In September 2023, councillors considered an initial report looking at a number of possible options for the future of the harbour. The harbour currently has eight commercial quays and supports the local aquaculture and fishing industries, as well as offshore vessels, a small number of cruise ships and recreational craft.

It is recognised that a future replacement will be needed for the West Pier, which could also be extended, and that the current layout of the harbour area could be improved. Other opportunities to attract new business would include increasing the water depth in the harbour for larger vessels, and offering new services for shore storage and boat repairs.

In the coming weeks, consultation meetings will take place with harbour users, and stakeholders including representatives of the fishing, aquaculture, renewables, engineering and freight industries. A public drop-in session will also be held on Wednesday 30th October from 3pm-6pm at Scalloway Youth Centre, offering the public a chance to view options, ask questions of the project team and to provide comment.

Details of some of the development options for Scalloway Harbour can be seen here. This page also includes an online survey link for anyone to comment, either as a business user or as a local resident.

The consultation is being led by Shetland Islands Council in partnership with engineering consultants Arch Henderson, which specialises in port infrastructure planning and design, and has worked up possible layouts and future options for the harbour.

Following the consultations, any emerging proposals will be developed to take forward as a business case for decision by councillors.

Councillor Robert Thomson, chair of the council’s Harbour Board said: “Scalloway Harbour provides significant opportunities to the local economy with a wide range of marine-related industries all using the harbour area regularly. We’re keen to hear from anyone with views on the possible development options and understand how any new development might impact upon the village and local area.”