New inquiry considers airports and impact of Covid-19
The Scottish Affairs Committee has today launched a new inquiry considering airports in Scotland.
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New inquiry considers airports and impact of Covid-19
The Scottish Affairs Committee has today launched a new inquiry considering airports in Scotland.
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NHS Shetland live event
NHS Shetland’s chief executive, Michael Dickson, will be answering your questions during another Facebook live event this week.
Mr Dickson will be chatting to Facebook followers about what to do if someone has a heart attack during the pandemic.
There will also be an update on the isles’ Covid status.
Invited guests to the livestream, Aimee Sutherland from A&E and Lizzy Reid from the Scottish Ambulance Service will also be sharing advice.
Anybody can link to the live streamed event via Mr Dickson’s Facebook page and you do not have to friend him as the page is public.
The livestream will take place on Wednesday, 28th July from 7pm.
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Temporary suspension of planning services to stretch past six months
Some of the council’s planning services have been suspended until the end of August – almost six months after they were first stopped on a temporary basis.
The planning department will continue not to offer a free planning duty officer, or pre-application enquiries, until at least 23rd August.
Both services were first suspended at the end of February.
The SIC planning department said they currently had 45 applications which still needed to be allocated to an officer.
People were waiting up to eight weeks to be allocated an officer after having the application validated, the council said.
It said that the suspension would allow give planners “a better chance of success in continuing to tackle the backlog of planning applications”.
Poor connectivity, remote working, holiday absences and an increased workload have all been blamed for the suspension.
Councillors raised concerns in March about the number of vacancies within the SIC’s planning department.
Dozen Covid cases recorded in Shetland
Figures released today for positive, confirmed Covid infections in the isles over the past weekend, show the number has risen by 12.
On Saturday, 24th July, five cases were recorded, followed by three on Sunday and a further four today.
Over the past seven days 37 cases have been confirmed in Shetland according to NHS Scotland figures.
Overall Scotland recorded 1,000 cases over the past three days with no recorded deaths.
Of those infected 475 remain hospitalised.
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The Shetland Bus
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 …
£7.99FIND 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 …
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My Journey Home: Memoirs of a Shetland Exile
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 …
£9.99FIND 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 …
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Shetland Flowers
A pocket-sized photographic guide to the wild flowers you might come across during a Shetland summer. Over 170 species organised by colour with notes on habitat and hints to aid …
£10.99FIND OUT MOREA pocket-sized photographic guide to the wild flowers you might come across during a Shetland summer. Over 170 species organised by colour with notes on habitat and hints to aid …
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Grottie-Buckie an Tirli-Wirli
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 …
£7.99FIND 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 …
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Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters Volume 2
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 …
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Shetland Calendar 2022
Another stunning collection of scenic photographs, majestic coastlines, wild seas and breath-taking views, to take you through the year. Featuring key moments in the Shetland year and a “word o …
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Kirstie's Witnesses
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, …
£8.99FIND 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, …
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1915 War
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£19.99FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
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Knitting By the Fireside and on the Hillside
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 …
£9.99FIND 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 …
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The Other Titanic
The biggest ship in the world at the start of the 20th century, the White Star liner Oceanic was built to very high specifications, and was described by famous Titanic …
£17.99FIND OUT MOREThe biggest ship in the world at the start of the 20th century, the White Star liner Oceanic was built to very high specifications, and was described by famous Titanic …
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Old Foula: The Edge of the World
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Spy Fever. The Post Office Affair
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Treasure Islands: True Tales of a Shipwreck Hunter
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£12.99FIND OUT MOREAlex Crawford has dived countless wrecks and is one of the pioneers of deep-water recovery. In this book he captures all the drama and danger of his most thrilling dives. …
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Court appearance for car crash suspect
A 31-year-old man appeared in Lerwick Sheriff Court today for a custody hearing following a charge of four counts of road traffic violations.
Scott Anderson entered no plea at today’s, 26th July, hearing, held in private and was fully committed and remanded in custody.
It follows an incident where a car damaged a residential property wall after failing to stop for police.
Anderson was subsequently charged with one count of drink/drug driving, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without the appropriate licence.
No date has been set for a future appearance.
Cruise ship has ‘meticulous’ Covid procedures
Another week has brought another cruise ship to Lerwick harbour, following last week’s visit of the Island Sky.
Today (Monday) saw the Marella Explorer 2 arrive carrying with it hundreds of tourists.
The vessel, flying a Malta flag, is the newest addition to the Tui fleet and boasts 14 decks, 907 cabins, nine restaurants and a swimming pool.
Although the Marella Explorer 2 has room for 1,814 passengers, restrictions by social distancing protocols has limited the vessel with 800 adult-only guests.
Approximately a third disembarked via tenders and enjoyed pre-arranged shore excursions with Marella Cruises.
Lerwick Port Authority’s cruise and marketing manager, Melanie Henderson, said: “Marella Explorer 2 is another excellent example of the lengths cruise line operators are implementing to protect passengers and crew and the communities visited.
“Marella has meticulously planned Covid-19 procedures both onboard and throughout their shore arrangements.
“Great co-operation by islanders is making a major contribution to the success of procedures being implemented onshore to ensure the safe restart.”
She added: “We are looking forward to the rest of the visits planned this season and better things to come next year, with increasing input to
the Shetland economy.”
Last week’s visit by Island Sky marked the first visit of a cruise ship in 17 months and started a summer season that will extend through to October.
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General Manager at Scalloway Meat Co
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Police seek witnesses following dangerous overtaking
Police are seeking assistance after a car was seen carrying out a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre.
The incident is said to have happened on Tuesday on the A970 north road coming into Lerwick shortly before 3pm.
Officers say the car involved was dark in colour with a red trim on the roof.
One of the vehicles that was overtaken was a white flatbed truck.
Police say they are seeking witnesses to come forward.
Three new Covid cases reported
Shetland has seen three new cases of coronavirus according to the latest Scottish government figures.
That brings the latest seven day total to 36.
The new cases follow an earlier five cases reported yesterday, which came on top of 10 on Friday.
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Bressay croft nominated to represent sustainable agriculture
Garths Croft Bressay is one of eighteen small businesses to be nominated in a national contest to find sustainability heroes.
Food Hero Scot prioritises people and planet at the heart of enterprise.
The competition pays tribute to those in Scotland that prioritise local food production, diversification and sustainable decisions.
Garths Croft Bressay is run by Chris Dyer, focusing on traditional and heritage breeds of sheep, pig and poultry.
“I am delighted and honoured that Garths Croft Bressay has been nominated as part of the Food Hero Scot competition to represent sustainability and diversification in food production alongside engagement in traditional heritage,” said Mr Dyer.
“There are so many excellent hard-working businesses and individuals in Shetland engaged in agricultural production.”
* More coverage on Garths Croft’s nomination will feature in Landwise, out next month.
Cycling event will follow Up-Helly-A’ route
Pedal power is coming to Lerwick – thanks to an initiative that encourages people to get on their bikes.
Charity Cycling Scotland is planning to hold a Pedal Lerwick event next month.
Set over a one way loop on closed roads, the initiative will follow the Up-Helly-A’ procession route.
The King George V Playing Park will host the registration point, and free cycle hire (including adapted bikes for disabled participants) will be offered.
Organiser of Pedal Lerwick Louise Johnson said: “We can’t wait to host our first Pedal for Scotland event in Shetland.
“We have been so restricted in how we can gather in the past year, it will be wonderful to see so many people meet up on their bikes in August.”
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Five new cases of coronavirus in the isles
The latest Scottish government figures show five new cases of coronavirus in the isles.
That brings the latest seven day total to 34.
Invitation made to take part in peatland restoration
A chance has emerged for folk to help restore an area of bogland this weekend – but willing participants are being encouraged to bring their wellies.
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Concern over plans for Arrow to serve Ullapool to Stornoway route
Concerns are being raised over a potential “knock-on impact” on shipping services after a short term charter was agreed for the freight vessel Arrow to provide additional services to the Western Isles.
A plea has been made by Isles MSP Beatrice Wishart amid concern surrounding the announcement by Transport Scotland that the vessel would operate on the Stornoway-Ullapool route operated by CalMac.
Assurances are being sought that sufficient contingency to allow Shetland’s freight needs to be met in the coming months.
Ms Wishart said: “Future freight tonnage capacity needs to be addressed. But the last thing we need now is any concern about short term capacity.
“I hope the Cabinet Secretary can reassure islanders that contingency plans are in place. Our local economies need no further knocks.”
Isle Eat plan to open cafe in Yell
The owner of a mobile gourmet takeaway trailer is set to open a new cafe at the Gutcher Ferry Terminal in Yell.
Isle Eat, owned by former chef Brian Kennedy, only started late last year but has already gained a growing reputation for its range of street foods.
He has now announced that he will soon be opening an Isle Eat Cafe in Yell, which will initially serve breakfasts, snacks and lunches.
After starting up in October 2020, Isle Eat upgraded its mobile trailer earlier this year after a successful start.
The trailer is mainly based out of Brae, but moves around to different bases.
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In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday, 9th July) edition of The Shetland Times:
- There is a warning from NHS chief executive Michael Dickson that the effects of the pandemic could be felt for years to come.
- NHS Shetland has apologised after a voice message on the Lerwick Health Centre phone line called anyone phoning it a “numpty”.
- One Norwegian sailor made a big entrance into Lerwick in a very small boat. We went down to the harbour to meet him.
- We caught up with Michael Medici as he was half-way through a challenge to run five marathons in as many days.
- Artefacts found at the dig in Scalloway are thought by one archaeologist to be Iron Age, although the landowner still thinks they could be from the Viking era.
- We report on the various theories on the recent fly infestation.
- SPORT – A full report from the first football cup final of the season along with reports from football, hockey and more.
North Isles grounds keeper retires after more than three decades of service
Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) has paid tribute to one of its longest-serving members of staff after his retirement.
SRT publicly thanked grounds keeper and handyman Malcolm Spence for his outstanding service to both Yell and Unst leisure centres.
He joined the trust in August 1990 and retired last month.
It said he would be “a huge miss”, and added he had become “a regular fixture” at both the North Isles centres and around the isles for monthly water testing.
SRT head of assets Andrew Lyall thanked Mr Spence for all of his years of service and handed him a gift on behalf of the trust last week.
In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday, 2nd July) edition of The Shetland Times:
- A fisherman will have to be killed at sea before action is taken about the aggressive behaviour of foreign vessels, according to a local skipper.
- BDL Hotels are exploring the possibility of building 20 houses on the site of the former Moorfield Hotel, The Shetland Times can reveal.
- The isles only wildlife sanctuary, in Hillswick, will reopen tomorrow – offering a glimpse of its major redevelopment.
- The refurbishment of the iconic 200-year-old Copeland Lodberry in Lerwick is well under way, with photos from above showing the scale of the work.
- A councillor has warned pupils could face being “crammed like sardines” into a Lerwick primary school if national guidelines are followed strictly to the letter.
- SPORT – Shetland Football Association president Iain Smith said finding more referees will be the “main topic” of conversation this season.
- SPORT – Spurs take on Whitedale at the Gilbertson Park for the Madrid Cup tomorrow, in the first cup final of the season.
- FEATURES – Librarian Catherine Jeromson tells us about the Books of her Life, and former Shetland Times news editor Jim Tait finally takes A Sporting Chance.
WATCH: Bells Brae teachers dance to sea shanty for summer holiday video
Teachers from Bells Brae Primary School have performed their annual end of school year video to a popular sea shanty this year.
Uploaded to YouTube yesterday on the last day before the summer holidays, teachers from the school can be seen dancing around the playground to Wellerman, a song which has gained popularity through social media app TikTok over the last year.
This year’s effort contains pirates, an enthusiastic gardening shark, sections filmed at Mareel and the Clickimin Broch, and even three teachers jumping in the sea.
Watch the full video below:
Pride flag flies over Lerwick Town Hall
The rainbow pride flag is flying over the Lerwick Town Hall today (Friday, 25th June).
June is recognised as Pride Month, which is dedicated to celebrating those in LGBTQ+ communities.
Earlier this year plans were announced for a Shetland Pride festival, which is due to be held in June 2022.
Brae Tartan Army boogie in London … but will they be celebrating at Hampden?
The Brae Tartan Army enjoyed their trip to London, sending in this photo next to a famous capital landmark in their Scottish regalia.
And they enjoyed another fine moment at another London landmark later in the day, after England dug in to hold Scotland to a 0-0 draw in their second Euro 2020 game.
Scotland take on 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia in a must-win match for both sides on Tuesday evening, with the winner heading through to the next round of the competition.
The Scottish side have infamously never made it past the group stage of a major tournament – will the Brae Tartan Army be boogieing in the Hampden stands at full-time?
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