Four new business units were today (Thursday 21 July) officially opened on the Shetland island of Yell - bringing hope of jobs and inward investment to the community.

The £500,000 development provides advanced office and workshop space for new companies, expanding businesses and inward investments.

The units have been constructed to meet an identified demand from the local community for suitable accommodation.

A local IT company has already moved into one of the units at the Sellafirth Business Park.  Shetland Enterprise is now seeking tenants for the remaining three units.

The opening ceremony was carried out by Shetland Enterprise chairman Brian Isbister.

He said: "This is an exciting project which promises to provide opportunities for businesses to develop in Yell."

The project was financed jointly by the local enterprise company, Shetland Enterprise, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Construction of the buildings was carried out by local firm Jamieson and Bruce.

The site at Sellafirth was identified as suitable to build the two semi-detached buildings, each containing two units of 1,130 sq ft.

Ann Black, chief executive at Shetland Enterprise, said: "This will ultimately result in more employment opportunities for the community.

"We are actively looking for tenants. We hope to see businesses in Yell take this chance to develop as well as encouraging new businesses and inward investments."

The units are suitable for a range of businesses, including service industries, crafts and trades, and all have office space.

Shetland Mac Shop, an IT firm run by local businessman Robert Thomson, is already operating from one of the units.

He said: "It is a long overdue facility for the island. The unit suits our needs."

Anyone wishing further information should contact Shetland Enterprise development manager Sharon Pickering on 01595 746812.