Four brightly-coloured upturned boat shelters have been installed along the Sletts path for patients, staff and the public to use.
In 2018 NHS Shetland’s Health Improvement team, in conjunction with the Sustainability and Environmental manager, secured funding from the Scottish Government to create a link path between Lerwick Health Centre and the new Sletts path, which is popular with walkers.
Linked to the Greenspace funding initiative, a competition was run in 2018 to select a design for a new shelter at the junction of the new path at Da Sletts with the aim that they could be used and enjoyed by visitors, staff and patients.
Three shortlisted solutions were put on public display in Lerwick and the general public was invited to select their favourite design. The winning design was a traditional boat-shaped structure. However, the project was put on hold during the Covid pandemic.
Following the submission of the design concept in December last year, planning permission was granted for four boat-shaped shelters, which are based on the ‘Shetland Maid’, a class of sailing dinghy that has evolved into the light and fast craft used in boat races today.
The colourful glass fibre structures were manufactured using a mould that belongs to Robert Anderson, of Tresta. Both Robert and his son Stephen, were delighted that the mould was going to be used in this way.
Shetland Composites used the mould to form the shelter shape, but then modified the cast to create a strong base to withstand the forces of the wind and sea prevailing at the exposed Sletts location. Seats have also been installed in three of the shelters, with the fourth shelter left seat free to accommodate a wheelchair.
Glasgow architects, Threesixty Architecture, who put together the concept back in 2018 when the design competition was run, has worked since then with the NHS team, local Lerwick engineers Mott MacDonald and Shetland Composites to develop the final exciting design.
Nicola Balfour Health Improvement Team Leader said: “We are delighted that the new shelters have been installed, the designs were chosen by staff and patients and it's great to see the final 'Shetland Maid' designs come to life. They will provide a scenic resting stop for anyone to use and enjoy.”
Board Chair Gary Robinson said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted that the shelters are finished and can now be used and enjoyed by staff, patients and visitors.
“We hope that the new shelters will be a welcome and appropriate addition to this popular area and will give people a chance to have a rest or socialise when walking along the path. The shelters could also act as a catalyst for further similar initiatives along the Sletts path and beyond.”