Charlie Simpson continues with the second part of his history of sailing craft in the run-up to next year when the Tall Ships Race returns to the isles.

Bobby Macaulay continues his journey in southern Africa and reports back from a trip to a holiday resort in Mozambique.

The first permanent settlers in Shetland arrived, we’re told, some 5,500 years ago – and there are tantalising hints of earlier successful journeys. All had to come by sea, in boats; there was no other way. Indeed, every visitor to our isles, temporary or permanent, made the same voyage until 1918 when a military flying-boat first landed in Catfirth, a mere 92 years ago.

Bobby Macaulay continues his travels in southern Africa amid the thrills of the World Cup which is set to come to an end on Sunday with the final between the Netherlands and Spain.

Unst man BOBBY MACAULAY continues his series of reports from the football World Cup in South Africa. Unfortunately he was unable to access the internet last week so this week is a double helping.

Hamefarer Bill Gardner, a Scotsman now living in Canada, is both an immigrant and an emigrant. Last week he made a sentimental journey to the isles he has not seen for 46 years.

Hamefarer Peter Rutter recently had a trip round Uyea and North Roe, discovering the ruined homes of forebears he did not know he had until recently.

Eleven-week-old Jamieson Hilton from California is believed to be the Hamefarin’s youngest visitor.

He will not remember it, but he was presented with a Burra bear on Tuesday by the Hamefarin commit­tee, to the delight of parents Scott and Chika (who is originally from Japan), aunt Amanda Hilton (Scott’s sister) and grandmother Jamie Hilton (Scott’s mother).

Shetland’s golden anniversary Hame­farin was launched in style at Clickimin on Monday afternoon with speeches, music, Vikings and a presentation.

The ceremony marked the official start of a two-week adventure for nearly 600 Hamefarers, who had made journeys of up to 12,000 miles to discover their roots, catch up with relatives and explore the isles.

As part of the Hamefarin cele­brations, a Tammy Anderson Tribute Concert was held in the Clickimin on Wednesday evening.

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.