The Sandsayre Shore developments in Sandwick will be officially opened on Saturday (28th May).

The sympathetically restored boatsheds have been renovated to provide a waiting room for visitors to Mousa along with marine, historical, cultural and environmental interpretive displays for visitors and locals alike.  Working space has been provided for boat maintenance and Shetland Guide Association will benefit from storage space for their camping equipment.

A former Mousa ferry 'flit' boat has been restored and forms part of the display, reflecting the maritime environment and heritage of the pier and Sandsayre area.  The facility has also retained a working space for small boat maintenance, repair and restoration.  This area is open plan so visitors will be able to view work as it is being carried out.

The development project was organised by Sandwick Social and Economic Development Company (SSEDC) and received investment of £4,500 from Shetland Enterprise and a further £14,500 from the community economic development (CED) programme - this helps support local community development and is part-financed by the European Union.

Sarah Dell, a development manager with Shetland Enterprise, said: "We are pleased to have been involved in this worthwhile project which enhances the quality of experience for locals and visitor to Sandwick and invests in the cultural, environmental and historical heritage of the area."

Co-ordinator of SSEDC, Rosemary Inkster, said: "We would like to thank all those who have assisted with this project, including Shetland Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Crofters Commission, Shetland Amenity Trust, Shetland Islands Council, the Hanson Trust and the Gannochy Trust.

"In addition to this, funds raised in the local community, as well as the voluntary work by the community have made the Sandsayre Shore project possible.  By working together, local organisations have been able to provide this valuable resource."