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Times campaign gathers more support

March 25, 2024 | 10.14am

More than 500 people have signed The Shetland Times petition urging the Scottish government to channel the proceeds of crime into Dogs Against Drugs.

The charity needs around £120,000 per year to operate, detecting drugs at Sumburgh Airport, the NorthLink Ferry Terminal and private scans at the post office and in Sullom Voe.

However, for the next year the charity only has three-quarters of the funds it needs.

Additionally, the charity has an educational purpose, making presentations to thousands of school children a year across the isles about the dangers of illicit drugs.

Since the campaign launched its petition two weeks ago, 520 people backed the petition.

In the next week, The Shetland Times will launch a fundraiser for donations to the charity.

Please remember that when you sign the petition that Change.org might ask for a donation to advertise the petition.

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WATCH: Eight fishermen rescued as boat sinks

March 24, 2024 | 10.42am

Dramatic video footage has been released showing the rescue of fishermen after their boat sank 36 miles north-east of Bressay this morning (Sunday).

The 27-metre Opportune started taking on water at around 5am and the crew took to a liferaft in rough seas.

Video: HM Coastguard

The crew had managed to make an emergency radio call before a distress beacon was activated to alert the emergency services of their exact location.

Rescuers later said these methods of communication had helped save their lives.

At the time, winds were northerly, Force 6-7, with an air temperature of around five degrees Celsius.

Lerwick Lifeboat, the Sumburgh-based coastguard helicotper and a Norwegian rescue helicopter were all scrambled to go to their aid.

The crew was airlifted to safety and taken to Sumburgh Airport, where they were said to be safe and well.

Max Rimington for HM Coastguard said: “The fishing vessel crew made their initial call from a DSC (digitial selective calling) radio before all communications were lost with the vessel.

“Following that, an alert was received from their emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) by the Coastguard.

“These two methods of communication meant that we knew exactly where the fishermen were and were able to send rescue assets to their location without the need for a protracted search.

“The beacon and DSC, alongside their liferaft undoubtedly led us to recovering all of the fishermen safely.”

He added: “This case shows the value of carrying the correct Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) approved equipment, having it correctly registered with HM Coastguard and knowing how to use it.”

Lerwick lifeboat arrived at the scene of the sinking around 15 minutes later. Crew searched the area and recovered floating debris from the surface.

Lerwick lifeboat crew recovered floating debris from the scene of the sinking, including a liferaft and a ‘hi-line’ rope used for helicopter lifting operations.

The lifeboat returned to Lerwick harbour around 10am, and was refuelled and made
ready for service again.

Lifeboat coxswain Stephen Manson said: “We’re pleased that all crew were safely recovered by helicopter, given the cold sea temperature and rough sea conditions.

Lerwick Lifeboat returning to Lerwick harbour at 10am this morning, after the five-hour call out in rough seas.

“The fishing vessel was well equipped and their distress beacon gave their exact location for the rescue response. Our volunteer crew are always able to respond to any request to launch for vessels in distress.”

Charity walkers begin 15 hour journey

March 23, 2024 | 1.46pm

Sixteen people are walking from Sumburgh Lighthouse to Lerwick to raise money for charities supporting the people of Gaza.

The group set off from the lighthouse at 6am this morning (Saturday) and planned stops in Bigton and Wester Quarff.

Walkers are expected to complete their near 30-mile journey in Market Cross around 9pm.

By the time the walkers had left Sumburgh Lighthouse £2,900 had been raised for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and the Green Olive Collective in Jerusalem.

Brae police station faces closure

March 22, 2024 | 7.19pm

A disused police station in Brae could close pending a consultation with the community. 

Continuing costs to run the building while so few officers use it is the major concern of the Shetland police. 

Chief inspector Stuart Clemenson said that police officers are “no longer tied to working from police buildings” when they have technology with them on the beat. 

“The station at Brae is not routinely used but continues to incur daily expenses and requires ongoing repairs and maintenance, which is not the best use of public funds,” Mr Clemenson said. 

With technology that can be used to file paperwork while on the streets, officers are able to spend more time in the community.

“If our proposals go ahead, my officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible across mainland Shetland,” he added. “The public will receive the same high level of service from officers as they have done over the last few years.”

The consultation will begin on Monday 8th April and will be available on the Police Scotland Engagement Hub.

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In this week’s Shetland Times

March 22, 2024 | 6.30am

In this week’s (22nd March) edition of The Shetland Times:

  • Police and politicians join hundreds to support The Shetland Times Dogs Against Drugs campaign.
  • Ferries hit by weather and dry dock delays.
  • Crofter’s sheep warning after “horrendous” dog attack.
  • Bird observatory faces reopening troubles.
  • Lerwick teens elected as new MSYPs.
  • Pictures and reports from Delting Up-Helly-A’.
  • FEATURE: Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Recycling supplement.
  • Round up from the County Drama festival.
  • SPORT: The highs and lows of inter-county events.

Ferry’s return delayed because of ‘essential’ work

March 21, 2024 | 9.32am

The return of a NorthLink passenger ferry from drydock has been delayed due to additional work needed on her.

The Hrossey was scheduled to return to service on Sunday 24th March but as extra work was required on an “essential component” delays have pushed this back.

Serco NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett said the delay was unfortunate.

“As the provider of the lifeline ferry service for the Northern Isles we understand the knock-on effect for both our customers and the communities we serve,” Mr Garret said.

“We cannot put an exact timeframe on when we expect the Hrossey back in service, however what we can say is we hope it will be early next week.”

He said the dry dock team was working to safely complete the additional work as quickly as possible.

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Delting Up-Helly-A’ in pictures

March 16, 2024 | 9.45am

Crowds of hundreds turned up to watch the procession led by Guizer Jarl Daniel Johnson and the galley burning in Brae last night (Friday)

Photo: Sophie Whitehead

Photo: Sophie Whitehead
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Delting Up-Helly-A’ gearing up for a big night

March 15, 2024 | 6.59pm

It’s now down to the big burn in Delting.

Guizer Jarl Daniel Johnson, who is Hakon Galinn for the day, will be preparing for the procession and burning of the galley.

Photo: Sophie Whitehead

Daniel, who was nominated onto the committee by his uncle Stuart Robertson, lives in Muckle Roe with his wife Karen and their two children, Mitchell, 8, and five-year-old Ada. His children joins him in a squad of 45.

Photo: Sophie Whitehead

Is school year too short? Althing to decide

March 10, 2024 | 7.18pm

Do kids have too much free time outside of school term? Are parents driven to distraction? Or do school pupils need quality time away from the classroom?

These are just some of the points to be raised at this month’s Althing debate – “the school year is too short”.

Speaking for the motion is Caroline Henderson and Joe Smith. Against is Chris Horrix and Barbara Dinnage.

The debate is due to take place on 16th March at the Lerwick Town Hall.

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Shetland to the Stars success

March 2, 2024 | 3.41pm

UHI Shetland, in collaboration with Dynamic Earth, enjoyed an out-of-this-world jam-
packed activity day.

Shetland to the Stars Free Family Fun Day” was held today (Saturday) at the UHI Shetland Scalloway Campus.

The event, designed to engage and entertain families in all things space and science, saw an overwhelming response, with over 300 enthusiastic participants joining the festivities.

From captivating hands-on activities to awe-inspiring exhibits, the event showcased the wonders of science and astronomy in an accessible and engaging manner.

Families from all over Shetland flocked to Scalloway, turning the day into a memorable celebration of education, exploration, and community spirit.

Key highlights of the event included:

Interactive Exhibits: Attendees had the opportunity to explore a range of interactive
exhibits, providing a hands-on experience that brought the marvels of space and
science to life.

Educational Workshops: Engaging workshops, led by experienced educators and astronomers, captivated both young and old with insightful presentations and demonstrations.

Professor Jane Lewis, principal and chief executive of UHI Shetland, said: “We are thrilled to see the
incredible turnout for the ‘Shetland to the Stars Free Family Fun Day.’

“The event’s success is a testament to the community’s passion for science education and their
eagerness to participate in fun, educational activities together.”

WATCH: Bressay Up-Helly-A’ in video

March 2, 2024 | 1.14pm

Huge crowds turned out for the Bressay Up-Helly-A’ yesterday.

The fire festival was hailed a huge success as the weather helped Guizer Jarl Laurence Robertson and his Bressay squad enjoy his big day.

Bressay Up-Helly-A’ procession

March 1, 2024 | 8.56pm

The Bressay Up-Helly-A’ procession enjoyed good weather for big crowds tonight (Friday).

And earlier today there was some good festivities.

Bressay Up-Helly-A’ under way

March 1, 2024 | 9.20am

Laurance Robertson and his Bressay Jarl’s Squad congregated at the Speldiburn cafe this morning (Friday) to start the islands big day.

The fire festival is taking place a week later this year, on the first official day of spring.

This years suits have a fetching green teal kirtle, axes and a wolf motif on the shields designed by Artmachine.

A black leather waistcoat is augmented by gauntlets of a similar material. On their backs are reindeer skins, black furry boots from New Zealand and a silver plain helmet finish off the suit.

There are 23 adult guizers and nine children, of which one is a princess.

After breakfasting at the cafe at the former school, later in the morning the squad will cross Bressay Sound to “invade” Lerwick and visit Bressay pupils at the Bell’s Brae and Sound schools.

The muster for the procession begins at 7.45pm. 

• A full report will appear in next Friday’s Shetland Times


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