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Schools and ferries are two areas where the council may be forced to make cuts if it is to continue to balance its books. That was the fear expressed by some councillors on Tuesday as the local authority set its budget for 2019/20. "Radical action" could be required in order to avoid an unsust... Read more...
Signs have emerged of a softening in the Scottish government's approach to fair ferry funding, with one Tory MSP insisting a senior SNP colleague has given backing for a better deal on lifeline links. Isles councillors have been left frustrated by the Scottish government's funding offer following... Read more...
Councillors have unanimously supported a motion condemning the latest funding offer from the Scottish government. (more…) Read more...
This week's budget lacks long-term credibility – overshadowed by the prospect of a "no deal Brexit". (more…) Read more...
In The Shetland Times this week... • Former SIC leader Gary Robinson takes top job at the health board. • Homes are ready for Syrian refugee families. • Body found in search for missing woman. • NHS Shetland in talks with Holyrood over 1.6 million budget blackhole. • Plus tw... Read more...
The council is poised for yet more financial belt tightening after elected members accepted a reduced local government settlement for 2018/19. A report before councillors at a special full council meeting today underlined the "extremely challenging" position which lies ahead for the authority. ... Read more...
The Scottish government has come under heavy criticism for failing to offer fair funding for Shetland's inter-island links. Finance secretary Derek Mackay had "ignored the express will of Parliament" during his big budget speech at Holyrood, according to MSP Tavish Scott. A heavy defeat was su... Read more...
Following Wednesday’s announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of an additional £350 million of funding for Scotland, the leaders of Shetland and Orkney Islands Councils have written to the Scottish government repeating their calls for further support for inter-island transport. SIC pol... Read more...
Councillors and health officials were this morning locked in behind closed doors discussions in an effort to wrestle with funding shortages. (more…) Read more...
Shetland Islands Council can expect a further period of austerity over the coming years, according to an Audit Scotland report commissioned by the Accounts Commission. Shetland, along with the Western Isles, remains the local authority with the highest funding per head in Scotland at just over £... Read more...