Saturday 2 November 2024
 11.3°C   WSW Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / MoD confirms Unst radar base plans

The RAF base at Saxa Vord before it was closed and turned into holiday accommodation. Photo: Unst Heritage.

THE MINISTRY of Defence is planning to re-establish a radar base at Saxa Vord in Unst – more than a decade after the previous station closed.

An MoD spokesman confirmed on Monday evening that the RAF is planning to install a new radar system on its “remote radar head” at Saxa Vord.

The spokesman said infrastructure work would begin shortly, but no further details are available at this stage. The last radar station closed in April 2006.

It is unclear what job prospects could be associated with the radar base, though it has been suggested around 30 people will be required for setup – with a possibility that the number of permanent posts thereafter could be in double figures.

Since the RAF withdrew from Unst, the UK’s most northerly inhabited island has seen its population drop considerably to an estimated level of just over 600.

North Isles councillor Ryan Thomson said it was “excellent news” and a “massive boost” for the island community.

“Rumours have been circulating for a while now so it’s good now to have it confirmed and out in the public,” he said. 

“We await further details from the MoD and the RAF on what this will mean for the island, but I’m absolutely delighted by the news and look forward to working closely with the MoD hopefully for many years to come.”

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael is seeking more information from the MoD on the proposals.

He said: “It’s unlikely you’re going to see a full camp restored to Unst, but anything which is there should be good for the community. It will be bring some activity into the local economy, albeit in a wider sense under circumstances you might not necessarily want.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Categories
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.