Information Bulletin
Shetland Islands Council Approves Funding for Old Scatness
Today, the Shetland Island’s Council Development Committee agreed a one-year funding package, £148,340, for the Shetland Amenity Trust towards the ongoing development of the Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age village as a leading heritage and visitor attraction in Shetland. The request to fund the project over the next three years was turned down at this stage, so that a full picture of the Shetland Amenity Trust’s plans could be viewed and discussed further.
The Development Committee has asked for the three- year strategic business plan from the Shetland Amenity Trust to be presented by September.
The funding agreed today will be used to continue the completion of interpretation of the archaeological finds, enable the site to continue to operate as a visitor attraction and develop detailed plans for a year round visitor attraction. The attraction is will be open during the tourist season and currently attracts over 10,000 visitors into the site.
Chair of the Development Committee, Josie Simpson said; “ This funding represents a key project in the infrastructure development priorities identified within the Heritage Tourism Investment Programme. Heritage is a key part of Shetland’s tourism product, and the 2006 Visitor survey identified that around 77% of visitors come to Shetland to experience our natural and cultural heritage.
Old Scatness is a site of worldwide archaeological significance. Building our level of quality heritage sites will help Shetland to attract more tourists into Shetland and continue to increase the value of the tourism sector within the local economy.”
Media release ends...