Celebrating Shetland's successful women

When the conversation turns to women in leadership, Shetland has an impressive story to tell. Look at the organisations that keep these islands running – the council, the health service, the major trusts and agencies – and you'll find women at the helm of almost all of them.

It's a picture that would be notable anywhere in the UK. For an island community of around 23,000 people, it's remarkable. We think that's worth celebrating.

At Shetland Islands Council, Maggie Sandison serves as chief executive, leading one of Scotland's most geographically complex local authorities, responsible for delivering services to communities across our islands. From ferry lifelines to social care, from education to infrastructure, the job demands both strategic vision and an intimate understanding of what island life requires.

Alongside her, Samantha Flaws directs Children's Services, and Christine Ferguson leads Corporate Services, a senior leadership team with women firmly at its core.

The picture across Shetland's wider public and third sector is equally striking. Ann Black is Chief Executive of the Shetland Charitable Trust, the body responsible for managing and distributing funds for the long-term benefit of the islands and their people. It’s a role that carries enormous responsibility for Shetland's future.

Hazel Sutherland leads the Shetland Amenity Trust as Chief Executive, overseeing work that spans conservation, heritage, archaeology, and sustainable tourism. Her organisation plays a central role in shaping how Shetland presents itself to the world, and in protecting what makes the islands so distinctive.

Jo Robinson holds one of the most demanding dual roles in the islands as Director of Community Health and Social Care and Chief Officer for the Shetland Health and Care Partnership, working at the intersection of two complex systems to deliver joined-up care for Shetlanders.

And, Katrina Wiseman, as HIE's Area Manager for Orkney and Shetland, is a key voice in championing economic development and opportunity across both island groups, working to ensure that businesses and communities here have access to the support they need to grow.

Maggie Sandison believes that Shetland's small, close-knit community is part of what makes the difference.

"We know our people," she says. "Men and women in positions of influence have the ability to spot and nurture talent."

It's something she has made a personal priority throughout her career. "I have always prioritised time for mentoring and supporting colleagues, especially young women – nurturing their confidence, inspiring their personal growth, and creating safe spaces to explore their potential."

Her message to any woman with ambitions to lead is direct: "Be more confident – you know more and are capable of more than you think.

“Readiness for leadership is a state of mind, and you deserve your place at the table."

Taken together, these women lead organisations that touch the lives of virtually every person in Shetland. This is simply the reality of how Shetland operates. And it sends a clear message: this is a place where talent and dedication are what count.

The story of female success doesn't end in the public sector. Shetland's business community is full of women who have built thriving enterprises from scratch. In doing so, they have created jobs, shaped their local economies, and added to the rich texture of island life.

We spoke to a selection of the women entrepreneurs contributing to economic growth in Shetland. There are too many to list, but many female business owners enjoy success. The enterprises they lead span sectors including arts and crafts, hairdressing and beauty, hospitality, retail, health and wellbeing, dog grooming, and more.

Strong female voices are the force behind teams of jewellers crafting pieces rooted in the islands' landscape and heritage and finding customers well beyond Shetland's shores.

Other women have built thriving tour businesses that capture the drama and beauty of Shetland in a way that resonates with visitors and locals alike.

Elsewhere in hospitality, female-led businesses bring warmth and professionalism to the visitor experience and help shape how guests discover and connect with Shetland.

Celia Smith, founder of Blyde Welcome, is one of them and knows what it takes to start from scratch.

"Building a business anywhere is hard," she says. "But in Shetland, maybe because of our geographical location, there is a strong sense of community – particularly among female business owners. I've found them all to be incredibly friendly, supportive and willing to share experiences of what's worked and what hasn't."

That network, she says, has made all the difference. She's part of the Realise programme, a cohort of women in business who've become, in her words, "incredibly strong, resilient and forward-looking cheerleaders."

For anyone thinking about stepping into business, her advice is straightforward: go for it.

"When some of my friends were thinking about retiring, I took a leap of faith and started an entirely new career. It's had its challenges: there were certainly times at the beginning when I thought, 'what on earth have I done?'

“Looking back, though, I know I wouldn't have taken that leap without the strength, encouragement and quiet belief of the women around me."

Shetland has always had a culture of getting things done. Island life demands self-reliance, and perhaps that's part of what has created space for women to lead: there's little room for standing on ceremony when there's work to be done and a community to serve.

But it's also true that Shetland is a place that abounds with opportunities, open to those who are ready to take them.

The women leading Shetland’s public organisations and thriving businesses today are proof of that. On International Women's Day – or any other day – that's a story well worth telling.