Information Bulletin
COUNCIL WELCOMES ROYAL GUESTS
The Convener of Shetland Islands Council, Mr Sandy Cluness, has described next week’s visit by members of two royal families as a unique and very special event. On Thursday, Her Majesty the Queen of Norway and Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will jointly open the new Shetland Museum and Archives.
Mr Cluness said:
“We in Shetland are proud of our roots in both Scandinavia and Britain and the new Museum and Archives illustrates and celebrates that heritage. It’s a magnificent building and great credit is due to Shetland Amenity Trust for turning the community’s aspiration into reality. It’s entirely appropriate that we should mark its opening in a way that reflects our historic links and I’m delighted that we shall be able to welcome royal guests from both sides of the North Sea.”
Later in the day, Her Majesty will visit Scalloway and the Duke and Duchess will spend some time at Sandwick School.
Mr Cluness continued:
“I’m also pleased that Her Majesty will be able to visit Scalloway, which of course developed such close wartime connections with occupied Norway, to see the Shetland Bus Memorial. I am sure, too, that the children of Sandwick school will be keen to demonstrate their environmental work to the Duke and Duchess, whose interest in such matters is well known.”
Details have now been announced of the schedule for the day’s events. Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke and Duchess will arrive at the Shetland Museum at about 12.45pm and will take part in a formal opening ceremony at 1.45pm. They will leave at 2.20pm. Members of the public wishing to see the Queen and the Duke and Duchess are asked to note that the best vantage points will be on the road leading into North Ness and the open land alongside it. There will be no parking in that area.
Her Majesty the Queen of Norway will be in Main Street, Scalloway, between approximately 3pm and 4pm. There will be a short ceremony at the Shetland Bus Memorial at 3.15pm, after which Her Majesty will visit the Museum. Members of the public should assemble behind the barrier provided on the landward side of Main Street.
Scalloway’s Main Street will be closed to traffic between 2.30pm and 4.30pm and there will be parking restrictions from 5pm the previous evening on the Main Street and in parking areas east and west of the Shetland Bus Memorial. In the centre of the village, some parking areas will be reserved for essential vehicles and disabled badge holders and members of the public are advised to seek parking spaces farther away. They should also follow directions on signs or instructions given by police officers.
The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will arrive at Sandwick School at 2.40pm and will leave at 3.20pm. Again, drivers are asked to observe any special restrictions that may be in force.
ENDS
Further information: Anita Arthur, 01595 744501