Population and economy explored at third Shetland Partnership Plan session
Session 3 brought partners together to explore the close links between Shetland’s population and economy and what they mean for the future.
Work to shape the next Shetland Partnership Plan continued on Wednesday 2nd September, when representatives from across Shetland’s public sector, Community Councils and Community Development Organisations met at Mareel, Lerwick, for the third session in the process.
The session focussed on population and economy - two closely connected issues that will be central to the next Shetland Partnership Plan.
Shetland has a strong economy, with high employment, successful local businesses and significant opportunities ahead. However, businesses and services are also facing pressures around skills, recruitment, costs and retaining people.
At the same time, Shetland’s population is ageing, with fewer children and working-age people, and these changes are being felt differently across the islands.
The two issues need to be considered together. Shetland’s economic strength depends on having people available to fill jobs, start businesses and provide essential services. In turn, the availability of good jobs, housing, transport, childcare and services influences whether people can remain in Shetland, return after time away or choose to move here.
Participants heard a short overview of the evidence before discussing possible future scenarios for Shetland and their implications for communities, services, businesses and families.
Find out more on our Session 3: Population and Economy page.
The full population and economy evidence papers, along with a shorter combined summary, are available to download below.
Population evidence paper Economy evidence paper Combined summary paper