News / Wir Shetland chairman resigns
THE ARGYLL-based chairman of Wir Shetland, the campaign group seeking self government for the islands, has resigned.
John Tulloch, who was the driving force behind the group’s formation, was thanked by remaining members of the 400-strong group for working “tirelessly to grow the group to its current size”.
The committee said they were pleased to note that Liberal Democrat Tavish Scott, who was endorsed by Wir Shetland, had won re-election as Shetland MSP as he “holds beliefs and pursues policies that match the aims of Wir Shetland closer than any of the other electable candidates”.
Wir Shetland vice chairman James Titcomb will take up the chairmanship temporarily until a members’ conference and EGM is organised to elect a new committee and decide on future policy.
A group spokesman said: “At the first meeting of Wir Shetland on 14 October last year the committee was elected from a membership of less than 50 people.
“We have grown nearly tenfold since that first meeting and John feels that it is no longer practical for him to take a leading role whilst remaining in his current home in central Scotland.
“John will return to full time retirement immediately following this election and prior to the EU campaign intensifying.”
In a letter to Shetland News on Friday, Tulloch wrote: “I was asked to help set up the group and that has been achieved.
“It was an honour to be asked and a privilege to serve, however my job is done and while I would consider helping again in future (if and when Shetland-based), I feel I’ve done my bit as an expat and it’s up to local people to drive progress from here.”
He said members would doubtless notice “differences in both content and style with the new chairperson, whoever that may be”.
“Much has been achieved, the group has changed and it’s time for a new leader to bring fresh impetus and new ideas to the fore.”
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