Alistair Carmichael MP said “I am very pleased, and grateful, to the HSE for hearing our call to come up to Shetland. The fact that they are now willing to reconsider the level of risk posed by the tanks, and clarify exactly what is required to reduce the risk to an acceptable level, is a significant step forward. Although we can’t predict the outcome it is excellent news that the HSE will join us in trying to find a solution to this problem.”

Gwilym Gibbons, Director of Shetland Arts, said: “The HSE’s clarification regarding what is required to reduce the risk of the petrol tank at the North Ness site is a very welcome development. We are now working with SIC’s Planning staff to understand what this means in terms of Mareel. I am sure that other organisations locally, who have an interest in development within the 400m proximity of the tank, will be watching with interest too. It now feels like we are working with the HSE to find an acceptable solution opposed to working against them. I look forward to meeting an HSE representative on site when they join us in Shetland”.

Shetland Arts is confident that with all parties now actively exploring options to reduce the risk of the petrol tank at North Ness a solution can be found that will enable development in the area to progress. Shetland Arts is particularly grateful to Alistair Carmichael for helping persuade the HSE to look again at the North Ness site. Without his intervention and support this significant step forward would not have been possible.