Saxa Vord talks

A DEVELOPMENT trust could be formed in Unst to help keep the Saxa Vord complex under local control once it is sold on by site owner Frank Strang.

A meeting on this week heard help was at hand to keep islanders involved in the site, despite fears it could be sold to new owners from outwith Shetland.

The complex, built on the site of the former RAF base, was put on the market last month for £2.75 million.

Mr Strang said at the time he was keen to see the development remain in local hands, and hopes soon emerged a deal could be struck with the Unst Partnership – the body set up in 2000 to help stem the economic decline in the island.

Representatives from the partnership, as well as the community council and Mr Strang himself, met Wendy Reid of the Edinburgh-based Development Trust Association on Tuesday night.

Together they examined setting up a local trust which would allow the community to become involved in Saxa Vord. A feasibility study will now be set up to outline future options for development.

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