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.

Tom Jamieson could hardly have taken in just how big a part his pleasure-boat service to Mousa would play when he first started ferrying tourists to the isle in 1971.

The foundation of a new pilot scheme designed to subsidise home ownership for first-time buyers in the isles who are on low incomes was approved by councillors today.

Plans for a major development of 21 houses in Scalloway were once again recommended for refusal by the council’s planning board today.

Shetland Islands Council is to firmly oppose all the options put forward by the government to save money by cutting NorthLink’s ferry service.

SIC housing chief Chris Medley has stressed the local authority is doing all it can to alleviate homelessness after Shelter Scotland said its progress towards meeting a 2012 commitment is “simply unacceptable”.

A man appeared in private at Lerwick Sheriff Court today charged with carrying out a serious assault.

Shetland Islands Council is to take on a senior manager to push ahead with its £300 million plan for four subsea tunnels to the main islands over the next 20 years. However, councillor Frank Robertson, who spent his career in council building projects, warned that the long lead-in time for major works meant it could be 20 years before the first tunnel can even be delivered for Whalsay.

Life-size bronze puffins made by a sculptor have been installed on the NorthLink ferries Hrossey and Hjaltland as part of a project to highlight the work of the conservation charity Scottish Wildlife Trust.

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.