Online Vote Results 8/9/2025

Invitation to Drop-In

3^rd August at Market House from 12-4pm

All members emailed 30/6/2025

Comments were also emailed in from those that could not make the drop-in

Online Survey Date & Times

All members emailed a voting link

Vote was open 12 pm 2/9/2025 – 12 pm 8/9/2025

Membership at the time of the vote

Combined membership – 145

65 Full and 80 Associate

79 voted which is a 54.5% turnout

Letter from Shetland Arts & Crafts Association to all members and non-members

Over the years we have had several members who have produced gin, chocolates, macaroons, teas, dog biscuits, fancies, cordials and other similar items and all have been a valued part of our community.

Some time ago we were approached by several members of our association who asked us why food and drink producers were part of the arts and crafts group when the Taste of Shetland food association specifically supports this sector, hosting their own website, fairs and local events. Members had raised the issue, so the Committee was required to take it further.

The Committee decided that the matter needed to be thought about by each and every one of our Arts and Crafts members and not just us.

We arranged an open day at Market House (3^rd August) where members had the opportunity to come and talk to us.  All members were emailed with questions such as ‘What is the definition of Arts and Crafts?’, ‘Who should be part of the Shetland Arts and Crafts Association?’ and ‘Who should decide what is an art or craft?’. These are complex issues. We had some members come along to the open day personally and others who emailed the secretary with their thoughts and there was a lot of interesting debate.  All the notes and replies were gathered and it was clear that many members independently felt that makers of food and drink would be better served by Taste of Shetland and not the Shetland Arts and Crafts Association. This was such a big change that we felt as a committee that it was not our place to make the change without the full understanding of the members, so we put it to the vote. All members were contacted and 83.54% those who voted clearly said that they felt the food and drink sector did not meet their definition of and ‘art and craft’.

The Committee has an obligation to take our members views into account. It is certainly not a personal decision against any our valued members, but a response to our membership.

We have a member who is a herbalist. Further advice will be sought to whether herbalism is an art and craft or not. We will be contacting professional bodies for herbalism and also trading standards to ask their opinion and we will trust their judgment.

All our members are precious, and this journey has not been easy. However, neither has it been rushed. Time was taken for full discussion.

Any issue raised by our membership will receive our full attention and due process will be done to resolve any concerns.

We hope this explains our actions.

Warmest wishes,

Shetland Arts and Crafts Association Committee