Community / Bobby’s Bus Shelter taken down after damage as council awaits delivery of replacement
IT MUST be the most notable bus shelter in Shetland – and a tourist attraction to boot too.
But Bobby’s Bus Shelter in Unst has been removed completely after being damaged by in a car accident in September, which left it missing its front panel and one of its sides.
The good news, however, that its demise is only temporary – and that Shetland Islands Council’s roads service will be installing a new one.
A spokesperson confirmed the council is awaiting the delivery of a new bus shelter from its usual supplier.
“Once we’ve received this, our roads staff will replace the damaged shelter at Baltasound as soon as possible,” they added.
The bus shelter, located on the bend before the Final Checkout shop, is famed for its colourful and attention-grabbing displays and decorations.
They are usually themed, and topics of inspiration in previous years have included Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee, the football World Cup, climate conference COP26 and Nelson Mandela.
It has, over the years, also hosted many unusual items like TVs, a computer and a microwave – without power, unfortunately – as well as various types of seating and other furnishings.
It also must be one of the few bus shelters in the country that has its own entry on tourism reviews website TripAdvisor – and it has a 4.5 out of five rating.
Jane Macaulay, who helps to maintain the bus shelter, said there can be up to 1,500 people visiting and/or signing its guestbook every year.
“The shelter seems to take on a life of its own,” she said.
The shelter is named after Jane’s son Bobby Macaulay, who cycled there in the mornings before catching the bus to school.
The previous shelter was at risk of being removed in the mid-1990s due to its condition but after a letter from seven-year-old Bobby – who left Shetland in adulthood – the council decided against removing it completely and instead installed a new one.
A few days after the replacement was put in place a wicker sofa and table appeared inside with “nobody claiming responsibility”, according to the shelter’s old website.
Soon after this was followed by a small TV…and a “hot snacks counter”, a two-bar heater and carpet.
Interest grew and over time, and through various makeovers, the shelter began to grow into the tourism attraction that it is today.
Jane Macaulay said, however, that it remains important too when it comes to its primary purpose – with school bairns and visitors using it for shelter when waiting for the bus.
Local councillor Ryan Thomson said while it is unfortunate that the shelter is currently not in place, “I look forward to seeing it restored as soon as practical”.
“Over the years Bobby’s Bus Shelter has become an essential stop for visitors and tourists in Unst, with thousands of people enjoying its unique decorations and themes,” he added.
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