Lerwick South residents will be asked to cast their votes again soon after newly-elected MSP Beatrice Wishart resigned as a councillor.
Wishart, who also served as depute convener, paid tribute to her former colleagues, saying: “When I was welcomed to the council the support and guidance I received, particularly from senior councillors and officers, was greatly appreciated.
“I am also very grateful to convener Malcolm Bell for his support and the opportunity to be his depute. I will continue to work with the council with a shared goal of seeking the best future for Shetland”.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they would like to become a councillor to use this opportunity to put their name forward.
“Women and young people are under-represented on the council but anyone who is prepared to work hard for the best interests of the ward, and Shetland as a whole, will find it very rewarding.”
Mr Bell said: “Beatrice has been an excellent representative for Lerwick South on the council since 2017.
“I am very sorry to see her go but of course, totally understand why she must. I want to thank Beatrice for her service as a councillor and am particularly grateful to her for agreeing to serve as my deputy convener. I wish her well in her new role.”
A date for the by-election has not been confirmed yet.