The following consultations are currently open for responses:
New survey seeks views on priorities for Shetland's future
Shetland Islands Council is inviting people across Shetland to take part in a new survey about the issues that matter most to the future of the isles. This follows a series of Community Conversations held across Shetland in late 2025 and early 2026, and is the next stage in the Council's engagement process which aims to check whether the priorities identified by communities have been correctly understood and reflected in plans for the future.
The events gave residents an opportunity to share their views on what helps their community thrive, what positive wellbeing looks like, and the role the Council should play in supporting local communities and services. The conversations highlighted a number of recurring themes and priorities, which have helped inform the development of the Council's new Corporate Plan.
This new survey asks people whether these priorities reflect what matters most to them and whether the Council's proposed areas of focus provide the right framework for responding to the issues raised. The survey is open to everyone, including those who were unable to attend the Community Conversations.
The survey is available at: https://www.shetland.gov.uk/community_conversations
The survey will remain open until Sunday 4th October and should take around five minutes to complete.
Views sought on future options for Burravoe and Skeld Primary Schools
Two online surveys are today, asking residents, parents, staff, and other stakeholders for their views. The responses from the surveys will help inform the Options Appraisal process and will be considered alongside other factors, including education, community, transport and finance. No decision has been made regarding the future of either school.
Skeld Primary School has been mothballed since August 2024 after completion of the Council's mothballing process. Burravoe Primary School currently has less than five pupils on the school roll and would meet the criteria for consideration under the Council's mothballing procedures.
A range of options are being explored, including maintaining current arrangements, reopening or continuing the mothballing of Skeld Primary School, and the potential for future statutory consultation on permanent closure. The appraisal process will also consider any other reasonable alternatives identified.
- Information on the Options Appraisal for Burravoe Primary School and a link to the survey are available here
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Information on the Options Appraisal for Skeld Primary School and a link to the survey are available here
Both surveys are open until Monday 21 September 2026. Survey responses will be collated and thereafter included in a further report to Councillors.
Cruise tourism views sought from local businesses
As part of a wider socio-economic study of the cruise tourism market in Shetland, consultants working for Shetland Islands Council are seeking input from local businesses and organisations.
Data gathered will feed into the study, to estimate the economic impact of cruise ship visits to Shetland, as well as highlight challenges and opportunities for Shetland communities to maximise local benefits.
All organisations are encouraged to take part, whether cruise tourism is a major part of their work, or a lesser element, or possibly not an area they’re involved in. The study hopes to show how visitor activity translates into income for local businesses, where the benefits are being felt, as well understanding some of the pressures created by cruise tourism.
The online survey is currently open until the end of September and should only take around 10-15 minutes. All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence and only reported in aggregate form, so no individual, business or organisation can be identified.
Anyone who would like to speak to the study consultants, McGregor Solutions, or to request a paper copy of the survey, is asked to contact Anne Byers at McGregor Solutions – anne@mcgregorsolutions.co.uk or 07917 127151.