COMMUNITYPROFILE WHALSAY
Shetland Islands Council Community Work Service Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...... 2
THE AREA...... 4
1.0 POPULATION...... 5
2.0 CROSS CUTTING THEMES ...... 8
Strengthening Communities...... 8 Political and Democratic...... 8 Community and Culture ...... 8
3.0 WEALTHIER...... 11
The Local Economy ...... 11
4.0 FAIRER...... 13
Outlining a Fairer Society...... 13
5.0 SMARTER...... 17
Education and Learning...... 17
6.0 SAFER...... 20
Crime and Community Safety...... 20
7.0 STRONGER...... 23 Housing ...... 23 Community Facilities/Assets/Development ...... 24 Transport and Communications ...... 25 Childcare including pre‐nursery...... 27
8.0 HEALTHIER...... 28
9.0 GREENER...... 29
Natural Resources...... 29
APPENDICES...... 31
1 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Introduction
This document sets out social, economic, environmental and cultural information for the Whalsay area. This information has been gathered from statistical data available nationally and locally and from the views of this community.
Effective planning for the future depends largely on a good understanding of what already exists. This profile aims to provide a baseline of information about Whalsay in Shetland from which service providers, agencies, voluntary and community organisations in the area can develop a shared understanding of the needs and issues within the area.
It is intended as a working document through which to stimulate debate, discussion and through which to support and inform action and developments, which seek to improve the local planning and delivery of services.
The profile will be updated as necessary via the Local Service Delivery Group (LSDG) for the area, and will be used to encourage LSDG members and others to work more closely together to deliver locally appropriate solutions to identified needs. The profile will assist in the measuring of strategic outcomes at a local level, and contribute to the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) reporting framework.
1
1 Footnote:
In 2004 the Community Planning Board agreed on 7 localities for Shetland “to provide the basis for service planning at a local community level and specifically to support the future planning of health and social care services within the Community Health Partnership”. These are North Isles, Whalsay and Skerries, North Mainland, West Mainland, Central, Lerwick and Bressay, and South.
Whalsay therefore represents part of one of the 7 localities. Skerries has its own Community Profile but some of the statistics combine information for both Whalsay and Skerries.
2 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Shetland Islands Council area Electoral arrangements
Ward 2 Shetland North Alastair Cooper Addie Doull Bill Manson Ward 1 North Isles Laura Baisley Robert Henderson Josie Simpson
Ward 3 Shetland West Florence Grains Frank Robertson Ward 6 Gary Robinson Lerwick North Sandy Cluness Caroline Miller Ward 4 Allan Wishart Shetland Central Betty Fullerton Iris Hawkins Andrew Hughson Ward 7 Lerwick South Gussie Angus Ward 5 Jonathan Wills Shetland South Cecil Smith Jim Budge Jim Henry Allison Duncan Rick Nickerson
Figure 1. Shetland Islands Council electoral arrangements
3 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
The Area
The Shetland Islands are the most northerly local authority area in the UK, 298 miles north of Edinburgh, 211 miles north of Aberdeen and at least 50 miles north of Orkney, our closest neighbours. Shetland is only 228 miles from Torshavn in Faroe and a similar distance from Bergen in Norway. Shetland comprises more than 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited and the total population is around 22,000. The islands lie further north than Moscow and southern Greenland.
The Island of Whalsay area takes in the communities of Symbister, Isbister, Brough and Skaw.
The island of Whalsay, is known locally as “the bonny isle”, the island is 5 miles (8km) long by 2 miles (3.2km) wide. The main hub of activity is around the harbour area at Symbister. There is some crofting, but Whalsay is heavily dependent on fishing for its economic survival. The island has a thriving and dynamic community. Whalsay’s main settlement is Symbister, with most of the other dwellings clustered around the NW coast in crofting townships, principally Brough and Skaw, with Isbister on the east coast.
4 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 1.0 POPULATION
Summary of statistics
STAG Report Statistics May 2008
Whalsay Population – Shetland In Statistics
1981 Census 1991 Census 2001 Census 20 Year % Population Change 1,025 1,041 1,034 +0.9%
(please note these statistics are for Whalsay on its own)
Whalsay, over the last twenty years, has been able to maintain a relatively stable total population up until the last year figures available in the graph below.
The combined population of Whalsay and Skerries went from 1,113 in 2001 to 1,131 in 2008, which is an overall increase of 1.6%. 2
In 2008, statistics indicated the split between males and females within Whalsay and Skerries was relatively even with a slight male dominance. There were 578 males and 553 females.
The age group of 1019 year olds was most predominant in the Whalsay and Skerries data zones followed by (in descending order) 4049 year olds, 6069 year olds, 5059 year olds then 3039 year olds. 09 year olds and 2029 year olds were the same followed by 7079 year olds, 8089 year olds and 90 years and over. It is interesting to note the difference in these figures from area to area.
Like Scotland, Shetland demonstrates an ageing population structure and this is replicated in the Whalsay and Skerries area. The percentage of the total population for the area between 2001 and 2009 who are children 015 years old has steadily decreased by 4.6%. This age range is currently roughly 18.5% of the population. At the same time the percentage of the population who are of pensionable age has continued to increase by 6.9% over that time and stands at around 24.5% of the population in 2009.
There is a very small ethnic minority population in the area at approximately 1% of the total population. This reflects the ethnic population figures for Shetland as a whole. 3
2 GROS Population Data 20012008 3 NHS Shetland, 2009. Mapping Minority Ethnic Communities in Shetland, 2009. [Online] http://www.shetland.gov.uk/datashare/upload/documents/RaceEqualityMappingExerciseJuly2 009.pdf 23 GROS, 2001. Census, 2001. [Online] http://www.grosscotland.
5 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Whalsay, Symbister & Skerries
120
100
s al
du 80 vi i nd I 60 of r
be 40 um N 20
0 90 & 0 9 10 19 20 29 30 39 40 49 50 59 60 69 70 79 80 89 over MALES 52 96 71 65 81 70 79 52 11 1 FEMALES 62 76 43 70 81 66 73 39 28 15
Figure 2. Gender and age profiles for Whalsay and Skerries 2008
Whalsay & Skerries
1,160
1,150
1,140 n 1,130 tio a ul 1,120 Pop l
ta 1,110 To 1,100
1,090
1,080 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year
Figure 3. Population change in Whalsay and Skerries 2001 to 2008
gov.uk/censushm/scotcen2/index.html
6 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Summary of community views
The people of Whalsay have a perception that young folk are leaving the isle and this could be borne out by the graph above, which shows a downward trend in the final year (although it is not definitive as Skerries figures are included. Many feel the main cause of this is the restricted ferry service, which struggles to cope with the required capacity.
Another very recent worry is the closure of the Whalsay Fish Factory. There are a number of people who have been forced to leave the isle because they cannot afford to commute to work on the mainland.
There is also a view that there is a shortage of affordable housing on the island, especially for single people, which also discourages young people from settling on the island.
Key Issues
Lack of capacity on the Whalsay Ferry encourages people to leave the island
The closure of the Whalsay Fish Factory means folk have to move out of the island
Constraints and opportunities
Constraints as above.
If the ferry service could be improved fewer people would leave the island. This would need to include an improved booking service.
If a new business venture could be found for the Whalsay Fish Factory building that could replace the lost jobs that would encourage people to stay.
New, affordable housing for single people and young families would encourage more people to settle in the community.
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
7 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 2.0 CROSS CUTTING THEMES
Strengthening Communities
There are three key areas of delivery here, to which all agencies in Shetland are able to make a contribution:
§ Community Development and Capacity Building § Volunteering § Social Economy
Examples of what Strengthening Communities can deliver across all areas of Shetland’s are:
Wealthier and Fairer: the social economy is able to provide employment opportunities, including for the more vulnerable Smarter: volunteering provides opportunities for skills development Healthier: volunteering and the social economy play a critical role in community involvement reducing isolation Safer: volunteering and the social economy play a critical role in strengthening social interaction making communities feel safer Stronger: helping communities to flourish, with improved opportunities Greener: social enterprise and volunteering are key to delivery of a greener society
Summary of statistics
Political and Democratic
• The percentage turnout for the Local Government Elections in 2007 for the North Isles electoral ward was: 64.06%. There are three elected members serving Shetland Island Council covering the North Isles (Unst, Yell, Fetlar, Whalsay and Skerries). They are Josie Simpson, Robert Henderson and Laura Baisley. 2007 was the first year for the new multiward system so it is difficult to compare to previous turnout information. The next SIC Council elections take place in May 2012. 4 • The MSP for Shetland is Tavish Scott MSP 5 and the MP for Orkney & Shetland is Alistair Carmichael MP 6 • The Whalsay Community Council covers Whalsay. Community Council elections take place in November 2010.
Community and Culture
There are roughly 40 active community groups operating in Whalsay. The Livister Youth Centre, large Mother and Toddler Group and Playgroup provide
4 http://www.shetland.gov.uk/elections/elections2007/results.asp 5 The Scottish Parliament 2010 6 UK Parliament 2010
8 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay a service to young people. There are about 20 formal sporting groups and Whalsay tries hard to compete Shetland wide in several of them (and occasionally further afield) but transport time and cost makes this increasingly difficult. Whalsay does well in football in Shetland tournaments and the most northerly United Kingdom 18hole golf course attracts a lot of attention with almost weekly tournaments during the season. There are about 16 other, mainly adult groups, which cover a wide variety of interests. This number of groups has remained relatively stable since 2006 and, along with the rest of Shetland, demonstrates one of the most active volunteering communities in Scotland. 7
Whalsay has a rich cultural heritage associated with fishing, boating, traditional music, crafts, cooking and archaeological sites. The maritime history of Whalsay is legendary with a deepsea heritage interspersed with the fishing legacy. The young men of Whalsay traditionally continue to go ‘deep sea’ whenever there is a downturn in the local fishing industry. The Annual Regatta is the main local holiday week with a longstanding tradition of sailing with the ‘Shetland Model’ boats and also of boat building. Model Yacht Sailing is another aspect of the strong link with boats on the water. In recent times remote controlled motorized model yachts have been introduced as a modern trend in this traditional activity. Whalsay is a closeknit community because of the relatively small geographical area that the 1,000+ population live in compared to other similarly populated isles in Shetland. Each populated island in Shetland has aspects of its own tradition and culture, which was developed during the time in the past when transport links were very limited. The Whalsay dialect is considered to be one of the most distinct within Shetland and again was probably developed when the island was quite isolated because of the limited links with other areas of Shetland.
Summary of community views
Political and Democratic
Issues which regularly come up at Community Council meetings as concerns in the community are: § Adjustments/improvements to bus services § Adjustments/improvements to ferry timetables § Road repairs/maintenance and improvements § Soft verges on roads § Gritting issues § Bus shelter repairs/improvements § Dog litter issues § Provision of skips § Financial assistance § Community Ferries
7 N Mainland and Whalsay Community Office 2010
9 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay Community and Culture
Community groups in Whalsay regularly seek new volunteers. In general the folk of Whalsay are proud of the level of local commitment to community action, though some committees do complain occasionally of ‘Committee Fatigue’. Changes in social patterns like the increase in working mothers and increasing shift work and off island commuting to work puts more pressure on the time available to participate in community activities which has traditionally been viewed as a ‘civic duty’ rather than ‘volunteering’. The input of community work officers and organisations such as Voluntary Action Shetland are crucial to assist with support and ongoing capacity building.
Key Issues
To ensure that the level of community activity is sustained and sustainable.
Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based
• SIC Community Work and Youth Services should work actively to promote youth volunteering and to encourage uptake of MV Awards to encourage more young people to become active in the community. • SIC Community Work should continue to deliver on the objectives of the SIC Community Work Service Plan in order to continue the positive benefits of the capacity building programme. 8
o New/additional actions
8 SIC Community Work Service Plan 2010/11
10 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 3.0 WEALTHIER
The Local Economy
Summary of statistics
In 2007 employment figures for Whalsay were as follows:
Male Female Male Female Total FT FT PT PT FTE
228 52 31 147 339
In Whalsay the %age difference in the Full Time Equivalent employment between 20032007 was +29%.
In Whalsay in 2009 the average income and earnings was £32,001£33,000. This is similar to Dunrossness and only Tingwall/Whitness/Weisdale and Sandwick have a higher range by Community Council Area. 9
The Whalsay Survey noted a list of about 80 local businesses (many of which are parttime) plus 6 local rented accommodation/ B&B s. There are 13 non private organisations such as care home, school, leisure centre, etc. 10
Up to now the main employment on the island has been fishing, fish factory and the aquaculture industry. However, the run down of the fishing and closure of the Whalsay Fish Factory means the community is relying more on service industry work – care centre, school, ferries, leisure centre and also commuting to the mainland for a variety of work.
Summary of community views
Fish Factory: Community Council members expressed grave concern over the uncertainty surrounding the future of The Whalsay Fish Factory. Members were in agreement that permanent closure of the fish factory would have far reaching social and economic consequences for Whalsay as a whole.
A public meeting is to be held to form a group to progress a Whalsay community renewable energy project. 11
Key Issues
The Whalsay Fish Factory filed for bankruptcy in September 2010. This will have a huge impact on the future employment prospects for the community.
9 HNDA August 2010 10 Whalsay Survey 2010 11 Whalsay CC 130910
11 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
The ongoing fragile state of the fishing industry continues to cause concern
Constraints and opportunities
Of the 141 people who filled in the Skills Audit for the Whalsay Survey, 23 reported that commuting is a barrier to their progression and development of job opportunities or learning. 21 were restricted by lack of time, 16 found there were no suitable job opportunities in Whalsay and a number faced other barriers. Caring for other family members, lack of childcare and financial considerations also posed restrictions. The local business survey noted that half of those who responded faced some kind of restriction because they are situated in Whalsay. Many referred to restrictions created by the ferry – recruitment of staff, logistics, additional freight cost of ferry. Lack of mooring space at Symbister and shore fishing facilities locally. Lack of car parking space at Symbister and lack of premises for training, rentable workshop space, etc.
New business needs to be found for the Whalsay Fish Factory building to replace the jobs lost.
The COPE Cafe development will provide some new job opportunities locally.
The Whalsay History Group Phase 2 project would provide a childcare facility to allow parents to work more days/hours and would also provide some employment.
If the ferry terminal at North Voe goes ahead this will free up mooring space at Symbister Harbour for the development of fishing. It would also free up car parking space.
Improved capacity on the ferries could reduce restrictions on business development.
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
12 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 4.0 FAIRER
Outlining a Fairer Society
Summary of statistics
The percentage of the population who are listed as Income Deprived in Whalsay and Skerries in 2008 is between 6% and 7%. This has increased from 4% in 2002. Over the same period those listed as Employment Deprived has remained steady between 2% and 4%. 12
Amenities, services, and support networks in Whalsay
Whalsay has one junior high school and nursery, three shops (one incorporates the post office), a police station, care centre, health centre (with dental practice) and leisure centre. Usage of the leisure centre was down slightly in 2009/10 compared with 2008/9. The Whalsay Learning Centre, operated by Shetland College, uses the clubroom in the Leisure Centre to deliver learning opportunities for the community. Last year they engaged in joint work with the school. The school used it as a test centre for European Computer Driving Licence modules. The primary pupils also used the videoconferencing facilities to link with their peers in France for their French classes. 13 There is one main harbour at Symbister where the public toilets are also situated. There is no public disabled toilet except in the Leisure Centre, which is not always open. One person uses an office at Fernlea Care Centre for one day a week remote working with a few others working from home remotely on occasion. There is limited public internet access in Whalsay in the School Library when it is open to the public on Wednesday evenings from 5 8pm. Whalsay History Group have recently installed broadband in their premises and internet access will be available when they are open to the public from 79pm on Wednesday evenings and from June – Sept Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun afternoons from 2pm 5pm when the summer exhibition opens. There is one dedicated Youth Centre in Whalsay.
There is one internet exchange in Symbister (8000 KBPS max). Whalsay has weekly access to a mobile banking service.
There is no childcare in Whalsay. Most childcare is provided informally by family members but there is still a lack of availability to meet demand.
Whalsay Survey information on childcare:
• 69% of those surveyed would/may use a registered childcare facility in Whalsay if available • Most surveyed currently have family support with regards childcare
12 Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics 13 Shetland Recreational Trust Annual Report 2009/10.
13 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay • Most surveyed would use a registered childcare facility when family is not available • A large number of respondents would use a registered childcare facility to allow them to go to work or to do increased working hours/days • The next most popular reason they would use the service for was to access further training, further education and local services • The most popular childcare service choice would be a dedicated childcare unit to be commonly used for 12 days a week followed by ondemand use which would be mainly used for half days or shorter periods • An ondemand after school club was the next most desired, followed by a holiday club, on demand • Most who responded would be willing to pay £5 or less per child per hour • The age range who would use childcare facilities were split between preschool and school age with school age being slightly higher • The most common reasons given for not using registered childcare were; preference to use family for childcare, choosing to stay at home and look after their own children and also the cost 14
Summary of community views
There is a desire for some childcare provision in Whalsay. Currently most needs are met by family support but with the decreasing availability of grandparents for this role as more people continue to work through to later in life and with increasing numbers of incomer families who do not have this option more parents would work or work longer hours if this service were available.
Most people in Whalsay do not consider themselves to be deprived but as in all areas of Shetland there are a scattering of families who struggle to survive with high fuel poverty and the high cost of living. Islanders have difficulty in accessing Lerwick based services and cheaper shopping because of the relatively high cost of ferry travel and limited bus services.
Employment is limited on the island and commuting costs limit opportunities for Mainland based work.
Key Issues
The existence of pockets of deprivation and social exclusion are more difficult to identify and tackle in sparsely populated rural areas due to the stigma attached to poverty, rendering it a taboo subject and worsening individuals’ and families’ sense of isolation. Despite a relatively good national rank for Shetland, recent study into social deprivation and exclusion has found that “it is not that deprivation does not exist in Shetland, but rather that measurable
14 Whalsay Survey 2010
14 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay numbers are smaller; individuals are not concentrated in geographic areas but are dispersed and isolated throughout the population”. 15
In Shetland as a whole, the proportion of working age people (between 16 and 64 years of age) who are economically active has decreased between 2008 and 2009, and the number of people not wanting a job has actually increased. 16
The number of supported employment opportunities taken up in Shetland increased slightly between 2008 and 2009.
In Whalsay, the key groups and individuals at an increased risk of poverty and the effects of inequality are;
• Individuals and families without access to their own transport. This can affect all aspects of individual and family life, including the opportunities for young people to participate in school or extracurricular activities. • Individuals and families who cannot afford or do not have access to flexible childcare to meet their needs. • Individuals who do not have any family in Shetland, especially those who are incomers who do not consider themselves to be part of the wider community and who do not have access to traditional support networks or volunteer opportunities. • Fuel poverty can be a problem in Whalsay, where some people are faced with maintaining poorly insulated and energy inefficient buildings on a low income. This is particularly a problem for older people without traditional family or support networks, who may struggle to take advantage of money saving opportunities. • The extra cost of commuting by ferry and the limited bus service to Lerwick reduces opportunities to shop cheaply and access services not available on the island.
Fuel Poverty The Scottish House Condition Survey “Fuel Poverty in Scotland” report estimates that 25% of households in Shetland are fuel poor. This is almost double the Scottish average of 13%. Previous figures in the Scottish House Condition Survey 2002 found the Local Authority in Shetland to be 32%, however these have since been corrected by Communities Scotland. Shetland has the third highest fuel poverty level in Scotland with Orkney and the Western Isles at 31% and 34% respectively.
However, Whalsay is mapped as being in the ‘Least at risk’ category of risk of fuel poverty in Shetland. 17
15 Deprivation and Social Exclusion in Shetland 2006. 16 NOMIS and ONS annual population survey 2008 and 2009 17 SIC Fuel Poverty Strategy Report 20052009
15 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay Constraints and opportunities
Ferry commuting costs limits access to cheap shopping, Lerwick based services, job and learning opportunities
Ferry capacity constraints limits the development of business opportunities and hampers commuting options
Lack of childcare limits job and learning opportunities
Whalsay History Group Phase 2 project could provide an opportunity to develop childcare provision and increased learning options. It could also provide a few job opportunities and increased remote working options.
The new Whalsay Energy group provide an opportunity for Whalsay to develop its own renewable option to support the community
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
16 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 5.0 SMARTER
Education and Learning
Summary of statistics
There is currently a Junior High School in Whalsay catering from P1–P7 in the primary department and S1S4 in Symbister House. There is also a separate nursery next to the primary department offering places to all 34 year olds. The playgroup caters for 23 year olds in premises in Symbister Hall. In addition the Whalsay Learning Centre operates from a room in the Whalsay Leisure Centre building and it is staffed by 2 parttime Shetland College Community Lecturers who offer a range of learning opportunities for adults. The Whalsay Learning Centre Group also offer a wider range of vocational classes in the form of evening classes and occasional workshops in conjunction with Adult Learning and other partners.
The Whalsay Secondary School roll has gradually increased: 1986 49 1996 – 50 2006 – 60 2009 61
(Students could choose to go to the Anderson High School from Secondary 3 up until 1997 when this was stopped and they now go to the Anderson from Secondary 5. This will have an impact on these figures.)
The Primary School roll has steadily decreased in line with local and national trends: 1986 – 121 1996 – 110 2006 – 105 2009 841 8
Nursery numbers have fluctuated which reflects the vagaries of small rural communities: 1996 – 19 2006 – 25 2009 – 15
Whalsay also has a registered playgroup for 23 year olds but has a maximum number of 12 places, which means they have sometimes had to turn children away.
The Whalsay Learning Centre started off with 12 students for the year in 19992000. This gradually rose to a peak in 20042005 when they had 149 students attending classes. This was because of a huge increase of people doing basic computing (29) and European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) (30) which can take up to 3 years to complete when doing it parttime. In 20092010 they had 84 students but some of them were doing fuller qualifications thus taking up more teaching time.
18 Shetland in Statistics and SIC School Service Annual Return 2010
17 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Summary of learner numbers at Whalsay Learning Centre 19992010
19992000 12 20002001 17 20012002 18 20022003 44 20032004 73 20042005 149 20052006 97 20062007 (107) 106 20072008 (126) 124 20082009 (144) 101 20092010 (163) 84
There is a mixed picture of learning opportunities as the Whalsay Learning Centre Group organise classes in addition to the Shetland College courses. These are as diverse as yoga, lambing, dry stane dyke building, knitting, dancing, etc. The totals in brackets () include videoconference sessions. This includes UHI VC courses, school groups linking up with France, etc.
The use of videoconferencing facilities at the Centre started in 20062007 with 107 people using it but this increased to 163 users by 20092010 19.
There is also a range of evening classes offered through Adult Learning. In 20102011 there were 21 enrolments for 4 noncertificated classes with 10 male and 11 female participants.
The destinations of those leaving school in 2008/2009 were: Further education – 1, employment 2
Summary of community views
There was a very large turnout at the Whalsay Blueprint for Education informal consultation meeting, which highlighted the concern shown in the community at the proposals to move children to Lerwick or Brae after either Primary 7 or Secondary 3.2 0
Key Issues
19 Figures from Whalsay Learning Centre 20 Whalsay CC 20210
18 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Constraints and opportunities
Of the 141 people who filled in the Skills Audit for the Whalsay Survey, 23 reported that commuting is a barrier to their progression and development of job opportunities or learning. 21 were restricted by lack of time, 16 found there were no suitable job opportunities in Whalsay and a number faced other barriers. Caring for other family members, lack of childcare and financial considerations also posed restrictions. In the skills audit people were asked what training they would like to access locally. There were 128 different areas of interest covering a wide spectrum of topics. The highest groupings were mainly for leisure skills but many specialised interests relating to work were also included. 9 areas of interest had over 10 people who wanted training in those areas. They were: butchery, cooking, hand knitting, photography, dry stane dyke building and woodwork. Computing skills in digital family trees, digital photography and ECDL also had over 10 listed. There were 22 interests where from 59 people had indicated they would like training. It is difficult to say which are purely leisure and which could be related to work. Computing skills needed in this category were for databases, spreadsheets, web design and word processing. Interests which could be community group related or for work are: book keeping, essential food hygiene, first aid, personal licence holder and treasurer. Complementary health, confectionary making, craft working, fine artist, textiles, gardening, writer and musician may be leisure interests but have potential for employment. So too do the interests in Norwegian and Spanish. Interior design and diving add to the variety of subjects listed. There were many other areas of interest but it is difficult to look at delivering training for topics where only one or two people indicated their preference. 21
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
21 Whalsay Survey 2010
19 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 6.0 SAFER
Crime and Community Safety
Summary of statistics
Crime, Fear of Crime and Safety:
There is a coastguard rescue station in Whalsay.
In Whalsay there is a Retained Fire Station This station is normally staffed by up to 12 personnel working on a retained duty system. It is provided with a fire appliance which is equipped to deal with all types of emergency including structural fires and road traffic collisions. All of the staff are trained in responding to these incidents. As part of their work, staff are also heavily involved in community fire safety activities, which includes carrying out Home Fire Safety checks 22.
There is to be a new fire station built in Whalsay and the application for planning permission for this has been lodged.
Crime:
The crime statistics for Whalsay for 2009/10 show a total of 4 crimes and 128 noncrime callouts. This was for 3 incidents of theft and one drink driving offence. 23
Policing Plan
Shetland is one of the safest communities anywhere in the UK to live, work and do business. Shetland Area Command is committed to working together with the community and partner agencies to increase the identification of people who are engaged in the supply of illegal drugs in the islands and also to reduce the availability of and harm caused by illegal drugs. Locally there is a commitment to tackling and reducing antisocial behaviour such as vandalism and alcohol related offences.
The policing plan for the area includes;
• Safer Roads • Reducing Crime • Tackling Serious Crime • Safer and Stronger Communities • Maintaining Public Order
22 Source Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service 2010. 23 Lerwick Police Station
20 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Crime Trends
Shetland, in common with other areas, is affected by alcohol related incidents, petty vandalisms, dishonesty, the misuse of drugs and road traffic related matters. As well as dealing with local issues staff in Shetland Area Command participate in national campaigns such as the Safer Scotland Violence Reduction Unit campaign, national traffic enforcement events such as ‘No Speeding Day’, the festive and summer drink driving campaigns. Local operations deal with targeting unacceptable driver behaviour, such as speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving, non wearing of seatbelts and drink/drug driving offences. Other operations deal with the misuse of drugs or vandalism. Each school within the Area Command has its own allocated officer who is available to provide the children with safety and crime prevention advice. In addition, liaison officers attend Community Council Meetings throughout the area to listen to and act on community concerns. 24
The Shetland Islands Council deals with between 70 to 100 antisocial behaviour complaints every year however only 40% are assessed at the initial stage as possible antisocial behaviour. The other 60% of complaints can be dealt with by referrals to other services. Of those considered for further investigation most are dealt with by initial written contact with the person accused of antisocial behaviour. Antisocial behaviour is not a significant issue in Shetland in terms of numbers of cases however the impact on individuals, families and communities is severe. The earlier that a complaint is received the easier the interventions can be. 25
Summary of community views
Crime and the fear of crime is not of general concern in Whalsay. However, people are aware of issues around illegal drug use, speeding on the roads and rare incidents of vandalism to local properties.
There are safety concerns around cars and parking at the primary school. 26
There are safety concerns regarding the lack of a safe verge for pedestrians on the road between Harlsdale and Pamoula. 27
A new, larger fire tender was delivered to the Whalsay fire station recently. 28
The notice for outline planning permission for a new fire station came before the Whalsay Community Council on 8 th March 2010.
24 Northern Constabulary website 25 ASB report 2009/10 26 Whalsay CC 100909 27 Whalsay CC 61009 28 Whalsay CC 151209
21 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Key Issues
Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
22 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
7.0 STRONGER
Housing
Summary of statistics
Average sale prices for private houses are (included with the North Isles area): 2001 £24,389 2006 £53,339
The Whalsay housing stock was made up of 13.6% social housing and 86.4% private housing (2006 based).
In 2009 the social rented stock in Whalsay and Skerries combined was: 15x2 apt, 13x3 apt, 25x4 apt and 1x5 apt. In Whalsay and Skerries the Housing Register Demand by house size is: 73% for 1bedroom, 27% for 2bedroom, zero for 3bedroom, 4bedroom and 5bedroom. Total available social rented stock by size is: 28% 1bedroom, 24% 2bedroom, 46% 3bedroom and 2% 4 bedroom.
The level of social rented stock of houses in the combined areas of the Northern Isles, Whalsay and Skerries has remained relatively stable from 20022009, going from a total of 205 in 2002 to 212 in 2009. Council house sales in Whalsay and Skerries between 1998/9 and 2008/9 averaged at only 1 per annum. The number of social lets in Whalsay and Skerries from 2003/4 to 2008/9 fluctuated from 12>5>5>2>8 and 9 in 2008/9.
The net housing need split by household distribution trends in 2007 in Northern Isles, Whalsay and Skerries combined was 94.
The number of new build house completions in Whalsay and Skerries between 2000 and 2008 has remained quite low and fluctuated from zero to 4 from year to year. Planning permission granted for new builds at the same time varied between 2 and 6 per annum.
Private property sales in Whalsay and Skerries combined were 6 in 2007 and 8 in 2008. 29
Summary of community views With the changing needs of society there is now more demand for 12 people houses. 30
29 HNDA August 2010 30 Whalsay CC 030609
23 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay There is a concern regarding poor disabled access to the sheltered houses in Whalsay, which was reported to the Community Council in September 2009 and then again when there was no progress in July 2010. There is a shortage of available social housing to rent in Whalsay. 31
Key Issues Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
Community Facilities/Assets/Development
Summary of statistics
Whalsay Leisure Centre attendance figures are: 1991/92 – 58,820 2001/02 – 43,961 2006/07 – 31,765
Swimming pool attendance figures are: 1991/92 – 20,928 2001/02 – 14,337 2006/07 – 8,790
In Whalsay in one month of visits in the summer of 2009 by the Mobile Library Van there were a total of 78 borrowers seen and 626 library books issued.
Whalsay has one junior high school and nursery, three shops (one incorporates the post office), a police station, care centre, health centre (with dental practice) and leisure centre. There is one main harbour at Symbister where the public toilets are also situated. There is no public disabled toilet except in the Leisure Centre, which is not always open.
There is a boating club, golf club and one pub on the island that offers Chinese meals on Saturday nights.
There are two Community Halls in Whalsay, one at Symbister and one at Isbister. There is one dedicated Community owned Youth Centre in Whalsay. The membership numbers for Livister Youth Centre for 20092010 were 67 Junior members (P3P7) and 48 senior members (S1 +). Membership at LYC is very high relative to other areas of Shetland. There is also a snooker club.
31 Whalsay CC 100909
24 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Summary of community views
The community council said they had no objections in principle and subject to planning permission to the possibility of a local business investigating the idea of opening up a quarry in Whalsay to supply local building projects. 32
Key Issues Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
Transport and Communications
Summary of statistics
Usage of the Whalsay Ferry Service continues to grow. Passenger numbers have continued to increase over the years: 1986 – 45,888 1996 – 144,606 2006 169,359
Vehicles numbers are also continually increasing: 1986 – 31,660 1996 – 64,212 2006 – 77,192
The daily bus service usage is also increasing but also includes users from the Vidlin area: 2001 – 6,977 2005 – 6,770 2006 – 7,1893 3
In the Whalsay Survey the ferry users survey was completed by almost 400 users. The 8 page questionnaire produced a huge amount of information. The ferry service has the biggest impact on transport issues in the community.
Summary of community views
In the Whalsay Survey the ferry business users generally made positive comments on the reliable, regular and frequent service. Overall, comments on capacity constraints of the ferry was the largest concern. Waiting time was also mentioned as being an issue but this was seen as largely ‘chargeable to customers’. The ferry users survey had several sections: Current transport arrangements varied comments but most common was about the friendliness and helpfulness of the crews. The regular
32 Whalsay CC 130910 33 Shetland in Statistics 2007
25 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay and frequent service was also mentioned in a positive way and the affordability but the opposite view on these is also included in other sections. Timetable issues the most common comment was about the restrictive evening timetable which is served by a single ferry. This caused inconvenience for jobs, meetings, sport and social/leisure activities. Evening timetable comments noted gaps in evening timetable and late night runs. Another issue highlighted was the fact of being unable to catch the first flight with the first ferry run of the day. Capacity constraints – the number of people relying on the ferry for work exceeds the number of spaces available. Congestion at critical times was also mentioned. Restrictions on the booking service does not help this situation. This affects daily commuters, businesses and other passengers. Fares – High costs for daily commuters was the most common response. Even noncommuters commented that there was a need for discounts for commuting workers to help sustain the population. Some also noted the unfair reductions to fares in other parts of Shetland. Other – the main other concern was the booking service. Difficulty of getting through and limited booking hours caused great concern and does not help with the limitations of the service in general. The poor condition of the waiting rooms at Symbister and Laxo was also mentioned.
Contact is to be made with Yell and Unst Community Councils regarding progress on identifying discount fares for regular ferry commuters. 34
It was reported that the allocation of community ferries for up to the end of March 2011 were already booked up at the Whalsay Community Council meeting on 1 st July 2010.
Some of the ferry business users found the waiting time (some because of capacity constraints) was lost business time which was costly but this would mostly be passed onto the customer.
Key Issues Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
34 Whalsay CC 100909
26 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Childcare including prenursery
Summary of statistics
There is one noncommissioned playgroup which runs two mornings a week but no registered childminders in Whalsay. The playgroup can cater for a maximum of 12 children and have to operate a waiting list at times. 35
Summary of community views
See FAIRER for more information
Key Issues
Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
35 Shetland Childcare Partnership Feb 2010
27 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 8.0 HEALTHIER
Summary of statistics
The recently refurbished Whalsay Health Centre provides health care for Whalsay and Skerries. The dental service is on the same site. The Whalsay Care Centre provides 8 permanent and 2 respite care beds for the elderly. They also offer daycare on two days a week for 9 clients. The care centre also manages care at home for 15 clients. Whalsay also has a list of 18 Occupational Therapy clients. In 2007 the Whalsay Health Centre had 1,127 people registered as patients. (This included Skerries whose population was noted as 76 in 2001). 36
The two data zones for Whalsay and Skerries show a SIMD ranking of 30 and 29 (out of 30) for health in Shetland, which would suggest that these communities are the healthiest in Shetland. Figures also show the communities to be amongst the healthiest in Scotland. 37
Summary of community views
Fernlea Care Centre is concerned about the lack of availability of eye examinations in the isle for their clients. 38
Whalsay has had a year without a permanent doctor for the island. In December 2010 a new permanent doctor arrived to take up post.
Key Issues
Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
36 Shetland in Statistics 2007 37 SIMD 2009 38 Whalsay CC 61009
28 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay 9.0 GREENER
Natural Resources
Summary of statistics
Community renewables projects:
Wind 2 Heat already in place : Livister Youth Centre
Currently being investigated: Isbister Hall Whalsay Golf Club Whalsay Community Renewable Project
Eco Schools: There are 33 Eco Schools throughout Shetland, which includes Whalsay School.
The exposed nature of the island has formed a rugged and windswept landscape, generally lowlying with rocky shores and dramatic cliffs. There are no designated nature sites on Whalsay.
Symbister House, a category B Listed Building, dominates Symbister. Constructed of Nesting granite in the early 1800s, this substantial building is one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the north of Scotland. The building has been used as the island’s school since the 1960s and has recently been extensively refurbished by the Council. There are 5 other Listed Buildings on Whalsay, 2 category B (Ness Kirk and Symbister Pier House and New Dock) and 3 category C(s) – all in Symbister: Harbour View, Skeo and the SW Dock and Sheds.
There are currently 74 known archaeological sites on the Island, 7 of which are scheduled. The Community Council has identified several sites as requiring environmental improvements: the FishHouse/Cooperage and Small Dock area in Symbister, the Yoxie & Beenie House (which needs paths/signage and interpretation.
Coastal protection works have been carried out at Bayview, Kirk Ayre and Symbister Ness. In general the Island has a “hard” coastline, but sea level rise is a cause for concern and care needs to be taken when planning waterfront developments. There is also a need for further coastal protection works at Symbister North Voe, Suther Ness Ayre and Kirkness Ayre. 39
There is a community wild garden in Symbister, which is maintained by 35 community volunteers.
39 Whalsay CC Area Statement 2004
29 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay There are bottle and can banks at Symbister and Livister Youth Centre.
The Shoard recycling Centre at Brough is open 3 afternoons a week and attracts visitors from all over Shetland to the charity shop aspect of the centre. They stock furniture as well as all household items, clothing and brickabrac. The Centre regularly supplies goods to other charity shops in Shetland and also to the Albania appeal. This means the stock is constantly refreshed. The full title for the group is the Whalsay Disability and Special Needs Support Group and donates money for special needs in and for the island.
Summary of community views Fernlea Care Centre sought funding from the Whalsay Community Council to pay for the Moving On Work Crews project to work on their garden. 40
There is concern locally about dog mess on local walking areas around the Houll Loch. 41
Key Issues
Constraints and opportunities
Proposed actions o Service based o New/additional actions
40 Whalsay CC 61009 41 Whalsay CC 130910
30 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile Whalsay
Appendices
Sources of information
GROS Population Data 2009 [online] http://www.gro scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/councilareadatasheets/shetlandislands factsheet.pdf GROS Population Data 2008 Shetland in Statistics 2007 & 2009 http://www.nts.org.uk/Home/ http://www.shetland.gov.uk/education/BlueprintforEducation.asp NHS Shetland, 2009. Mapping Minority Ethnic Communities in Shetland, 2009. [Online] On the Cusp… Shetland’s Cultural Strategy [Online] http://www.sic.gov.uk/noticeboard/documents/CulturalStrategy.pdf Shetland Islands Council Employment Survey 2007 NHS Shetland North Mainland and Whalsay Community Office Records Whalsay Community Council minutes Whalsay Survey 2010 http://www.shetland.gov.uk/datashare/upload/documents/RaceEqualityMappin gExerciseJuly2009.pdf GROS, 2001. Census, 2001. [Online] http://www.grosscotland. gov.uk/censushm/scotcen2/index.html The Scottish Parliament 2010 UK Parliament 2010 SIC Community Work Service Plan 2010/11 Housing Needs and Demands Assessment (HNDA) August 2010 Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics Shetland Recreational Trust Annual Report 2009/10 Deprivation and Social Exclusion in Shetland 2006 NOMIS and ONS annual population survey 2008 and 2009 SIC Fuel Poverty Strategy Report 20052009 SIC School Service Annual Return 2010 Figures from Whalsay Learning Centre Source Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service 2010 Lerwick Police Station Northern Constabulary website ASB report 2009/10 Shetland Childcare Partnership Feb 2010 Whalsay CC Area Statement 2004 SIMD 2009 http://www.zettrans.org.uk/Implementation/documents/STAGMay08FinalRepo rt.pdf
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