Shetland Islands Council confirms Statkraft’s proposed Tagdale ammonia plant falls under the jurisdiction of Lerwick, Scalloway and Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale community councils Published: , 13 April 2026 The facility would be built at Tagdale in Dales Voe. Photo: Shetland FlyerA proposed green ammonia plant falls under the jurisdiction of three community councils, the SIC said - clearing up confusion for elected members. Community councils for Lerwick, Scalloway and Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale (TWWCC) have been asked to give views on Statkraft’s Tagdale application in recent months.

However, members of the town’s community council have doubted whether the proposed plant fell into its boundaries. Shetland Islands Council to this newspaper that it did slightly overlap with the town’s lowest level of democracy. A majority comes within the boundaries of the Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale Community Council, with small areas within the Lerwick and Scalloway Community Councils.

Community council liaison officer Michael Duncan said the three groups were statutory consultees for the proposed development. “Alongside other comments received, their responses are an important reflection of the views of the local community,” Mr Duncan said. Lerwick community councillors objected to the proposed development on the grounds there was insufficient information available to make an informed judgement back in February.

Member Andy Carter urged colleagues to comment after fears were raised that dangerous gases could be leaked from the development and blown in the direction of the town. However, having reviewed the submission from Statkraft, he felt he would need an “expert” to answer the questions he and his colleagues wanted to ask. Members also raised concerns about damage to the landscape and environmental risks.

However, chairman Jim Anderson suggested the debate was being led by a mixture of too much scientific information as well as potential “misinformation”. The TWWCC had already lodged its objection, following a meeting in January. TWWCC members felt the landscape and visual impact assessment of the development should have a wider scope.

It said one of the “biggest concerns” was the growing industrialisation of the isles. According to the SIC’s own Local Development Plan, there should be cosnideration to “maintain and enhance the natural heritage” of the isles, TWWCC added. Do you want to respond to this article?