10 August, 2007

SHETLAND is to re-launch its campaign to be brought into the country's nation-wide weather radar network.

Shetland is the only part of the UK not covered by the national radar, which allows people to track a weather front as it moves across the heavens.

Shetland Islands Council believes that as host to Europe's largest oil port, not to mention the nearby oil and gas installations and associated marine industry, as well as the fishing fleet, the islands should be tied into the network.

SIC ports and harbours manager Jim Dickson said: "We do get adequate weather forecasts, but the weather radar shows the progression of a front as it's actually moving.

"That information is vital to anyone that's got anything to do with transport, fishing, aquaculture or any industry which depends on the weather, including the offshore people West of Shetland and in the East Shetland Basin."

Two years ago the council unsuccessfully campaigned for inclusion having suggested the former RAF base at Saxa Vord, on Unst, as a suitable location.

Now with a new administration at Holyrood the council intends to revive its campaign and approach environment secretary Richard Lochhead when he comes to Shetland later this month.

Captain Dickson explained: "The Met Office installs the weather radar but some of the money comes from the Scottish Executive because they control the road transport network.

"There has been a change of government in Scotland as we know, so the idea is to revisit the matter in the new political climate."

The council will now be gathering political and industry support for a campaign that will initially be taken to Holyrood and then to London.