Shetland Islands Council Community Profile West Mainland COMMUNITY PROFILE West Mainland
Shetland Islands Council Community Work Service December 2010
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CONTENTS
Page 4 Introduction Placing the West Mainland Community Profile in context
Page 6 The West Mainland of Shetland A summary of the facilities, communities and uniqueness of the area
Page 7 Population Outlining trends in our population throughout the West Mainland of Shetland
Page 12 Cross Cutting Themes
Page 15 Wealthier Highlighting how businesses and people are increasing their wealth, enabling more people to share fairly in that wealth
Page 19 Fairer Outlining a fairer society
Page 22 Smarter Outlining how the area is expanding opportunities to succeed from nurture through to lifelong learning, ensuring higher and more widely shared achievements
Page 25 Safer Helping communities to flourish, becoming stronger, safer places to live, offering improved opportunities and a better quality of life
Page 27 Stronger Housing, Transport, Community Assets & Communications
Page 33 Healthier Helping people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care
Page 34 Greener Improving Shetland’s natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it
Page 38 Appendices
Page 39 Sources of Information
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Introduction
This document presents a range of social, environmental and cultural information focussing on the West Mainland of Shetland and includes the communities of Nesbister, Whiteness, Weisdale, Tresta, Bixter, Walls, Sandness, Gruting, Culswick, Skeld, Gardehouse, Clousta, Aith, and the small Islands of Foula and Papa Stour which represent specific and unique challenges to their respective communities. This information has been gathered from national and local statistical data, from local research and consultations, and from the views of community members expressed in a range of settings.
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 the Westside of 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.
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.The West Mainland therefore represent one of the 7 localities.
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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
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The West Mainland of Shetland
The West Mainland is a unique area of Shetland rich in heritage & culture, strong in identity and diverse in habitat. The West Mainland supports a large number of communities from Nesbister in the East through to Foula in the far West.
A strong tradition of crofting and traditional land management methods compliment the need for progress and developing new and sometimes high tech businesses, providing employment and income generation. Some of the most dramatic coastal scenery can be found in the West Mainland which supports large numbers of breeding birds and other wildlife. Freshwater Lochs and burns also contribute to the rich biodiversity of the West Mainland. A vast number of archaeological sites enhance the West Mainland as does the complex and unique geology, making this area a high priority for visitors and tourists.
A high standard of infrastructure supports the large number of communities throughout the West Mainland of Shetland which include; an excellent network of high quality roads; six primary schools and one Junior High school; two swimming pools; a leisure centre; two retained fire stations; three formal marinas; four country shops; two health centres; an innovative community energy scheme; eight community halls; three boating clubs; two ferries and two airstrips; a large number of kirks; six community gardens/community woodlands; three camping böds; a lifeboat station; a coastguard response team; three petrol stations; a 12 bed care centre along with a day care centre; and two community cooperatives.
A wide variety of employers base themselves throughout the West Mainland contributing to the social sustainability of the area. The range of employment found in this area includes; a bakery; a knitwear factory; aquaculture facilities; a cheese maker; vehicle repairs; community shops and cooperatives; leisure facilities; schools and lifelong learning providers; jewellery makers; health care providers; transport operators; retained fire fighters; builders, plumbers and electricians; a veterinary practice; three mail sorting and delivery offices; and ferry staff. In addition to this a large number of self employed or lone private business exist. Employment in the West Mainland is diverse with a large number of people undertaking a number employment opportunities concurrently.
The importance of sustainable communities and active citizenship cannot be underestimated throughout the West Mainland. The collective communities of the West make a major contribution to quality of life through active participation in a wide range of community facilities, clubs and social enterprises.
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Population Outlining trends in our population throughout the West Mainland
Population retention remains a key priority for Shetland Islands Council in partnership with other agencies and organisations. Since 2001, the population of the West Mainland has risen by 6.9% standing at 2,098 in 20081.
The areas of Skeld, Clousta, Gruting and Twatt recorded the largest percentage increase during this period of 14.4%. This was followed by Aith, Bixter, Tresta and East Burrafirth with a 5.0% increase and lastly by Walls, Sandness, West Burrafirth and Papa Stour with a 2.3% increase on 2001 figures2.
In 2008, statistics gave reason to believe that the split between males and females within the West Mainland was fairly even. There were 1,040 males and 1,058 females3.
The age group of 40-49 year olds was most predominant in the West Mainland followed by (in descending order) 10-19 year olds, 50-59 year olds, 60-69 year olds, 0-9 year olds, 30-39 year olds, 20-29 year olds, 70-79 year olds, 80-89 year olds and 90 years and over4
2,150
2,100
2,050
2,000
1,950 Total Population
1,900
1,850 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Shetland West 1,963 1,983 1,985 2,059 2,101 2,070 2,099 2,098
Year
Figure 2. As the above table clearly shows, the population of Shetland West has risen by 6.9% between 2001 and 2008, standing at 2,098.
1 GROS Population Data 2008 2 GROS Data Zone 2008 3 GROS Population Data 2008 4 GROS Data Combined Population by Age & Sex 2008
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Shetland West
200
150
100
50 Number of Individuals 0 10 - 20 - 30 - 40 - 50 - 60 - 70 - 80 - 90 & 0 - 9 19 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 over
MALES 102 164 111 125 166 125 141 76 27 3 FEMALES 127 151 86 135 157 144 119 69 53 17
Figure 3. Gender and Age profile for West Mainland 2008
1,000 Skeld, Clousta, Gruting & Twatt 950 Walls, Sandness, West Burrafith & Papa Stour 900 Aith, Bixter, Tresta & East 850 Burrafirth
800
750
700
Total Population 650
600
550
500 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year
Figure 4. Population changes between 2001 and 2008
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Population at Census After decades of population decline, which had fallen to 17,000 in the mid 1960s, the population of Shetland has recovered well. This was most dramatic during the 1970s & 1980s as a direct result of oil exploitation. Since the recent high point recorded in the 1981 Census of 22,768, Shetland’s population in the 2001 Census stood at 21,988 which represents a change (comparing with 1991 Census) of – 0.1%.
Community Population Population Population Population Population Council at Census at Census at Census at Census at Census Area 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 Sandness & 561 483 573 554 601 Walls Sandsting & 957 873 1,002 891 945 Aithsting Tingwall, 1,603 1,671 1,080 1,431 1,722 Whiteness & Weisdale Table 1. Population at Census
Religious Affiliation The 2001 Census gave data specific to religious affiliation. Whilst the mainstream Christian based congregations unsurprisingly commanded the most support, other religions were also supported. A large proportion of the population of the West Mainland however was either not aliened to any religious grouping or chose not to respond to this particular question.
None Nnone Church of Roman Other Buddhist Hindu Jewish MuSikhSslim Sikh Another No Scotland Catholic Christian Religion response Nesting, 546 521 30 148 4 - - 4 - 9 75 Whiteness, Girlsta and Gott Sandsting, 426 421 26 152 3 - - 1 - 10 46 Aithsting and Weisdale Walls, 348 267 13 185 6 - - 1 - 15 39 Sandness and Clousta Table 2. Religious affiliation throughout the West Mainland (2001 Census).
Life Expectancy Life expectancy rates in Shetland are amongst the highest in the UK with life expectancy (2005-2008) at birth estimated to be 76.1 years for males and 82.6 years for females. At age 65, life expectancy for men is 18.4 years (83.4 years) and 21 years (86 years) for women. Shetland has replaced Aberdeenshire as the local authority area ranked number 1 for female life expectancy5
5 Shetland Islands Assessment of Housing Need and Demand – Shetland Islands Council
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Community Views The community in the West Mainland are in general optimistic about the rising population pattern although some concern should be shown for the relatively low increase of 2.3% for Walls, Sandness, West Burrafirth & Papa Stour. It is hoped that this trend remains or is accelerated through retaining key frontline services which support regeneration projects and creating improvements throughout the West Mainland area specifically in employment, infrastructure and housing.
Key Issues The threat of closure to Sandness Primary School places some pressure on the settlement of Sandness for families with young children. Lack of local employment and local housing remain a constant challenge to all communities throughout the West Mainland as does the perceived centralisation of services away from rural and remote areas. The ageing population profile requires specific services and recourses dedicated to caring for an ageing population.
Issues surrounding population are even more evident on Foula & Papa Stour. Foula (population as of 2010 is 30), whilst retaining its fragile population does experience fluctuations year on year. However, Foula is developing well and through this sustained development, is beginning to show signs of maintaining and indeed slowly increasing its population. This has been achieved mainly through community efforts (in Partnership with agencies) – specifically in the areas of transport links and the community electricity scheme. Whilst the community welcome this population increase, it is viewed as extremely fragile and is reliant on so many interconnecting factors, for example the potential removal of fire cover for Foula, constant concerns over transport links and the perceived threat to Nursing cover place the community of Foula under constant pressure.
Papa Stour is also showing signs of population retention and recovery – although this is very fragile with a net increase of 1 over the last year (resident population as of 2010 is 16). The opening of the local school after a dormant period is evidence of this. Substantial community efforts (in partnership) have also had positive outcomes on population retention. Papa Stour experiences “absent landowners” – residents with land that feel forced out of Papa Stour due to relatively poor transport links and lack of employment opportunities. It has been estimated that four or five people fall in to this category.
Opportunities Shetland Islands Council already recognise the benefits of rural and remote working in relation to population retention. This has been highlighted in various publications and plans including the Local Plan (2004) and various development plans. Since the appointment of a new Chief Executive, the Council has expressed its desire to lead the field in this area and at the time of writing this Profile, the outcome of this concept is still under consideration.
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New housing being constructed at Aith will have a positive effect on the population of the village and this is welcomed.
The Foula Electricity Scheme (which is a community owned renewable energy scheme) has the potential to provide substantial benefit to the community through cheaper electricity and provision of insulation, energy reduction initiatives and storage heating provision. This could assist in population retention but could also draw new people to Foula interested in sustainable living.
Proposed Actions The Blueprint for Education may prove to have a direct impact on specific population centres once concluded.
The rekindling of the Local Service Delivery Group for the West Mainland will have a positive impact on service delivery and community engagement through the West Mainland.
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Cross Cutting Themes
Strengthening Communities There are three key areas of delivery in this area, which all agencies in Shetland are able to make a contribution: Community Development and Capacity Building Volunteering Social Economy
Strengthening Communities delivers across all areas of Shetland’s outcomes, for example: 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 delivery Safer: volunteering and the social economy play a critical role in delivery Stronger: helping communities to flourish, with improved opportunities Greener: social enterprise and volunteering are key to delivery of a greener society
Culture The vision for cultural life in Shetland is: ‘We seek to ensure that Shetland’s cultural assets are conserved, developed and supported in order to allow everyone to reach his or her potential, strengthen community identity, pride and confidence and secure prosperity for the benefit of present and future generations. We intend that Shetland’s cultural assets will be recognised as among the riches and most diverse to be found anywhere. We want Shetland to be the most exciting creative and cultural island community in the world’
Community Development and Capacity Building There are a large number of community assets thoughout the West profile area. These include; Sandness Public Hall; Stofa at Papa Stour; Foula Electricity Scheme; Walls Public Hall; Germatwatt Centre, Walls; Walls Swimming Pool; Walls Marina; Walls Boating Club ;Gruting Hall; Skeld Hall; Skeld Marina; Skeld Regatta Clubhouse; Skeld Caravan & Camping Park; Da Gairdins, Sand; Bixter Public Hall; Aith Public Hall; Eid Cooperative; Aith Marina; Aith Community Garden; Michael’s Wood; Whiteness Public Hall; and Whitness Snooker Club6.
Local Community Development in the West Profile area is well developed and has enjoyed considerable success. Local Community Development Groups include; Foula Heritage; Foula Ranger Service; Gruting & District Development Association; Papa Stour History Group; Walls Community Development Group; and Aith Community Association7
6 Shetland Community Directory 2010 7 Shetland Community Directory 2010
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As can be expected, there is a huge and diverse range of Community Groups in the area. These cover many interest groups ranging from youth organisations through to Heritage groups. In total more than 73 Community Groups & Societies operate throughout the area
Summary of Community Views Community groups throughout the West Mainland regularly advertise for new volunteers, and whilst the level of volunteering across the region is impressive, there is local concern that the demographic makeup of community groups is increasingly ageing and that future decades may pose problems without more ‘young blood’ joining committees. In general folk in the West Mainland are proud of the level of local commitment to community action, though some committees to complain from time to time of ‘Committee Fatigue’, and the input of community work officers and third sector organisations such as Voluntary Action Shetland are crucial to assist with support and ongoing capacity building.
Key Issues Key issues are to ensure that the level of community volunteering is sustained and sustainable without placing undue burden on volunteers. As budgets decrease in coming years, it will provide increasingly difficult to sustain the high number of community owned facilities. A lack of volunteering from young people, particularly 14-18 year-olds is a recurring problem.
Constraints As funding becomes scarce, some groups face an uncertain future and may need to streamline their activities.
Opportunities There is ample opportunity to work with the Youth Development Worker and external initiatives such as the MV Volunteering Awards to encourage more young people to participate in community life. The decreasing availability of funding suggests an opportunity for some community groups to look at their core principles and establish whether amalgamating and developing a more strategic approach to community development could save labour and money. All community organisations in the West Mainland have an opportunity to adopt social enterprise models, and by moving to a more income-generation focussed operation that enables organisations to be less reliant on vanishing grant funding and more self-sustaining.
Proposed Actions -Service Based All services across SIC should show a commitment to the development of a Local Service Delivery Group (or similar) that will contribute to a strategic rationalisation of community action. This includes a commitment to attend meetings outside of Lerwick to engage with communities
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SIC Community Work and Youth Services should work actively to promote youth volunteering and to encourage uptake of MV Awards
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
SIC Community Work should continue to work constructively with heritage organisations and with Shetland Heritage Association to build a case for fair allocation of support to heritage organisations following a thorough audit of the current landscape
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Wealthier The Local Economy
Employment The following employment data is collected through Community Council area8. Walls & Sandness 78 full time males, 33 full time females, 36 part time males,143 part time females Sandsting & Aithsting 48 full time males, 25 full time females, 28 part time males, 77 part time females Tingwall Whiteness & Weisdale 124 full time males, 31 full time females, 33 part time males, 56 part time females
Employment by Area 2007 C Community o Council Area d Total e Male FT Female FT Male PT Female PT Total Male FTE Female FTE FTE 1Sandness & Walls 0 78 33 36 143 290 90 81 171 1Sandsting & Aithsting 1 48 25 28 77 178 57 51 108 1TWW 5 124 31 33 56 244 135 50 185 Total 4966 2335 1153 3790 12244 5350 3598 8949 Table 3. Employment Statistics by Community Council Area.
Percentage difference in full time equivalent posts 2003 to 2007 (Community Council Area) The largest percentage difference in full time equivalent posts from 2003 to 2007 was recorded in Aithsting and Sandsting with –58%. This was followed by Sandness & Walls with –2% and Whiteness, Tingwall and Weisdale with –1%9
Employment by Sector The West Mainland is varied in employment terms. Many people are employed in more than one job due to the nature of rural living. Within the West Mainland the main employment sectors are; agriculture; public administration/service: aquaculture; wholesale/retail; catering; manufacturing; transport services; accommodation; construction; and business service.
Some examples of employment providers with the area include a bakery, a spinning mill, salmon & muscle farms, local schools and a care centre, a
8 Shetland Islands Council Employment Survey 2007 9 Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Unit 2007
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sports centre, local builders/trades, Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service, mechanics, crofting and care providers.
Significant West Mainland Small Employers There are some very well established local business throughout the West Mainland that make a small but significant contribution to the local economy. These include; Walls Bakery; Sandness Mill; North Atlantic Shellfish; the Bixter Garage; and a number of building/construction companies.
Local Retail Local shops provide employment opportunities (as well as a valued service) to the local community. There are 5 local shops on the Westside of Shetland and these are; Aith Community Cooperative; Walls Shop; Bixter Shop; Whitness Shop; and Weisdale Shop. There are petrol stations at the Walls Shop, Bixter Shop, Skeld and at the Whiteness Shop There are 3 local Post Offices located at the Bixter Shop, Walls Shop and Weisdale Shop
Industrial Zones There are 3 Industrial Estates within the area; Walls, Skeld and Sandness10. All sites are at capacity and provide local employment.
Income and Earnings (by Community Council area). Data released in 200911 (estimate) indicates that Sandsting and Aithsting area showed an estimated median income of £27,001 to £30,000. Walls and Sandness Community Council £30,001 to £32,000 whilst Tingwall Whiteness and Weisdale had the highest with £33,001 to £34,000.
Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) Ranking Income Domain Ranking. Of 30 Ranking Wards, 1= Most deprived and 30= least deprived. Current Current Income Rank of Income Rank of Domain the 30 Domain the 30 2006 Wards in 2009 Wards in National Local Change from Data Zone Data Zone Description Rank Shetland Rank Shetland Trend Trend SIMD 2006 remaining in 85% least S01005510 Whiteness/Weisdale, Wadbister & Girlsta 5,768 29 5841 29 deprived remaining in 85% least S01005511 Skeld, Clousta, Gruting & Twatt 4,770 23 5796 28 deprived remaining in Walls, Sandness, West Burrafith & Papa 85% least S01005512 Stour 3,235 6 4237 12 deprived remaining in 85% least S01005513 Aith, Bixter, Tresta & East Burrafirth 4,028 16 4841 23 deprived Table 4. Income SIMD Ranking by Community Council Area comparing data from 2006 to 2009.
10 Shetland Islands Council Local Plan 2004 11 CACI Paycheck 2009
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Employment Domain Ranking. Of 30 Ranking Wards, 1= Most deprived and 30= least deprived Employ Employ ment Rank of ment Rank of Domain the 30 Domain the 30 Change 2006 Wards in 2009 Wards in National Local from SIMD Data Zone Data Zone Description Rank Shetland Rank Shetland Trend Trend 2006 remaining in 85% Whiteness/Weisdale, Wadbister & least S01005510 Girlsta 6,403 30 6329 29 deprived remaining in 85% least S01005511 Skeld, Clousta, Gruting & Twatt 5887 26 6097 27 deprived remaining in 85% Walls, Sandness, West Burrafith & least S01005512 Papa Stour 3996 10 4818 19 deprived remaining in 85% least S01005513 Aith, Bixter, Tresta & East Burrafirth 4670 19 4657 18 deprived Table 5. Employment SIMD Ranking by Community Council Area comparing data from 2006 to 2009.
Community Views At a recent meeting in Walls attended by community representatives, lack of employment opportunities, centralisation of jobs and a reliance on fragile employment were highlighted as areas of concern12.
Key Issues Local employment remains a key issue for rural communities and the West Mainland is no exception. With the perceived centralisation of services to Lerwick, the majority of people living in the West Mainland travel a substantial distance to and from their workplace. For those with a private car, this can amount to travelling up to (and sometimes beyond) 12,000 miles in a year for a fulltime Lerwick based Post at considerable expense. For those relying on bus routes, this can also be a considerable expense.
Crofting and aquaculture are important sectors for the West Mainland – each one though does rely on external markets and forces which makes for difficult operating circumstances/planning ahead. As a result, many jobs within these sectors are part time or seasonal.
Employment within Foula and Papa Stour remains a key issue as opportunities are at present limited. For example, Foula presently maintains a small number of full and part time posts – the vast majority of these are in the service sector such as education and healthcare. There are some part time posts connected with seasonal visitor provision and temporary employment opportunities but these are unfortunately short lived. Papa Stour supports 1 full time post and two part time posts – again, all in the service sector. There
12 Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership Meeting at Walls – 12th July 2010
Page 17 of 39 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile West Mainland are a very small number of private business post in Papa Stour including crofting, and Hostel provision (the Hostel also sell produce to the Mainland).
The rural centres around Aith, Walls, Sandness, Skeld and Bixter also present limited employment opportunities.
Opportunities To help diversify the local economy, focus needs to be given to the development of additional local tourist facilities. For example B&B accommodation and fishing opportunities13 Rural working opportunities should be encouraged14 15 The concept of rural and remote working (opposed to centralised working) is an opportunity with positive outcomes spanning many areas; population retention; wealth retention (spending less on commuting); flexible working arrangements; and indirectly supporting rural shops A new cheese producer is now operating at Skeld. It is hoped that this will provide local employment The development of the Foula community energy scheme could provide high skilled employment opportunities The opening of the mothballed Papa Stour School should be viewed as an opportunity for local employment
Proposed Actions The planned new Pier at Walls will have a positive impact on marine employment opportunities.
The further development of the Foula Electricity Scheme will bring significant benefit to the whole Isle of Foula and may be an opportunity to create employment.
The construction of the final component of the new Aith road may have the potential to attract local business into Aith once the transport infrastructure has been improved.
There is a proposal to develop a community enterprise centre at Skeld although this is temporarily on hold at present. Should this go ahead, this will provide local employment opportunities.
The imminent re-opening of the Papa Stour School may provide local employment.
The development of facilities for yachts and caravans at Papa Stour Pier may also provide seasonal employment opportunities.
13 Shetland Islands Council Local Plan 2004 14 Aithsting & Sandsting Community Council Minute 15th January 2008 15 Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership Meeting at Walls – 12th July 2010
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FAIRER
Political and Democratic There are three Community Councils covering the West Mainland. There are Sandness and Walls Community Council, Aithsting Community Council and Tingwall, Whitenss & Weisdale Community Council16 There are three elected members serving Shetland Islands Council covering the West Mainland of Shetland. They are Florence Grains, Gary Robinson and Frank Robertson17 The MSP for Shetland is Tavish Scott MSP18 and the MP for Orkney & Shetland is Alistair Carmichael MP19
Amenities & Services The West Mainland has 5 primary schools, one junior high school, four nurseries, five shops, four petrol stations, two retained fire & rescue units, a coastguard response team, a lifeboat station, a care centre, a leisure centre (which offers a wide range of activities including; adult evening classes; aquarobics; badminton; boxfit; dodgeball; fifty plus club; group swimming; hockey; multi sport activities; individual swimming; parent & toddlers sessions; spinning; and trampoline coaching. Attendance figures for 2009/2010 were just over 55,000.20 ) a community owned and operated swimming pool, seven public toilets and two health centres (one with dentist provision). There are two working piers and three marinas.
There are Broadband exchanges at Bixter (8,000kbps Max), Papa Stour (512kbps Max), Reawick (8,000kbps Max), Sandness (8,000kbps Max), Walls (8,000kbps Max) and Foula (512kbps Max)21.
There are three formal youth clubs operating in the West Mainland and a wide range of social care support for vulnerable members of our community.
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 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.
16 Shetland in Statistics 2009 17 Shetland in Statistics 2009 18 The Scottish Parliament 2010 19 UK Parliament 2010 20 Shetland Recreational Trust Annual Report 2009/2010 21 Shetland Islands Council Economic Development
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As a rough indicator, Walls, Sandness, Clousta, Sandsting, Aithsting & Weisdale have above average risk from fuel poverty whilst Whiteness is identified as below average risk22.
Community Views Facilities and amenities are well provided throughout the West Mainland and are appreciated by local communities.
The democratic process is generally well supported and as an indicator, local Community Councils are well represented and attended. The recent Community Council nominations (2010) has resulted in one of the few contested seats – that of central Walls where five nominations were received for four seats which will now result in an election.
There is a perception that Broadband coverage is poor, but according to the data, the majority of provision is comparable to Lerwick or Scalloway with the exception of Foula & Papa Stour, which remains a concern.
Key Issues Mobile phone coverage remains very patchy and is non-existent in many locations throughout the West Mainland. This presents issues in terms of general communications but is also a major challenge to public safety issues.
Broadband improvement is desperately needed for Foula and Papa Stour. The limited service is having a detrimental impact on theses two island communities and remains a key issue for residents and small business.
The cost of living is often higher on Papa Stour and Foula due to the added expense of either flying or shipping in materials, fuel, food and supplies. This often has a detrimental impact on the isles and adds to the challenges of the local population. This is also evident in service provision or taking part in leisure/social/learning activities.
Access to services and social events from Foula and Papa Stour can prove a major challenge relying as they do on ferry and air links. For example, the community of Foula is generally very pleased with the level of service provided by Atlantic Ferries although this can be restricted by weather. The air service is patchy, again due to weather conditions. There has been a suggestion that 1 extra flight to/from Foula per week may be supplied, but this has not yet materialised.
Local road conditions on Foula are felt to be inadequate. Whilst the community accept their single track road, it is felt that it is in very poor condition with verges encroaching, drains blocked, passing places not marked, and issues with cattle grids. The road is also not gritted during icy conditions and it is felt that the road is not fit for purpose for taking tractors and heavy loads on. This is pertinent to the “Fairer” section of this Profile as
22 Shetland Islands Council Fuel Poverty Strategy 2005-2009
Page 20 of 39 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile West Mainland some members of the Foula community feel their infrastructure is not treated fairly (in comparison with Mainland Shetland) and this impinges on their ability to undertake activities which are commonplace on Mainland Shetland.
There is no ambulance cover on Foula or Papa Stour which again may place these island communities at an unfair disadvantage with regard to emergency health care.
The use of a community Hall on Foula has been a long running challenge. With no purpose built community hall, the primary school is used for community events. This has proved difficult at times but it is hoped that this is now being resolved.
The lack of a taxi service on Foula and Papa Stour has proved at times to be a difficulty. Whilst most of the community are happy to pick each other up (in the spirit of a good community) and run them to the airstrip or ferry for example, it has been suggested that a taxi service would have beneficial in certain circumstances.
Emergency medical response in Papa Stour is felt to be adequate although this is restricted slightly by obvious ferry links.
Opportunities There is an opportunity on Foula and Papa Stour to provide better broadband cover through the existing Pathfinder Project It is hoped that the Community Energy Scheme on Foula will reduce radically the level of fuel poverty on the isle There may be an opportunity to site a mobile signal relay mast on Foula which would provide full mobile cover for the isle and the West Mainland as well as the oil fields to the West of Shetland
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Smarter Education & Learning
School Attendance Secondary attendance at Aith Junior High School has been rising steadily since 1976 and in 2008 was 10523 Primary attendance fluctuates at all Primary Schools in the West area. During 2008 Aith Primary School had 70 pupils; Foula Primary School had 2; Happyhansel Primary School had 52; Papa Stour Primary School had 0; Sandness Primary School had 5; Skeld Primary School had 25; and Whiteness Primary School had 83 pupils24
Nursery Attendance Nursery attendance throughout the area has also fluctuated since 1981. During 2008 Aith Nursery had 14 attendees; Foula had 0; Happyhansel had 13; Papa Stour had 0; Skeld had 5; and Whiteness had 25.25
Adult Learning & Evening Class There are two Adult Learning Centres in the West Mainland located at the Walls Hall and Aith Leisure Centre. During 2008/2009, these two combined Learning Centres had an enrolment of 44.
There were 2 Certified and 5 Non-Certified Evening Classes within the West Mainland. Evening classes were held at Aith Hall, Skeld Primary School, Whiteness Primary School and the Walls Hall.
School Leavers The total number of school leavers (from Aith JHS) in 2010 was 5. Of these 5, further education, full time employment and national training programmes were their destinations.26
23 Shetland in Statistics 2009 24 Shetland in Statistics 2009 25 Shetland in Statistics 2009 26 Shetland Islands Council Post School Destination Record 2010
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Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) Ranking Education, Skills & Training Domain Ranking. Of 30 Ranking Wards, 1= Most deprived and 30= least deprived
Education, Education, Skills & Rank of Skills & Rank of Training the 30 Training the 30 Change Data Zone Domain Rank Wards in Domain Rank Wards in National Local from SIMD Data Zone Description 2006 Shetland 2009 Shetland Trend Trend 2006 remaining in 85% Whiteness/Weisdale, least S01005510 Wadbister & Girlsta 4,830 23 5204 27 deprived remaining in 85% Skeld, Clousta, least S01005511 Gruting & Twatt 5413 27 4979 25 deprived remaining Walls, Sandness, in 85% West Burrafith & Papa least S01005512 Stour 3761 9 4571 20 deprived remaining in 85% Aith, Bixter, Tresta & least S01005513 East Burrafirth 4987 25 4426 19 deprived Table 6. Education, Skills & Training SIMD Ranking by Community Council Area comparing data from 2006 to 2009.
Community Views Sandness Primary School – Role within the community strongly emphasised27 Aith Junior High School – Pupils should stay at AJH until S4 complete28 Concern has been raised regarding Skeld Primary School being classed as “non-viable”29
Key Issues The proposed closure of Sandness Primary School is of great concern to the community of Sandness. In total there have been 38 written submissions during the Informal Consultation stage of the Blueprint for Education in Shetland for Sandness Primary School.30
The Blueprint for Education has also raised key issues for the community of the West Mainland in general. The schools (and supporting communities) in Skeld, Aith and Walls (Happyhansel) have also been consulted on changes to their provision which has generally been met with resistance from local communities. At the time of writing this Profile, the outcome regarding the Blueprint for Education proposals are not yet fully known.
The re-opening of Papa Stour Primary School for a new family has been cautious welcomed within the Isle.
27 Sandness and Walls Community Council Minute 20th February 2007 & 24th April 2007 28 Aithsting & Sandsting Community Council Minute 15th March 2010 29 Aithsting & Sandsting Community Council Minute 15th March 2010 30 Shetland Islands Council Education Dept. 2010
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Formal adult learning opportunities on Foula and Papa Stour are non existent although training/support opportunities on the Mainland for employees in health, education and transport are felt to be excellent. Most adult learning is undertaken through the Open University.
Constraints Shetland Islands Council have reduced budget capability and this is seen as a major challenge to providing services to local communities.
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Safer Crime & Community Safety
In Shetland as a whole, crime rates are lower in rural areas. This is borne out in the West Mainland, where crime rates are amongst the lowest in Scotland. In general, crime levels in Shetland are slowly increasing. There has been a recent increase in the amount of criminal offences, road accidents and number killed or injured on Shetland’s roads. The number of reported incidents of domestic abuse is also increasing. Reported crimes include road/traffic violations.
In 2009, data provided through SIMD indicated that reported crime the West Mainland was ranked accordingly; Aith/Bixter/Treast & East Burrafirth 18; Skeld/Clousta/Gruting & Twatt 24; Walls/Sandness/West Burrafirth & Papa Stour 25; and Whiteness/Wesidale/Wadbister & Girlsta 2831. For clarity, there were 30 rankings throughout Shetland with No1 containing the highest crimes and No30 containing the least.
Community Views In general, communities throughout the West Mainland feel safe in their homes and are happy with the low crime levels in the area. Police response to incidents or enquiries is also felt to be very good within the West Mainland.
Whilst there is no Police presence in Foula or Papa Stour, cover and response for both communities is felt to be excellent considering the geographical challenges.
Key Issues Crime is not generally thought to be a significant issue for the West Mainland. In recent years there have been occasional occurrences of under-age drinking and the use of fake ID cards by young people at community hall functions, but this is being effectively tackled by the Shetland Halls Association in co- operation with the Northern Constabulary.
There is a one person manned Police Station at Scalloway which also covers the West Mainland. It has recently been proposed that this Station closes and the Officer relocated to Lerwick. It is not yet clear how this will affect the West Mainland.
The community of Foula feel a perceived threat not from crime, but from a reduction in services from Mainland Shetland. This includes education, transport, health and emergency cover. A number of chalets burned down recently for example due in no small part to lack of fire fighting cover. Whilst there is no real and actual threat that services are to be reduced or withdrawn in Foula, members of the community have stated that they fear any cuts to
31 SIMD 2009
Page 25 of 39 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile West Mainland service more than actual crime concerns. No data exists to support this view, but members of the Foula community have also stated that their health can be affected by this constant threat of service reduction as it will make their way of life extremely difficult.
The community of Papa Stour generally feel very safe and do not fear crime.
The service offered by NHS 24 to Foula has at times proved extremely frustrating to some residents. NHS 24 do not seem to grasp the isolated geographic challenges of Foula and this therefore can result in incorrect advice or unhelpful delays in advice given. Limitations of ambulance cover (provided by air ambulance) to Foula is also an area of concern for the community.
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Stronger Housing, Transport, Community Assets & Communications
Housing Housing (and availability of Housing) remains a high priority for local communities. Without affordable housing young people tend to drift towards higher populated areas and away from the rural locations of their births or childhoods. As a result, local communities can experience small scale local depopulation and if experienced over a large period of time, this can have detrimental effects on the viability and sustainability of a community.
Community Council Social Rented Housing Private Sector Area Housing Sandness and Walls 15.4% 84.6% Sandsting and Aithsting 11.9% 88.1% Tingwall Whitenss & 9.2% 90.8% Weisdale Table 7. Assessors and Electoral Registration Service, Shetland 2006. Social Rented Housing equates to 107 properties in the West Mainland and 278 in the Central Mainland.
New Build Completions by Locality and Year From 2000 to 2008, the number of new builds in the West Mainland has fluctuated each year. In total 71 new homes were built over this period.
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 West 1 11 9 8 3 9 4 17 9 Mainland Table 8. Number of new build completions – Shetland Islands Council
Planning Permissions Granted for New Build As can be expected, the number of granted planning permissions for housing new build can be different to actual new build figures. From 2000 to 2008, the number of granted planning permissions for the West Mainland were 84.
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 West 9 1 4 4 13 12 11 15 15 Mainland Table 9. Number of granted planning permissions for housing – Shetland Islands Council
Private Property Sales in West Mainland From 1999 to 2008, 151 private houses changed hands. As can be expected, the number of private sales fluctuates over this period. Interestingly, the average number of months it took to sell a property in the West Mainland
Page 27 of 39 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile West Mainland during 2008 was 5 months. This was surpassed only by the North Isles with 6 months32
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 West 12 10 11 18 13 15 12 17 18 25 Mainland Table 10. Private Property Sales in West Mainland. Shetland Islands Council
Council House Sales 1998/99 to 2008/09 Under the UK Governments right to buy scheme, the West Mainland has seen 8 council houses sold to private residents33
Overland Transport Passenger Figures – Public Transport Shetland Islands Council operate (in partnership with some local operators) a number of public transport services from the West Mainland to/from Lerwick. During 2008 42,576 passenger journeys were made.34
Broadband Speed Broadband speed (download only) data is only available via local telephone exchanges.35 Bixter - 8,000kbps Max Papa Stour – 512kbps Max Reawick – 8,000kbps Max Sandness – 8,000kbps Max Walls – 8,000kbps Max Foula – 512kbps Max
Fire & Rescue Provision There are two Fire & Rescue Retained Units in the Area at Walls and Bixter each providing 24hour retained emergency response status. Bixter has a full size water tender appliance and Walls has a light fire appliance. Each unit has 12 retained firefighters with breathing apparatus and RTC cutting gear capability36
Coastguard Response There is one Coastguard Response Unit at Walls. The Response Unit is trained generally in land/cliff based search & rescue techniques and has an emergency response 4X4 with associated equipment available37
Lifeboat Station There is one Lifeboat Station at Aith operated by the RNLI. Its Severn class lifeboat is the largest lifeboat used in its fleet.38
32 Assessment of Housing Need and Demand 2010. Shetland Islands Council 33 Assessment of Housing Need and Demand 2010. Shetland Islands Council 34 Shetland in Statistics 2009 35 Economic Development Unit 2010 36 Highland & Islands Fire & Rescue Service 2010 37 Maritime & Coastguard Agency 2010
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Community Assets There are a large number of community assets thoughout the West profile area. These include; Sandness Public Hall; Stofa at Papa Stour; Foula Electricity Scheme; Walls Public Hall; Germatwatt Centre, Walls; Walls Swimming Pool; Walls Marina; Walls Boating Club ;Gruting Hall; Skeld Hall; Skeld Marina; Skeld Regatta Clubhouse; Skeld Caravan & Camping Park; Da Gairdins, Sand; Bixter Public Hall; Aith Public Hall; Eid Cooperative; Aith Marina; Aith Community Garden; Michael’s Wood; Whiteness Public Hall; and Whitness Snooker Club39.
Community Development Local Community Development in the West Profile area is well developed and has enjoyed considerable success. Local Community Development Groups include; Foula Heritage; Foula Ranger Service; Gruting & District Development Association; Papa Stour History Group; Walls Community Development Group; and Aith Community Association40
Community Groups As can be expected, there is a huge and diverse range of Community Groups in the area. These cover many interest groups ranging from youth organisations through to Heritage groups. In total more than 73 Community Groups & Societies operate throughout the area41.
38 Royal National Lifeboat Institution 2010 39 Shetland Community Directory 2010 40 Shetland Community Directory 2010 41 West & Central Community Work Office 2010
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Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) to the Westside42
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunity Threat Being Poor Roads Remote Working Fuel Prices Isolated Distance Raise profiles Centralisation Sense of between of Services (Schools, strong Communities Better Post Offices, NHS24, Community Consultation Fire Service, Youth Fuel Prices Service & Sport Community Owned Pool Off Main Road More ‘Red Tape’
Capital Public Transport Empty Houses Assets Owned by Slow Broadband Depopulation Community Depopulation Beautiful environment Lack of jobs & heritage Lack of land for Care Centre housing
Foula and Leisure Centre in Papa Stour Aith Heritage and Tourism Reliance on fragile industries
Low profile area
Community Views Telephone boxes with credit card payment is not satisfactory43 Mobile phone companies are encouraged to provide better coverage throughout the area. Landline companies should ensure that systems are upgraded to facilitate better broadband coverage.44 Mobile phone coverage inadequate.45 Broadband coverage limited.46 Affordable Housing needed for Walls47/48
42 Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership Meeting at Walls – 12th July 2010 43 Sandness and Walls Community Council Minute 6th November 2007 44 Shetland Islands Council Local Plan 2004 45 Aithsting & Sandsting Community Council Minute 23rd January 2007 46 Aithsting & Sandsting Community Council Minute 9th July 2007 47 Sandness and Walls Community Council Minute 13th April 2010
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Key Issues The price of fuel, lack of remote working, depopulation, lack of affordable housing, centralisation of services and limited public transport are all key issues for the whole of the West Mainland.
Fire & Rescue provision on Foula and Papa Stour are areas for local concern although this is not through lack of trying by Highlands and Islands Fire & Rescue Service. There is a feeling however that local conditions are not being taken in to account by the Service.
Lack of housing provision on Foula has been raised as a key issue and specifically lack of social housing despite requests from Foula for more social housing. Interestingly, it is felt that the only option for new/additional housing on Foula is self build which presents their own challenges in terms of significantly higher build costs than Mainland Shetland. Lack of housing has an impact on many areas including population expansion and the viability/sustainability of a community. Due to a lack of housing one current member of the community is leasing holiday accommodation which reduces visitor accommodation opportunities and also reduces the capacity of Foula to accept short term visitors.
Housing on Papa Stour however is viewed a little differently. It is felt that people should be encouraged to buy in to the Isle as a sign of commitment and as a way to help slow the sometimes transient nature of new residents. It is also felt that on Papa Stour, social housing may have a negative impact.
The current state of the roads throughout Papa Stour are thought to be very good but there is major concern within the Isle regarding the suggestion that the Foula & Papa Stour ferry service may be amalgamated. Also on the subject of ferry links, there is some though on Papa Stour that a significantly increased ferry service to the Isle may actually have a negative impact particularly in terms of Papa Stour becoming a “commuter” only Isle.
Opportunities Shetland Textile Working Museum, Walls49 Engaging more community members for Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership (Far West)50 Improving communication links for Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership (Far West) Start a Communication Network and set up a facebook page for Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership (Far West) Take ideas from this meeting back to individual communities for Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership (Far West)
48 Sandness and Walls Community Council Minute 3rd August 2010 49 Support for Textile Working Museum at Walls – Sandness and Walls Community Council Minute 3rd July 2007 50 Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership Meeting at Walls – 12th July 2010
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Focus on whether there is an interest in the communities to carry things forward for Social Economy & Community Regeneration Partnership (Far West) There are a small number of vacant properties on Papa Stour which could be brought back in to circulation to help the housing stock
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Healthier
Health Domain Ranking. Of 30 Ranking Wards, 1= Most deprived and 30= least deprived
Rank of Health Rank of Health the 30 domain the 30 domain 2006 Wards in 2009 Wards in Change from Data Zone Data Zone Description Rank Shetland Rank Shetland SIMD 2006 remaining in Whiteness/Weisdale, 85% least S01005510 Wadbister & Girlsta 6,163 27 5514 27 deprived remaining in Skeld, Clousta, Gruting 85% least S01005511 & Twatt 6223 28 6266 28 deprived remaining in Walls, Sandness, West 85% least S01005512 Burrafith & Papa Stour 4326 17 5196 24 deprived remaining in Aith, Bixter, Tresta & 85% least S01005513 East Burrafirth 4430 20 4287 15 deprived Table 11. Health SIMD Ranking by Community Council Area comparing data from 2006 to 2009.
Health Surgeries There is a Health Surgery located at Bixter and Walls servicing the West Mainland. During 2009 Bixter Health Surgery had 1,099 registrations and Walls Health Surgery had 672 registrations51.
Care Centre There is a Care Centre at Walls operated by Shetland Islands Council, which can accommodate up to 13 full time residents. In addition to this a Day Care service operates 4 days a week, which can accommodate 18 clients each day.52
Community Views The cleanliness of the local environment has been cited (Foula community member) as a major contributor to the well being of the West Mainland and should not be underestimated.
Key Issues Service provision for Dentist, Doctors, Nursing and other health professionals remains a challenge to the people of Foula. This is mainly due to logistical reasons opposed to the willingness of service providers. Nevertheless, this remains a key issue for the communities of Foula. Healthcare provision on Papa Stour is felt to be generally good but social care can sometimes be an area for some concern.
51 Shetland in Statistics 2009 52 Shetland Islands Council 2010
Page 33 of 39 Shetland Islands Council Community Profile West Mainland Greener Recycling Shetland Islands Council lead and facilitate the majority of reuse, reduce & recycle initiatives throughout Shetland although there are some noteworthy additions such as Shetland Amenity Trust, COPE and a large number of charity shops recycling goods and clothing. Specific to the West Mainland area, the Aith Charity Shop recycles household goods. There are also 8 recycling bring points throughout the area allowing the collection of textiles, cans and glass. These are at Foula, Papa Stour, Sandness, Walls, Bixter, Skeld, Aith and Whitness53.
Tidy Business Awards There are four Green Tidy Business Scheme Accreditations - Eid Community Cooperative, Walls Shop, Westside Veterinary Surgery Bixter & West Mainland Leisure Centre54.
Community Skips Community skips are issued by Shetland Islands Council for bulky household waste. Whilst their locations can often change, there are usually skips available within the main inhabited areas of the West Mainland55
Eco Schools There are 33 Eco Schools throughout Shetland. 6 of these are in the West Mainland area and consist of Aith Junior High School, Foula Primary School, Happyhansel Primary School, Sandness Primary School, Skeld Primary School and Whiteness Primary School56
Street Cleanliness & Community Clean-ups Shetland is one of the cleanest areas in Scotland with a LEAMS index of 75 according to the Local Environmental Auditing and Management System 57. Local Environmental Audit and Monitoring Systems (LEAMS) and Cleanliness Index Monitoring System (CIMS) are deployed by the Council. The cleanliness index measures environmental cleanliness in a number of areas, assessing standards of cleanliness, sources of litter, types of litter and reasons for presence of litter. The Westside index was calculated along with the Central Mainland. 77 sites were surveyed and the index had fallen from 78 in 2002 to 75 in 2003. This is below the Shetland average of 77 and below the minimum acceptable standard of 67
53 Shetland Islands Council Recycling Map 2010 54 Shetland Islands Council Waste & Cleansing Homepage 2010 55 Shetland Islands Council Litter Prevention Plan (Reviewed) 2007 56 Eco Schools Scotland 2010 57 Shetland Islands Council Protecting the Natural and Build Environment 2009
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Da Voar Redd Up Throughout the West Mainland 69 local groups and societies registered for the annual Voar Redd Up which makes a significant positive impact on roadside and marine based bruck58
Waste Collections Generally, domestic waste is collected once per week throughout the West Mainland. There are no separate collections for recyclates and domestic users are encouraged to use the recycling facilities provided locally. Halls, boating clubs etc. are offered a separate collection service for their bottles and cans.
Abandoned Vehicles Shetland Amenity Trust offer a free collection service for end of life vehicles and other metal based materials. Shetland Islands Council can place abandoned vehicles under a Statutory Removal Notice.
Built Heritage There are 34 Listed Buildings in the West Profile area - 7 in Walls, 5 in Sandness, 2 in Papa Stour, 2 in Foula, 3 in Vaila and 15 in the Sandsting and Aithsting Area. 2 of these are category A59.
Buildings at Risk The are 3 Buildings at Risk in the West Mainland. These are; Park Hall, Bixter; Smithfield, Huxter, Sandness; and St Margaret’s Kirk, Sandness60
Natural Heritage The Westside is rich in biodiversity terms. There are 18 designated Sites spanning Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). SSSI are of national importance, SPA & SAC are of international importance. These sites are; Burn of Lunklett SSSI; Culswick Marsh SSSI; Fidler Geo to Watsness SSSI; Foula SSSI & SPA; Foula coast SSSI; Kergord SSSI; Loch of Clousta SSSI; Lochs of Kirkigarth and Bardister SSSI; Malby SSSI; Ness of Clousta to the Briggs SSSI; Papa Stour SSSI, SPA & SAC; Sandness Coast SSSI & SAC; Skelda Ness SSSI; Sel Ayre SSSI; South Whiteness SSSI; The Vadiils SSSI & SAC; and Ward of Culswick SSSI61
Community Gardens The West Mainland enjoys some notable community gardens including; Da Gairdins, Sand; Voe House, Walls; Michael’s Wood, Aith; and the community garden adjacent to the Aith Cemetery62
58 Shetland Amenity Trust 2010 59 Shetland Local Plan 2004 60 Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland 2010 61 Shetland Biological Records Centre 2010 62 Shetland Islands Council Community Directory 2010
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Renewables & Carbon Reduction (excluding private developments) There have been 5 Wind2Heat projects completed with a further 4 Wind2Heat projects imminent. There has been a major renewable energy project in Foula completed with further developments planned imminently. 1 Hydro feasibility study has been completed. There is 1 renewable community energy feasibility study underway and a further renewable community energy feasibility study imminent63
Carbon Reduction Shetland operate a scheme to facilitate the re-use of plastic bags. Three country shops in the area are taking part; Walls Shop, Bixter Shop; and Eid Community Cooperative64
Community Views There has been concern raised regarding coastal erosion at Norby, Sandness65 66
Development Opportunities The Mills at Huxter, Sandness have been partially restored in the past. It was identified in the Shetland Local Plan 2004 that further works are needed to secure the structures long term future67 Shetland Amenity Trust are proposing to rebuild and restore the southern portion of Voe House, Walls68 A Local Biodiversity Action Plan is being drawn up by Shetland Amenity Trust Ranger Service in Partnership with Shetland Islands Council Community Work Officer. This is work in progress and involves the communities of Skeld, Gruting, Walls, Sandness, Papa Stour and Foula.
63 Community Energy Scotland 2010 64 Carbon Reduction Shetland 65 Sandness and Walls Community Council Minute 8th April 2008 66 Shetland Islands Council Local Plan 2004 67 Shetland Islands Council Local Plan 2004 68 Shetland Islands Council Local Plan 2004
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Appendix
Scottish Index Of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) Data Zones
GROS mid-year estimates and Scottish Government statistics – which use Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) - break down data into data zones throughout Scotland. There are 30 data zones in Shetland
Data Zone Description Code Gulberwick, Brindister and Easter Quarff S01005497 Ness of Sound to Clickimin Broch, including Sandveien S01005499 Upper Baila, Sound, Nederdale and Fogralea S01005500 Westerloch and Upper Sound S01005501 Bressay and Twageos S01005502 North Lochside & Russell Crescent, the Sletts to Montfield S01005503 Church Road to Prince Alfred Street / Breiwick Road to Victoria S01005504 Pier North Lochside to Gilbertson Road /Anderson Road to Goodlad S01005505 Crescent Victoria Pier to Gilbertson Road / Prince Alfred Street to S01005506 Freefield Road North Ness, Freefield & Garthspool, including Burgess Street S01005507 and Bruce Crescent Holmsgarth and Gremista including Staney Hill S01005508
The SIMD is designed to identify areas of high concentrations of multiple deprivation, and as such, many of the areas identified by the SIMD 2006 as being deprived, are the same as those identified by the SIMD 2004. SIMD 2004 uses information collected in 2001, and SIMD uses information collected in 2004.
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Sources of Information
Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) – (August 2010)
Sustaining Shetland: Fourth Annual Monitoring Of Social, Economic, Environmental and Cultural Trends (Winter 2009)
Shetland In Statistics (2009)
SIC Schools Service Annual Return (2009)
Fuel Poverty Strategy for Shetland (2005 – 2009)
Population and Migration Study (2007/8)
Deprivation and Social Exclusion in Shetland (2006)
Shetland Visitor Survey (2005/2006)
Shetland Local Plan (2004)
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