Work begins at last on pier and breakwater in Fetlar

Work on Fetlar’s long-awaited pier and breakwater will finally get under way this week following a special turf-cutting ceremony on Thursday.

The new £2.65 million project will be built to the west of the existing ferry terminal at Hamars Ness.

North Isles councillors Josie Simpson, Laura Baisley and Robert Henderson will attend the event along with SIC convener Sandy Cluness, council officials and community representatives.

Fetlar is currently the only inhabited island in Shetland without a public pier, other than the ferry terminal. The new development will provide essential infrastructure to support the community.

Mr Simpson, chairman of the council’s development committee said: “This is a very important step forward in Fetlar’s development.

“The Fetlar working group and the community have worked very hard over the years to tackle the things that all island communities have to deal with.

“They have been successful in their efforts with the population growing and they are in a good position to make the best of these facilities and grow further.

“This shows what can be achieved  when a community has the commitment and enthusiasm to work for the future. We should be proud of this achievement.”