In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday 29th March) edition of The Shetland Times:
In today’s (Friday 29th March) edition of The Shetland Times:
Guest actors for the new Shetland TV series have been announced – with Harry Potter star Ian Hart topping the billing.
Loganair’s pre-tax profits soared to £10.9m last year, the airline has announced.
The first cruise ship of the season will arrive this weekend, in what is expected to be a “parade” of tourists in a record year….
Concerns about the potentially cancerous ‘rubber crumb’ used in 3G pitches have been played down by SIC chief Maggie Sandison.
A Stirling University study last week called on the artificial pitches to be banned in Scotland due to worries about the infill used.
The study claimed the rubber was possibly carcinogenic – and called on the Scottish government to act swiftly.
With a 3G pitch on the cards for Lerwick, Mrs Sandison was questioned by councillor Moraig Lyall if the SIC was concerned by the report.
The council chief said sportscotland, Scottish Football Association and Scottish Rugby “continue to be supportive” of the use of rubber crumb in 3G pitches.
“The Scottish government refute the claims made,” she said.
She said another study was looking at cork being used as the infill on such pitches, which could be used in the Lerwick pitch.
But Mrs Lyall said that, given the tight timeline for the 3G pitch – which must be completed by June 2025 because of the external funding – that study was unlikely to be complete.
She added it would be “very unfortunate” if the SIC committed to building a pitch which was then banned.
Councillor Arwed Wenger tabled an amendment to have the 3G pitch moved to the bottom of the council’s priority list, but could not find a seconder.
Community Health and Social Care partnership has announced their director has secured the role on a permanent basis.
READ FULL STORYVisitScotland has confirmed it is to close tourism information centres – including Lerwick – over the next two years.
READ FULL STORYCommunity councillors have been left asking “what are we doing here” after their objections to major developments were ignored.
That came from Shetland Central councillor Ian Scott, who said the Scalloway Community Council’s plea to turn down a planning application for a proposed Co-op in the area had fallen on deaf ears.
He said it “doesn’t surprise me that very few people apply” to be community councillors.
Mr Scott was speaking at Tuesday’s special SIC meeting, which was discussing the draft scheme from phase one of the council’s consultation into its community councils.
Phase two will start next month and is expected to run until June.
Several members spoke of the need to give people more incentive to join their local community council.
Mr Scott pointed to the proposed Scalloway Co-op as an example of a time when the voice of the community was seemingly ignored by council planners.
But convener Andrea Manson said sometimes councillors, and council officials, were left with “no option but to do what planning law says”.
Council leader Emma Macdonald praised a move which will allow each community council to appoint two youth members, aged between 12 and 16.
However Neil Pearson said he could not imagine too many people that age that would feel incentivised to go.
He added they would not have any voting rights, and said it needed to be about more than a “token attendance”.
A visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
A visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
FIND OUT MOREOur bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
Our bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
FIND OUT MOREThe call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
The call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
FIND OUT MOREFirst published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
First published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
FIND OUT MOREAlec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
Alec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
FIND OUT MOREA History of the Shetland Hand Knitting Industry 1600-1950 First published 1995. This facsimile edition first published 2021. This book traces the history of the Shetland hand knitting industry from …
A History of the Shetland Hand Knitting Industry 1600-1950 First published 1995. This facsimile edition first published 2021. This book traces the history of the Shetland hand knitting industry from …
FIND OUT MOREPAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
PAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
FIND OUT MORELerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
Lerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
FIND OUT MOREThe popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
The popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
FIND OUT MOREGrottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
Grottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing the huge success of Volume One, the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers are back with 12 new designs. Patterns range from peerie projects to full size …
Following the huge success of Volume One, the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers are back with 12 new designs. Patterns range from peerie projects to full size …
FIND OUT MOREIn the hungry 1840s, the town of Lerwick is struggling with massive social problems, and Kirstie Jamieson, widow, is trying to feed three children. Like the town she lives in, …
In the hungry 1840s, the town of Lerwick is struggling with massive social problems, and Kirstie Jamieson, widow, is trying to feed three children. Like the town she lives in, …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
Following on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
FIND OUT MOREA Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
A Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
FIND OUT MOREJames Pottinger’s travels from his birthplace in a croft house in pre-war Burra have taken him full circle and he is “home” again, after a career in engineering, the merchant …
James Pottinger’s travels from his birthplace in a croft house in pre-war Burra have taken him full circle and he is “home” again, after a career in engineering, the merchant …
FIND OUT MOREA new study has named Shetland as the hardest accent in the world for actors to emulate.
READ FULL STORYThe lifeline ferry service will return to full capacity with two passenger vessels operating from tomorrow (Tuesday).
READ FULL STORYAfternoon teas are set for more of a fizz after an occasional licence was granted today.
READ FULL STORYMore 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.
A position has arisen for a Pilot/Assistant Harbourmaster to assist with the safe navigation of vessels within the Pilotage Limits of the Port of Lerwick….
Full time – 40 hours per week & Part time – 20 hours per week Females only need apply as this is a genuine occupational…
We are looking for a Chef de Partie to join our team at the Lerwick Hotel; a busy 34 bedroomed modern hotel with the Bay…
At Scottish Sea Farms we are committed to supporting local economies in some of the most remote parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands by…
Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) is seeking to engage the services of an Administration Officer to join our small team working to develop and support…
This is a part-time post, which can be 9am-1pm, 9am-12noon or 12.30-3pm, dependent upon applicant. The post can be 4 or 5 days a week,…
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
NorthLink has confirmed Hrossey’s delayed return from dry dock will mean there is no northbound sailing on Monday.
READ FULL STORYWeather-related travel disruption yesterday derailed a court trial for the fourth time – prompting a stern message from the sheriff.
READ FULL STORYCrowds of hundreds turned up to watch the procession led by Guizer Jarl Daniel Johnson and the galley burning in Brae last night (Friday)
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.
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.
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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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.”
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.
The Bressay Up-Helly-A’ procession enjoyed good weather for big crowds tonight (Friday).
And earlier today there was some good festivities.
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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