre on Monday 31st March.

SIC back 50mph speed limit in Levenwick

Councillors believed reducing the speed limit on the A970 in Levenwick would “help” despite rejections from Dunrossness Community Council.

Tribute to former councillor Florence Grains

Tribute has been paid to former longstanding West Side councillor Florence Grains, who has died aged 92.

SIC convener said: “Florence was a hard-working councillor for her constituents and had a huge interest in education and social care.

“She was highly respected and just a totally excellent councillor, as well as a really, really nice and caring person.

“She was the first female vice convener and she also served on the health board for a considerable number of years.”

Mrs Grains was first elected in 1978 for Tingwall Whiteness and Weisdale ward, beating Alexander Arthur and John G. Rae to the seat. She lost the seat to Cecil R. H. Eunson in the 1982 election.

For the 1986 election she stood for the Sandsting and Aithsting seat as an independent and won, beating Harold Leask, also independent.

For the following four elections, 1990, 1994, 1999 and 2003, she was unopposed. When in 2007, the boundaries of constituencies in Shetland were completely redefined, Aithsting and Sandsting was incorporated into Shetland West, a three-member ward. Mrs Grains was elected together with Frank Robertson and Gary Robinson.

She was a councillor for a total of 30 years and served on many committees and organisations. She had been chairwoman of the SIC’s planning committee, as well as the audit and standards committee.

She had also been president of the Althing Society and served on the Shetland Health Board. She was a committee member of the Shetland Family History Society.

In this week’s Shetland Times

In today’s (Friday, 7th March) edition of The Shetland Times:

 • EXCLUSIVE: Domestic abuse survivor shares her experience

• Stories from suffragists to the workplace to mark International Women’s Day.

•  EXCLUSIVE: Information request reveals 30 secret seminar meetings held by council last year.

• Transport news, from ferry flood probe to tunnel vision, and freighter-flex and hybrid plane progress.

• EXCLUSIVE: Walls public toilets closed after “mindless” vandalism. 

• EXCLUSIVE: Bressay campaigner celebrates move towards statutory leave for grieving parents.

• SPORT: County win for Shetland badminton team against Caithness.

‘It’s actually happening’ – Contracts set to be signed for freighter-flex vessels 

Transport leaders say they are more confident than ever the long-awaited freighter-flex ferries will finally get built.

Crime ‘deteriorating’ in Lerwick Lanes  

Despite the isles having the lowest crime rate in Scotland, the situation is “deteriorating” in the Lerwick Lanes – including a lit cigarette being placed in a resident’s window. 

SIC community safety and resilience chairman Allison Duncan said during the board’s meeting this morning (Wednesday) he has been made aware of more incidents of crime in the area.

“I’ve been informed by tenants in the lanes in Lerwick the situation is deteriorating again with crime.

“For example, I was informed there was a number of youths who had gone and put a lit cigarette in a window.”

While Mr Duncan said those responsible had the “wit” to return 5-10 minutes later to remove the cigarette, incidents such as these had raised “concern” with tenants.

Chief inspector Chris Sewell said it is essential there is a visible police presence in this area – which had been the case during this incident. 

This comes after it was revealed during the meeting the isles has the lowest crime rate in Scotland with a recorded rate of 187 per 10,000 population in 2024.