Charitable Trust Offers Hope for Scalloway Pool’s Future

Campaigners seeking to save the threatened Scalloway pool received a potential lifeline following communication from the Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT). This development comes as the facility faces closure, raising concerns among local residents and recreational advocates.

Community Advocacy Grows Stronger

During a recent gathering, approximately 30 campaigners presented a petition advocating for the pool’s continued operation, which now boasts over 4,253 signatures. Local resident Yvonne Clark, who has been instrumental in the campaign, expressed optimism about reaching 4,500 signatures as momentum builds. “We want to ensure the pool remains open for at least another year,” she stated.

The petition was delivered to SCT ahead of a board meeting, with the organization later issuing a statement indicating that there is currently “no clear way forward.” Despite this, Clark interpreted the SCT’s response as a “glimmer of hope,” suggesting that discussions regarding the pool’s future may still be possible.

Clark emphasized the importance of collaboration between the SCT and the Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) to find a viable solution. “We’re asking them to reverse their decision to close the Scalloway Pool on March 31, 2024,” she added, advocating for SRT to formally seek financial support from SCT to maintain operations while sustainable funding is identified.

Challenges Ahead for SRT

In addressing the gathering, SRT chairman David Thomson acknowledged the communication from SCT following its recent trustee meeting. He indicated that further discussions are anticipated soon, but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by SRT, particularly in relation to staffing and sustainability.

Thomson noted that the decision to retain the Scalloway pool could complicate efforts to resolve existing staffing issues that have persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we move ahead, one individual year might have been okay, but with the funding package that we were offered, it wasn’t sustainable,” he explained.

He cautioned that reverting to previous operations could exacerbate staffing challenges, which have already placed significant strain on the organization. “This was one of the solutions to that staffing challenge,” Thomson added, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to decision-making.

While expressing a willingness to engage in discussions, he underscored the importance of maintaining the trust’s long-term viability. “If there’s something we can do, we’ll talk about it, but if nothing major has changed, there may not be an option,” he concluded.

The situation surrounding the Scalloway pool continues to evolve, with community advocates holding onto hope for a resolution that would allow the facility to remain open and serve local residents.