Shetland Island Councils has been urged to show “leadership” and form a multi-agency taskforce to tackle the declining population on Skerries.
The population has more than halved in recent years, and the primary school was recently mothballed after its only pupil moved up to Lerwick’s Anderson High School. The closure resulted in the loss of four part-time jobs.
Now local MSP Tavish Scott wants the council to look at ways to stop the decline further.
As a result, local authority leader Gary Robinson has said he wants to hear from islanders about their concerns before any action can be taken.
Skerries’ salmon farm also closed in 2015, leading to the loss of six jobs, while the school’s secondary department was closed by the SIC two years ago.
The permanent population of the community stands at about 30, which is a decrease from 70 just a few years ago.
Mr Scott said multi-agency action needs to take place “as quickly as is practicable” and called on the council’s chief executive Mark Boden to spearhead a taskforce group.
“The Skerries situation needs some very direct response,” he said.
“What I don’t think we should all do is sigh heavily and let things happen. A group to look at the different aspects of both council policy and both other agencies, properly led by the chief executive, seems to me to be an appropriate way to recognise the seriousness of the situation.”
Mr Scott envisages agencies like Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as well as NHS Shetland, would be involved.
Gary Robinson said the council’s door is “always open” to island communities like Skerries.
However, he said it is “very hard” to pinpoint a direct solution to the decline in Skerries, with employment in the isles a key factor.
“First and foremost, any action should be instigated by the islanders themselves,” he said.
“The council would be happy to help and support them, but we need to hear from the islanders first about what is needed to put the islands back on a firm footing again.
“It needs to be led by the community, and be for community. Beyond that, the council and politicians can swing into support.”
Mr Robinson admitted that the “current climate” means the council is unlikely to offer additional financial support to Skerries.