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TOURISM chiefs and businesses are hopeful the Shetland communityâs renowned resilience and determination will help the beleaguered local industry build on a âslow upwards trendâ in bookings for later this year.
The successful UK vaccine rollout looks set to enable further reopening of society from late April. And, while many restrictions will remain in force until at least late June, having lost most of the 2020 season hotels, guest houses, tour guides and other tourism providers are eager to make what they can of 2021.
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Responding to a VisitScotland consultation on the subject on Monday night, members of Lerwick Community Council (LCC) were largely opposed to additional travel restrictions remaining in place when Scotland begins to open up in a few weeksâ time.
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THERE are hopes that more properties could connect to the Lerwick districting heating scheme in the future, with a Scottish Government push to reduce emissions in homes and buildings likely to help the cause.
Neville Martin, working as a project consultant for operator Shetland Heat Energy & Power (SHEAP), told a meeting of Lerwick Community Council that a planned upgrade to the Energy Recovery Plant at Gremista could provide more power to the system – and potentially offer heat to the hundreds of new homes planned for Staney Hill.
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He also said there could also be potential for heat pumps to be provide more power in the future, highlighting that sea water or sewage could be possible sources.
A BUDGET which plans for a total unsustainable draw from reserves of over £12 million in the next financial year has been approved by councillors.
The budget shows revenue and capital spending will outstrip income from Scottish Government core funding, council tax, fees and charges and sustainable use of reserves by £12.26 million.
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A report from Manson described this as affordable in the short-term given the value of Shetland Islands Councilâs investments, which at the end of January stood at £429 million.
But it is the third budget in a row which has required an unsustainable draw from reserves.
Manson said at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday that the budget was âprudent and affordableâ¦but not yet sustainable in the long-termâ.
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WORK on a new residential care facility for young people in Tingwall is nearing completion.
The building will provide on-island accommodation which should reduce the number of folk who have to travel away from Shetland to receive the support they need.
Jordan Sutherland from the council’s children’s social work team told a meeting of the education and families committee on Monday following a question from Lerwick member Amanda Hawick that the local authority has reduced the number of young people placed off Shetland.
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The Tingwall facility will give the council four extra spaces, he said.
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