News / Fair Isle crisis meeting
FAIR Isle residents facing bankruptcy after the collapse of an Orkney building firm are holding an emergency meeting with local MSP Tavish Scott and senior council figures to look for help.
Several local households that provided accommodation and other services to Andrew H Wilson stand to lose tens of thousands of pounds owed by the company, which called in the receivers this month.
The company had almost completed the £4 million Fair Isle bird observatory (FIBO) when it went into administration, blaming bad weather last winter that caused delays and extra expense.
The new observatory, which attracts ornithologists from all over the world, opened this week saying it would do what it could to help the local businesses that had lost out. They are able to house guests, but the warden’s accommodation and other parts of the project remain unfinished.
The island’s residents have chartered a special flight to take them to Shetland mainland on Monday to meet Mr Scott, Shetland Islands Council convener Sandy Cluness, SIC head of economic development Neil Grant, Shetland South local councillors, local directors of FIBO and the other agencies involved in the observatory.
Any islanders unable to make the flight will be able to attend the meeting at Lerwick’s Hayfield House via videolink.
Fair Isle resident Kathy Coull said that the impact of the company’s collapse was becoming more apparent every day. “We have to take whatever action we can and that is why we are having this meeting,” she said.
“Even if the weather prevents us getting there, at least we have the technology to enable us to participate. Our geographic isolation does not prevent us from having full representation at this, or future meetings.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.