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| Good Shepherd IV has done valiant service but is nearing end of life (photo: Shetland Islands Council) |
BIRDING fans of Fair Isle will welcome news that it is set to benefit from a new roll on-roll off ferry service.
This will make it easier to catch up with rare species.
It has been announced this week that Whitehall has approved £26.7-million of Levelling Up Fund monies to finance the project.
Shetland Islands Council, which submitted the bid, has welcomed the announcement.
At present Fair isle is reached by a modest ferry, Good Shepherd IV which is almost 40 years old, does not meet current accessibility standards, is slow, small, unreliable in poor weather and not climate-friendly.
This has a tangible impact on Fair Isle's ability to sustain itself and its people.
For example:
* The import of fresh produce and export of goods is affected
* The ability to provide healthcare and access to school is jeopardised
* The ability to facilitate personal travel out, and to welcome visitors in, is compromised
Says Emma Macdonald, leader of Shetland Islands Council: "The Good Shepherd is less than five years from the end of her life.
"The impact of the loss of the ferry service from mainland Shetland to Fair Isle would be deeply profound, and, without a new vessel, the long-term sustainability of the island would be in doubt."
She continues: "It is no exaggeration to say that this funding from the UK Government has saved Fair Isle as an inhabited island.
"There would have been no other way for us to fund such a project.
She adds: "This is a truly great day for Fair Isle, and for Shetland!
"We are grateful for the honest, open and productive dialogue we have had both with the Scotland Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities throughout the process."
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