Elderly Care Services

The shortage of care home place is acute in Lerwick. Many of our old people are cared for in rural care centres. Of the thirty or so people on Shetland's care home waiting list most have little real hope of a place . Our elderly population is set to rise by 25% .SIC investment in Lerwick care home places has to be a priority. Care at home also needs substantial investment.

Nursery Provision

One hundred Lerwick pre-school nursery places are in jeopardy. The SIC should take the leading role in resolving this in partnership with the private/ voluntary sector.

Schools

Lerwick school buildings are now the poorest in Shetland. The Anderson High School is in urgent need of replacement and Bells Brae Primary School is running a close second!

Current estimate for a new high school is for a new high school is £48m (teaching space is not increased ) , hostels a further £6m to £8m...........the most expensive education build EVER in Scotland.

It is time to rethink Lerwick's replacement school buildings without further delay.

Housing

SIC's housing rents are the most expensive in Scotland. Lerwick's housing waiting list is 600 and growing . The SIC must negotiate the provision of affordable housing with the Scottish Executive. We owe it to our young people to make the effort.

Environment

Lerwick has many areas of scenic beauty and historic interest. The collapse of the Knab banks, continued erosion of Sands of Sound and the Sletts ,together with the sad state of some of Lerwick's waterfront are challenges the SIC has ignored for far too long.

Traffic