THE RAF motto 'through adversity to the stars' still held good as a maxim for the service's former base on Saxa Vord this weekend when over 250 people gathered to hammer out plans for the economic future of the Shetlands' furthest north isles.

Opening the all-day event 'Make Tourism Your Business' on Saturday (September 30), Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael said: "Since news of the RAF's withdrawal from Unst broke in July of last year, it has been apparent that the future economic shape of the islands was going to be radically different. With its tremendous natural beauty, wildlife and archaeology, tourism will play an important part in that.

"I hope that this weekend, a way forward can be found for local people to derive maximum benefit for their community from the opportunities that tourism can provide." 

Organised by Initiative at the Edge - North Isles Group and Shetland Enterprise's team based in the North Isles the event saw a host of exhibitors displaying local produce and advertising local services.

Among those contributing views at the event were Christine Ohnstad, representing Rural Tourism in Norway, Andy Steven, from Visit Shetland and Neil Henderson, Marketing manager with Shetland Islands Council.

Keynote speaker Claire Bereziat, project manager with Glasgow Caledonian University's  Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development, explained  "Shetland has a fantastic product, it's got the heritage, landscape and wildlife, but it must be very aware of the commercial environment which is becoming more and more competitive with many more flights and destinations becoming available."

She added that compared to many other popular holiday destinations, transport to Shetland remains quite expensive and its visitors expect quality services and products during their stay.

"I think this conference proves that the islands are going in the right direction by pursuing the high end, quality product market and everyone here seems to be very keen to support the industry."

Echoing this view, Frank Strang of Military Asset Management delivered his vision for transforming the base into top class tourist accommodation and Caroline Whitfield of Blackwood Distillers represented her company's plans to open the islands' first distillery on Unst.

Following the successful event, Fiona Stirling team leader with Shetland Enterprise's Unst Response team said: "It is clear from the response this event received that the people of the North Isles have the ideas and appetite to develop this as a very special tourist destination. I look forward to working with our partner agencies to identify ways that we can help this ambition to be realised."