Shetland Wool Week patron awarded to Doull family
The Shetland Wool Week patron for 2024 has been named today (Fri) at a launch event held at the Shetland Museum and Archives. In a…
The Shetland Wool Week patron for 2024 has been named today (Fri) at a launch event held at the Shetland Museum and Archives. In a…
Motorists in Shetland have been warned of a scam aimed at insurance. The SIC has said a number of people in Shetland have reported receiving…
Plans to build four glamping pods in Fetlar have been abandoned after neighbours raised concerns about noise and the smell from people cooking outside. The…
In today’s (Friday, 26th April) edition of The Shetland Times:
The Shetland Wool Week patron for 2024 has been named today (Fri) at a launch event held at the Shetland Museum and Archives.
In a break from tradition, this year’s patron accolade has been presented to Addie and Margaret Doull from Islesburgh Farm in Northmavine, and their family, in recognition of their dedication to the Shetland Flock Book and commitment to preserving and championing the highest-quality Shetland wool.
The keenly awaited hat pattern, which is synonymous with the launch of the patron was also released.
This year’s hat has been designed by Addie and Margaret’s daughter, Anne, and takes inspiration from the family’s Flock Book roots and the location of their farm and is called the ‘Islesburgh Toorie’.
Shetland Wool Week is delighted to shine a spotlight on the Doull family and to celebrate Shetland oo, the product on which Shetland Wool Week is built. The Doulls are frequently invited to judge shows across the UK, drawing on their expertise in sheep and wool evaluation.
As avid knitters, Margaret, and more recently, Anne, produce exceptional garments of the highest quality too, winning prizes both locally and nationally. Margaret, in particular, is renowned for her hand-knitted Shetland lace.
Anne said: “It’s an honour for the family to be asked to be patrons of this year’s Shetland Wool Week. I’m extremely proud for mam and dad to be recognised for their work with the Shetland Flock Book, which works to preserve and promote the native breed, and it’s something that all the family is committed to.
“We have been farming at Islesburgh, Northmavine, since 1970. The whole family, and Addie’s brother Kenny are involved with the farm and crofts, all helping each other to get the work done.”
The Islesburgh toorie, which is named after the family farm, features a distinctive Shetland Ram motif, a tribute to the family involvement with the Shetland Flock Book.
The inclusion of the print of the wave lace pattern celebrates Margaret’s skilful knitted lace. The colourways are inspired by the many natural shades of their Shetland flock and the heather filled hills and sunset views from the farm.
Hazel Sutherland, chief executive of Shetland Amenity Trust, which manages the event, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Doulls have agreed to take on the mantle of Wool Week patron. Our outgoing patron, Alison Rendall, has done a sterling job for us and I would like to sincerely thank her for the commitment she gave to the role.
“Her beautiful Buggiflooer Beanie was a fantastic celebration of Shetland’s natural world, and it inspired many folk to attempt fair isle knitting for the first time and experiment with colour. We’re looking forward to sharing more of the Doull family story and we wish them all the very best for what I’m sure will be a very busy year ahead.”
The Islesburgh Toorie is available in three different colourways using Shetland yarn from Jamieson’s of Shetland; Jamieson & Smith; and Uradale Yarns.
The hat pattern is available to download from the Shetland Wool Week website for £1 and is also available as a printed version for £2 from the Shetland Museum and local wool shops.
The UK government has been urged to fund fixed links as “Shetland’s price” for its role in the vital space industry.
SaxaVord Spaceport today (Thursday) celebrated a major milestone in the project, securing the final licence to host orbital satellite launches.
The first launch is expected to take place later this year.
Isles MP Alistair Carmichael strongly welcomed that news, and said he was delighted that the UK government had pledged £10m towards the budget.
But he has called on them to go even further, and to fund tunnels to the outer isles as well.
“We welcome the coming of the space industry to Shetland, but we welcome it on our own terms and we want to maximise for ourselves the opportunities that it can bring to our communities,” he said.
“One project that the community is keen to proceed with – and which is deserving of some support from the Scottish government and the UK government would be to replace our inter-island ferries with fixed-links tunnels going from mainland Shetland to Yell, and Yell to Unst.
“That is the sort of thing that should be Shetland’s price for playing host to the space industry.”
Mr Carmichael added that if Shetland is to “step up to the plate” for the benefit of the UK, that responsibility needs to be acknowledged.
SaxaVord Spaceport has been granted the final licence it requires to host orbital satellite launches – with the first expected in the third quarter of this year.
READ FULL STORYLoganair says it has taken “decisive action” and removed some of its flights to improve resilience to Shetland and Orkney.
The airline said it had “listened carefully to customers and crew” before making the decision.
Flights to and from Aberdeen and Teesside, and Newcastle, will be cut from the schedule.
As will the Glasgow-Southampton route from 10th May.
Loganair said these changes would help reduce the amount of disruption to its lifeline island communities, and a reduction in the number of delayed or cancelled flights.
Several other routes will see minor adjustments to frequency.
New Loganair chief Luke Farajallah said he wanted to personally apologise to everyone who had been affected by the “unacceptable levels of disruption”.
“This decision is one that has been made for the greater good of the vast majority of customers who must be able to book and fly with confidence, especially from some of the most remote parts of the UK.
“We are relentlessly focused on confidently serving our core markets and core customers, who must be able to book with certainty, and experience a stable and resilient flying programme.
“This is especially true for the Highlands and Islands communities who rely on Loganair for being so much more than an airline serving a leisure market.
“We have been falling short of the service levels expected of us by our loyal customers and amazing crew for over 18 months, and today we are making changes that once fully delivered throughout the summer will help restore the image and reputation we have fought so hard to generate over so many years as the trusted airline partner in our unique market.”
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
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FIND OUT MOREEmergency services are attending the scene of a pylon which caught fire this morning near the A970.
READ FULL STORYThe next major milestone in the multi-million pound Knab redevelopment has been given the green light – despite major opposition from neighbouring residents.
READ FULL STORYUnite the union has confirmed 40 workers at Sullom Voe terminal plan to go on strike next month over jobs, conditions and pay.
READ FULL STORYNorthLink Ferries has become the only ferry operator to receive a gold rating at the Green Tourism Awards.
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Trainee Optical Retailer – Lerwick Full Time (including Saturday Work) Optical experience isn’t essential, you just need the desire to learn. Main duties include: Please…
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Hundreds of homes and businesses in parts of Lerwick, Bressay and the West Mainland have been left without power this morning (Wednesday).
The power outage was reported by SSEN at 10.39am, with almost 900 addresses thought to initially have been affected.
Parts of the West Mainland then lost power at around 11am.
The energy giant said the unplanned outage was affecting “a large area” of the isles.
It said a fault on the overhead network was to blame, and that engineers were working to restore power as soon as possible.
SSEN said it hoped to have the power restored by 1.30pm.
Many more people have backed The Shetland Times campaign to support our drugs dogs, with the petition now surpassing 1,300 signatures.
When this newspaper was published last Friday, there were around 1,200 signatures on the petition to direct more of the proceeds of crime towards charities like Dogs Against Drugs.
But since then the total has reached 1,310.
Our fundraiser has also reached a third of its £2,500 target.
Currently, the total stands at £810 with an extra £133.75 in Gift Aid.
So far, many generous Shetlanders have kindly donated what they can to our fundraiser but there is still a long way to go. It will come to an end on Wednesday, 31st July.
French fisher Bressay Bank came into Mains Pier on Tuesday afternoon where a crew member received medical attention.
READ FULL STORYPlans have been revealed for the Shetland Classic Motor Show, which is this year celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Due to return this year is motoring enthusiast Matt Kirby from Yorkshire, with his 1971 Lotus Elan S4 Sprint.
Mr Kirkby last had the low-slung sports car in Shetland in 1976, and is bringing it back to the isles in time for the June event.
From modest beginnings in 1984 at Gilbertson Park, the biennial event has gone on to become one of the larger classic vehicle shows in Scotland.
To mark the anniversary, some of the vehicles from the first show will be on display, along with a photographic record of the event.
Entries can still be made online, up to 30th April, using the link https://www.shetlandclassicmotorshow.co.uk/2024.htm
Due to the external areas at Clickimin being designated for exhibition space, free public parking for show visitors will be provided at the Anderson High School.
Organisers say this will be accessed from North Loch Drive, via the North Lochside roundabout, and will be clearly signposted.
The committee wish to extend their thanks to NorthLink Ferries for their continued support of the event as main sponsor.
Council chiefs are today (Monday) sharing their £180m housing vision with the construction industry – in the hope that collaborative working can deliver for the community.
READ FULL STORYAn MSP has wished school pupils the very best ahead of their exams, which got under way this week.
Jamie Halcro Johnston offered encouragement as youngsters prepared to start their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams.
His comments came after S6 pupils from the Anderson High School in Lerwick lined up for a final photo before breaking off.
“As students across the Highlands and Islands prepare to sit their exams, I want to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best of luck,” he said.
“These exams are a significant milestone in their educational journey, and I know how hard many have worked to get to this point.
“It is also important to remember the difficulties that many of them have faced over the past three years.
“Disrupted learning, isolation, and anxiety have all taken their toll, and pupils across the country have had to be resilient as they’ve faced these additional challenges.
“Once again, I wish all our students the very best of luck in their exams, and I hope that they achieve the fantastic results they deserve.”
Turns out even puffins like splashing in puddles.
This image by Kiera Munro has been shared by Sumburgh Head Lighthouse.
Passengers aboard the ferry to Skerries were left rubbing their eyes in disbelief after spotting the Easter bunny yesterday (Sunday).
The elusive rabbit was seen waving to the ferry from the Grunay pier as he made his Easter rounds.
And the ferry crew reported adults and children had been left agog at the unexpected sighting, with one said to have declared it as “like something out of a storybook”.
The Easter bunny produced a sign wishing everyone a “Happy Easter”, leaving behind a trail of smiles in his wake.
Centrally situated, spacious garden flat. Fully equipped with two bedrooms including a double and single. It is decorated and furnished to a very high standard with everything you need to…
Centrally located 3-bedroom cottage situated at the end of Wadbister single track road, set in its own grounds with trees all around and a good-sized garden which is enclosed by…
A cosy, traditional crofthouse on the rugged and beautiful Westside of Shetland. Charming and full of character, situated only 200 metres from a quiet, shingly beach with beautiful sunset views…
Roegarth is a spacious four-bedroom house situated in central Lerwick, accommodating up to seven guests. Recently refurbished to a high standard, and within easy walking distance of the town centre,…
A delightful and historic maritime cottage, comprising 1 double and 1 king/twin room, nestled in Navy Lane, part of Lerwick's historic lanes area. Fully and faithfully restored, the cottage offers…
The Country House hotel in town; within easy walking distance of the centre of town, but in a quiet cul de sac. Attentive personal service, with 17 bedrooms, drawing room,…
The first cruise ship of what is hoped to be another record season arrived into Lerwick yesterday (Saturday).
Ambassador’s Ambition arrived on an 11-day Easter tour of the British isles, leaving from and returning to London Tilbury.
She is the first of 149 cruise ships booked to come to Shetland between now and mid-November, with roughly 130,000 passengers due to arrive.
There are also 11 maiden calls expected this year, including the largest yet to visit – the MSC Virtuosa in May – which has a capacity of between 4,000 and 6,000 passengers.
Crowds 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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