13 May 2008

I HAVE discussed Mareel with a diverse range of Shetlanders over the past month, and my own straw poll shows roughly three to one in support.

Of the 160 votes in a ‘Shetlink’ discussion forum poll, 63 per cent support a cinema and music venue.

In the space of just a few weeks almost 1,000 people have publicly signed up as friends of Mareel on Bebo and MySpace sites. That is an overwhelming vote of support from Shetland’s young people.

I was incredulous, therefore, when councillor Gussie Angus asserted on Radio Shetland last night (Monday) that his straw poll showed 10 to 1 against Mareel. Who had lobbied him? And why?

Shetland’s drinking culture concerns everyone. Drink has caused far too many personal tragedies. I feel that Mareel is an opportunity to provide an alternative to Shetland’s pub culture.

In the pub, drink is the focus. At Mareel, music and cinema are the focus, (accompanied by a bite to eat and perhaps a drink in the café/bar.)

If this is the culture shift that Shetland’s young folk want, we should be moving heaven and earth to make it happen. The culture of our youth is the culture of our future.

The amenity trust plan to spend £8 million showcasing Old Scatness. The SIC are not being asked to move heaven and earth. They are being asked for £5.1 million to complete the Mareel project.

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Gear,
Tronafirth,
Gott,
Shetland.