The Sports Relief Mile takes place next weekend, where people across the country run to raise money for many charities.

I occasionally stare at a blank computer screen and am lost for something to write. This week in Shetland, it’s not being lost for something to write. It’s how to convey the sadness, frustration and, yes, anger at seeing the islands’ reputation trashed by what’s happened.

Brae High School’s secondary two and three are an argumentative lot. Good. They should be! Our schools should be about kids debating what’s important so it’s great to see Brae and Sandwick in particular putting bright young Shetlanders forward for the Althing and national debating competitions.

Some years ago Abertay University in Dundee launched a degree in computer games. They were given a hard time by the media which cited “Mickey Mouse” degrees with pictures of kids on their playstations.

A couple of weeks ago I used this column to highlight my concerns about the government’s handling of schools. Since then the SIC has announced it is to consult on another closure programme, citing the intro­duction of the Curriculum of Excellence as one of the drivers for a new structure in Shetland.

What should be taught in schools? Something called the Curriculum for Excellence is being introduced over the coming years.

Worried staff hustled into my parliamentary office this week. In the course of their duties they keep an eye on Shetland’s news websites to note what I may, or may not, have said to journalists.

Cameron has been making “Ler­wick” monopoly. The family were struggling with the Star Wars version of the board game, so overlaid with white paper, a new board was constructed.

I hear that North Sea mackerel have swum from Norwegian waters into ours. How inconsiderate of them.

The Norwegians are asking Brussels for some leeway to catch these fish and presumably to give them a good talking to about crossing international boundaries.

I’ve been at the seaside over the last few days. Indeed I shared a pleasant stroll down the Bournemouth prom­enade with Alistair Carmichael. The Liberal Democrats’ annual confer­ence has been in Bournemouth. Next week Labour are in Brighton and then the Tories are in Manchester.

Police have released a photograph of West Side man Oliver Tait, who has been missing in Shetland since the weekend.

A squeeze will be put on council grants for key industry sectors such as agriculture and tourism during the next financial year.

Lobbyless and Whalsay both recorded wins in the indoor hockey knockout competition for the Robertson Cup on Saturday, while New Rev also progressed to the semi-finals after Crusaders failed to field a team.