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Motion · S6M-17211 · 14 Apr 2025

50 Years of Shetland Islands Council

Lodged by Beatrice Wishart Standard Motion 27 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of Shetland Islands Council; understands that Shetland Islands Council was established by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 on 16 May 1975; further understands that it was preceded by Zetland County Council, which administered Shetland from 1890 to 1975, and that it took over the functions previously exercised by Zetland County Council’s town council in Lerwick (Lerwick Town Council) and landward district councils; recognises what it sees as the importance of the Zetland County Council Act 1974, a private member’s Bill moved by then Orkney and Shetland MP, and former Liberal leader, Jo Grimond, to Shetland Islands Council, particularly during the expansion of the oil and gas industry in the area, as it gives the council powers, including becoming the harbour authority for the whole of the territorial sea around Shetland and certain financial powers to borrow, invest and participate in business; notes that the council is comprised of 23 councillors representing seven wards, with each electing two, three or four members, led by a political leader and the civic leadership position of Convener; appreciates that Shetland Islands Council references the Nordic heritage of the islands with its motto “Með lögum skal land byggja”, meaning “By law shall the land be built up” in Old Norse; believes that the services that Shetland Islands Council is responsible for are vital, including education, transport, housing and social care; thanks all council employees and elected councillors who have worked to deliver local government services for Shetland over the past 50 years, and congratulates all at Shetland Islands Council on this anniversary.

Supporters (27)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.