Plans for Shetland’s first wavefarm are continuing to move forward in a positive way, according to the two firms backing the project.

Britain’s seabird populations are suffering a steep and perilous decline, according to new figures released by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the government’s conservation adviser.

A bid has been made for UNESCO World Heritage status for Mousa Broch, Old Scatness and Jarlshof under the banner of “The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland”, it emerged today.

A US-based animal rights organisation has offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who shot six seals off the West Side of Shetland.

Police are investigating the deaths of six common seals which were found washed up on the shoreline at Bridge of Walls earlier this month.

Investigations are underway after a suspected blue green algae was discovered at the Spiggie Loch.

A new project at the RSPB bird reserve at Sumburgh Head is fast becoming an internet hit. In what is believed to be a world first, live images from a puffin burrow are being broadcast on the internet, and people seem to be getting hooked on puffincam.

Farmers and crofters will not face penalties as a result of breakdowns of electronic sheep tagging equipment, according to parliamentary answers to isles MSP Tavish Scott.

The isles are gearing up for the 23rd annual Voar Redd Up, due to be held this weekend. More than 3,000 volunteers have already pledged their support for the event, coming from all walks of life including hall committees, kirk groups, youth groups, schools, individual families, boating clubs, local businesses, development organisations and many other community groups.

Communities in Shetland are to benefit from £150,000 in grants under the latest round of funding from the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) which promotes lower carbon dioxide emissions.

A former Lerwick optician is suing his estranged wife and erstwhile business partner for more than £800,000, claiming that her actions after they went their separate ways six years ago effectively left him out of work.

New SIC chief executive Alistair Buchan came face to face with all councillors this week for the first time since taking up the post for what he described as “very positive” initial discussions about how to react to major criticisms in the Accounts Commission’s recent report on the local authority.

Multiple Grammy winner Steve Earle, the outspoken singer-song­writer responsible for a host of classic Americana songs including Copperhead Road, Guitar Town and Galway Girl, will be stopping off in Lerwick next Thursday for a re-arranged show at Clickimin.