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Viking bus station

Coordinates: 60°9′25.52″N 1°8′45.4″W / 60.1570889°N 1.145944°W / 60.1570889; -1.145944
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Viking bus station
A two-storey hexagonal building on a stone retaining wall, with tiled roof, with a Chinese motif on the upper balcony
The bus station in 2007
General information
LocationLerwick
Scotland
Coordinates60°9′25.52″N 1°8′45.4″W / 60.1570889°N 1.145944°W / 60.1570889; -1.145944

Viking Bus Station is a bus station in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland. The station is used both by passengers and for freight, which is transported by bus.

History

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While the site had been in use as a bus station for some time prior,[1][2] plans for a new station building were put forward by the council in 1985. Construction work began in March 1990, with the work carried out by Shetland-based construction firm DITT. The bus station opened on 22 May 1991, representing an overall investment of approximately £900,000.[3]

A mural was installed at the bus station in 2007 to celebrate the opening of the Shetland Museum.[4] In 2018, it was replaced with a new spray-painted mural.[5]

A mural with the text "Discover Shetland's Heritage" and images of archaeological and craft objects
The mural in 2007

In 2013, Shetland Islands Council proposed closing the waiting room and relocating the freight operations, which it expected would save £80,000 per year.[6] Instead, ownership of the bus station was transferred to the private sector. In 2014, ownership of the station was transferred to a couple who operate a Chinese restaurant on its upper floor.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Fare to please - street art in Lerwick". The Press & Journal. 9 June 1989. p. 3.
  2. ^ "Viking Bus Station, Lerwick". Shetland Museum and Archives. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  3. ^ "New terminal - now for better bus services". The Press & Journal. 23 May 1991. p. 3.
  4. ^ "WATCH: Viking Bus Station to get new graffiti mural". The Shetland News. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  5. ^ "Viking bus station mural project". Freshpaint. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  6. ^ Taylor, Ryan (1 February 2013). "Reprieve for Viking Bus Station". The Shetland Times. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  7. ^ "Viking bus station finally changes hands". Shetland News. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2021.