Tunnels should be ‘Shetland’s price’ for hosting space industry, MP says
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)…
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)…
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.
Loganair says it has taken “decisive action” and removed some of its flights to improve resilience to Shetland and Orkney. The airline said it had…
Emergency services are attending the scene of a pylon which caught fire this morning near the A970.
The 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.
READ FULL STORYHundreds 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.
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 MOREMany 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.”
Ten acts were selected to perform at this year’s Shetland’s Got Talent to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
And the night of entertainment was certainly worthwhile, with an impressive £6,656 raised for Cancer Research.
The Mirrie Stars of the Eric Gray were announced as winners and took to the stage at the end of a fantastic night for a standing ovation, bringing the night to a close with the crowd dancing on their feet.
Before then, Eamon Watt had got the night under way with his light up sticks and a tour de force display on the drums.
Jacky Williamson sang Memory from Cats, and 12-year-old Lexi Davis performed A Thousand Years which the crowd thoroughly loved.
Stewart Hutchison celebrated Shetland dialect with an entertaining original song about the birth of his third child.
The first half ended with Stephen Laurenson’s set on the drums.
The Mirrie Stars opened the second half with a sign and sing performance of Sky Full of Stars that concluded with a poignant moment of remembrance to six of their friends.
Then Martha Robertson performed Show Yourself which was followed by a rendition of Electricity
from Billy Ellot, performed by Hailey Williamson.
Monica Dickie sang Funeral and the Filskit rounded off the competitive portion of the night with a set of traditional tunes.
As cash donations got under way, and judges Jenny Teale, Morag Mouat and Bryan Peterson deliberated, 2022’s winner Amber Thompson entertained the crowd with a set of show tunes.
Kerry Llewellyn, chairwoman of Relay for Life Shetland, thanked everyone involved and reminded the crowd to come out again on Saturday 25th May at the Clickimin Leisure Centre for the Relay for Life.
A woman from North Carolina is among the army of volunteers taking part in Da Voar Redd Up today.
Rebecca Hoyt was working with friends to improve the environment along the East Voe road.
But while she may be from the coastal US state, she had sailed from Norway to take part in the annual community beach and roadside spring clean.
“I’m really happy to join in the community spirit,” she told The Shetland Times.
She was working alongside friends Gilly Bridle, John Kinnear and Davie Meddes, picking up bits of rubbish and plastic.
The group was just one of a number of people working in the area.
In Scalloway, Church of Scotland volunteers were picking up rubbish – appropriately enough – at Minister’s Beach.
This is the 37th year that Da Voar Redd Up, managed by Shetland Amenity Trust, has taken place.
The event is a regular feature in the Shetland calendar and makes a huge contribution to the protection of Shetland’s natural environment and wildlife, clearing Shetland’s beaches, coastlines and roadsides of litter and the debris washed up by the winter storms.
Rory Tallack, one of the organisers behind the campaign, said: “Last year over 200 groups took part – from toddler groups to knitting groups.
“There was a great mix of folk – we also had lots of families, churches, neighbours, schools and sports clubs coming together in this fantastic beach and roadside clean up.”
Turns out even puffins like splashing in puddles.
This image by Kiera Munro has been shared by Sumburgh Head Lighthouse.
An underground salmon farm could be developed in Shetland by a Norwegian company.
Norwegian Mountain Salmon (NMS) is behind plans to grow thousands of tonnes of fish in tanks contained in tunnels hollowed into hillsides of Scotland.
Plans are in place to investigate a potential site at Fora Ness, near Spiggie, where up to 45,000 tonnes of fish could be produced on an annual basis.
Representatives from NMS have held discussions with Shetland Islands Council over the move.
Fora Ness is reported to hold several advantages, such as optimal water temperature and water conditions.
There are no nearby farms and the rock quality is said to be good, which would help in the construction of tunnels necessary for the job.
The site is approximately 11km from the nearest aquaculture site.
A renewables worker has won a major green energy award.
Lauren Anderson was named as winner of the personal improvement award in the Scottish Renewables Young Professional Green Energy Awards.
The project manager at Shetland Aerogenerators was one of a number of delegates attending an awards dinner.
Speaking after her nomination for the award last month, she said: “I feel extremely proud to be nominated for this award and to know that my work has been recognised.”
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.
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.
The Baltasound Hotel is the UK’s most northerly and sits in a beautiful location with views over the Keen of Hamar. It’s a great base for visiting Unst's many othe…
Having extensively refurbished both the upper and lower apartments, you are located in the heart of Lerwick Town Centre. The upper apartment has a panoramic view of Lerwick harbour. Both…
Blissfully tucked away beside the sea, let this former lighthouse store cast its magical spell of calm over you. A stone's throw from the beach and pier, Shorehaven provides the…
Two bedroom apartment with stunning views of the sea and wildlife. Comfortable, clean, modern and fully equipped. Complimentary wifi. Free on-site parking. Garden and outside seating provided. Open all yea…
In the picturesque village of Scalloway, the Cornerstone opened in 2016 after being fully refurbished to a high standard. All five bedrooms (4 double, 1 single) are en-suite and well…
Four-star, self-catering accommodation with stunning panoramic views of the cliffs, loch and beach at Spiggie. This two-bedroom property provides a comfortable, high quality and relaxed setting from where you ca…
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.
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.”
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