Community / Feasibility study to look into prospect of Melby pier being community-owned
THE SANDNESS Community Development (SCD) group is exploring the possibility of taking the Melby pier into community ownership.
A community consultation is currently underway and forms part of a wider feasibility study looking into the site’s potential.
Alan Jones Associates has been appointed as consultants and SCD have been awarded £9,600 from the Scottish Land Fund, £2,000 from the Shetland Community Benefit Fund and £2,500 from Shetland Island Council’s community development fund to cover costs.
Shetland Community Benefit Fund’s Eleanor Gear said: “The Viking Community Fund AGS [advanced grant scheme] aims to sustain and develop local communities, and we are delighted that a grant from our fund could complete the funding package required to allow SCD to begin a feasibility study on Melby Pier.
“We wish SCD every success with the project.”
SCD, established as a company limited by guarantee to build a “safe, strong, sustainable, self-reliant community” in 2023, became a charity in May.
Supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise through funding for a part-time development worker post, SCD said it is working to support projects which conserve and regenerate the area, improve access to services, improve employment opportunities, increase social interaction and improve the natural environment in the Sandness area.
The development company said it has been busy working with the community to prioritise issues to be tackled and has recently refreshed its local community development plan for the area.
Along with the need for housing and retaining the small school to keep young families in the community, the future of Melby pier is said to be high on the list.
Since Shetland Islands Council took the decision to dispose of the asset in 2021, there has been concern in both Sandness and Papa Stour that the site might be lost to the community.
Melby pier is located at the heart of Sandness and has played a big part in the story of the community over the last 300 years.
Historically the pier was the lifeline connection to Papa Stour, and Papa residents continue to use the slipway to launch boats to get to and from the isle, as an alternative to the ferry.
The site is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike with the carpark, slipway and toilets used regularly throughout the spring, summer and autumn by campers and kayakers.
SCD chair Brian Ashley said: “Bringing the pier into community ownership would provide an opportunity to repair, upgrade and make safe the site for continued use, maintaining that connection between the rural communities.
“This could be sustained by generating income and offering employment options for local residents that build on the current tourist interest. This feasibility study will provide the evidence to assess if this ambition is realistic.”
The SCD encourage anyone who uses Melby pier, or has an interest in its future, to participate in the consultation.
Drop-ins will be held at Sandness Hall on 6 September between 2pm and 7pm, 7 September from 10am to 5pm and 7pm-9pm.
There will also be the opportunity to view the site and buildings on 7 September from 2pm.
An online questionnaire can be completed here.
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