More ferry disruption
NorthLink has warned of further disruption to services until Monday – with passengers being told today’s ferry sailing from Aberdeen to Shetland, via Orkney, departing…
NorthLink has warned of further disruption to services until Monday – with passengers being told today’s ferry sailing from Aberdeen to Shetland, via Orkney, departing…
Over 130 UHI Shetland students enjoyed a magical Christmas graduation at Mareel today (Friday). Due to overwhelming demand, students who completed their studies in a…
Shetland Islands Council has today (Fri) agreed unanimously to fund up to £18.6 million towards the cost of a new Fair Isle ferry and related…
The SIC will stump up an extra £210,000 for a 3G pitch in Lerwick – bringing the council’s total spend to £690,000.
A man is to stand trial charged with the murder of his partner in Shetland.
READ FULL STORYIsles police will be piloting a new scheme to catch people driving under the influence of drugs.
Police Scotland will then roll-out the screening appliances across the country, if the six-month trial is successful.
A dozen officers have completed the training, with one officer claiming it would be a helpful tool in the crackdown on illicit drugs.
Sergeant Alex Barry told The Shetland Times it provided a “real opportunity” for officers to take the lead in preventing substance-related crime.
“It hits the nail on the head with what we are looking out for,” Sgt Barry said. “From my non-roads policing point of view, it gives me a lot more breadth to capture stuff like that.”
This training allows officers who have recently received drug wipe training to detect those driving under the influence of controlled substances at the roadside and is a big step forward in terms of road safety in Shetland.
In today’s (Friday, 6th December) edition of The Shetland Times:
• EXCLUSIVE: Infected Blood survivor calls for more accessible Hep C testing, treatment.
• EXCLUSIVE: Police chief offers advice after hundreds of fraud cases revealed.
• EXCLUSIVE: Patients helped by hyperbaric chamber.
• EXCLUSIVE: Noise pollution from Viking turbines “like a motorway”.
• Skipper on “confusing” quota changes for 2025.
• “Once in a lifetime” sight of new killer whale calf.
• SPORT: Full results of the Shetland Badminton Senior Open.
Click here to get The Shetland Times delivered to your device every Friday morning.
The Shetland North seat will be contested for the first time in seven years after a second candidate announced his intention to stand in the upcoming by-election.
READ FULL STORYA visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
A visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREThe call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
The call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
FIND OUT MOREFirst published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
First published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
FIND OUT MOREAlec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
Alec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREPAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
PAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
FIND OUT MORELerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
Lerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
FIND OUT MOREThe popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
The popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing 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 …
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 …
FIND 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, …
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, …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
Following on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
FIND OUT MOREA Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
A Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MORECouncillors will vote next week on a two-year trial program for all-round free bus travel across the Isles.
If successful, the plan would make Shetland the first place in the UK with free bus rides for locals.
The motion, proposed by Shetland South councillors Alex Armitage and Robbie McGregor, will go before their colleagues in a vote at the full council meeting on Wednesday.
Mr McGregor said free transport “would grease the wheels of Shetland’s economy.”
Free buses would be a “win-win-win for people, planet and the Shetland economy” said Dr Armitage, noting the Scottish government’s aim to reduce car travel a fifth by the end of the decade.
“We have more private cars on the road than ever. It’s just not sustainable,” he said. “We need bold, innovative policies like fare-free public transport to provide real incentives for folk to get on the bus.”
Dr Armitage and Mr McGregor first proposed free bus and ferry travel for islanders two years ago, but the idea was narrowly rejected over the question of funding.
This time, Dr Armitage said there are “cost-neutral” options for the SIC, drawing on a possible new tourist levy, government funds announced in the new budget, or the isles’ community benefit fund.
“We were knocked back when we tried this two years ago,” Dr Armitage told The Shetland Times, “but I’ve been working quite hard to get it this time.”
If passed, next week’s motion will ask councillors to look for funding before voting on a roll-out plan in the new year.
The health and social care partnership has signed off almost £400,000 for six new projects – from mental health to patient accommodation – but rejected two.
At a meeting this morning (Thursday) morning councillors and representatives of NHS Shetland approved the selection unanimously.
The more expensive project selected will see new accommodation facilities for people with learning disabilities, complex needs and older people who can no longer be supported safely in their own homes – costing £133,000.
More than £92,000 was also approved to hire a mental health nurse, for a 12-month pilot.
The full list of eight projects was first floated at a meeting of the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) committee last month, when members where overwhelmed by the number of options, and asked for time to consider them properly.
The two rejected projects would have created a “pathway” to help people suffering with chronic pain, staffed by four specialists, and a post for an official to “address health inequalities”.
Together they would have cost almost a further £190,000, pushing the board overbudget for its non-earmarked reserve.
“All applications were absolutely in line with where the Board want to go,” said chairwoman, Natasha Cornick. ”But we can’t approve every application because we don’t have the reserve funding to enable us to do so.”
Whalsay’s ferry service was forced to go down to a single vessel due to a “stuck” fuel truck.
According to the service’s voicebank, the LHD fuel truck’s brakes were “stuck on” the Linga – with the vessel forced to remain at the Vidlin terminal until the issue was resolved.
As a result, the Hendra has been operating to a single vessel service between Whalsay and Laxo.
All bookings had been suspended and vehicles were advised to use the booked lane.
The Linga is expected to depart Vidlin at 12 noon and will resume full service along with the Hendra from 12.45 onwards.
A £20 million transport funding boost has been announced for ferries, flights or tunnels.
Extra funding for inter-island connections will be allocated to Shetland and Orkney, the Scottish finance secretary Shona Robison revealed today (Wednesday), opening the door to ambitions for fixed links.
Ms Robison said it could be used for “flights, ferries or tunnels between islands”.
The SIC’s political leader Emma Macdonald welcomed the announcement – but said it was too soon to say what the extra funding would be used for.
Mrs Macdonald said she had been engaging with Ms Robison and First Minister John Swinney about the need for more resilience in the council’s current ferry operations.
“We know we have some significant challenges that would be improved with an additional vessel,” she added.
Mrs Macdonald said it was still unclear what level of revenue funding the SIC would receive towards the £23m annual costs of running the ferry service.
“We need to see the detail to know what that looks like within our settlement,” she added.
“Decisions around this additional allocation of capital will obviously be made by members and it would not be appropriate for me to suggest how that would be spent but I am sure it will be welcomed by all members.
“A mention for Shetland in the budget is always a good thing and I am really pleased that it has been recognised by the Scottish government the need to invest in our islands.”
ZetTrans chairwoman Moraig Lyall echoed the leader’s comments.
She said the funding was “clearly welcome” but “just a start on what is needed”.
Mrs Lyall said discussions would take place to determine where the funding is focussed.
We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland. Jobs on offer this week include… You can also follow us on…
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Rural communities can ill afford to be left behind in the “digital age,” a Labour Party campaigner said after he submitted a petition to parliament.
Scottish election hopeful John Erskine – who is running on the list vote – called for a new digital connectivity plan to be developed for the Highlands and Islands.
The petition asks the Scottish government to tackle digital infrastructure shortfalls, improve mobile internet coverage, and foster public-private partnerships, creating opportunities for economic development, healthcare access, and education in the region.
This comes before “significant changes” are made to telecommunications in the region with the impending phase-out of radio teleswitch meters and the retirement of copper phone lines.
“Reliable internet and mobile coverage are not luxuries—they’re lifelines for businesses, education, and healthcare,” Mr Erskine said.
“A comprehensive digital connectivity plan is vital to ensuring these communities have the tools they need to thrive.”
Challenges with telecommunications already face the Highlands and Islands, he added, with 25 per cent of Shetland experiencing internet speeds below 30Mbps.
Mobile phone connections were “patchy or unreliable” in many areas and gaps in digital infrastructure hindered growth in tourism and local industries.
The Holyrood public petitions committee considered the submission for the first time on Thursday, 28th November.
Citing rough weather, NorthLink has cancelled its call into Kirkwall, Orkney, on the southbound ferry leaving Shetland Wednesday evening.
Both Wednesday night ferries to and from Lerwick could also arrive up to an hour late, the ferry operator said.
Northlink had first warned of possible delays on Monday.
The Kirkwall stop on Thursday remains under review, with poor conditions expected through the weekend into Monday.
An aerospace company has switched its launch plans to SaxaVord after “pausing” construction at a rival spaceport.
READ FULL STORYNorthLink has welcomed aboard its 400,000th passenger of the year.
READ FULL STORYA survey seeking views on council tax – including a possible 10 per cent hike – has been launched.
READ FULL STORYFishing representatives have criticised new quota reductions for next year as unnecessary, unscientific and unfair on Shetland’s fishermen.
Delegations from the EU, Norway and UK agreed to cut catch limits of herring and cod by a fifth in an agreement signed on Monday.
Daniel Lawson of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association said the decision was “disappointing” and “due to a lack of understanding”.
Haddock quota were also reduced by five per cent. Allocations for plaice, saithe and whiting were increased, however, the lattermost by 46 per cent compared to this year.
Mr Lawson called for better investment in fisheries research, so that “volatile” scientific results do not drive unnecessary cuts.
He said: “This is not the fault of fishermen, but it is they and their businesses which end up paying the price for scientific shortcomings.
“Until we see re-investment in fisheries science, these quota talks, and the livelihoods of our members, will continue to be hampered by uncertainties, unknowns and instability.”
The UK and the EU are expected to reach an agreement for other fish species later this month.
A firefighting youth instructor has gained recognition for the support and guidance he gives to youth volunteers.
READ FULL STORYA 31-year-old Glasgow man has appeared in court in connection with a £125,000 drugs discovery.
READ FULL STORYBeautifully converted church in the picturesque village of Walls, approximately 40 minutes drive from Lerwick. Spectacular open-plan living/dining/kitchen area featuring church windows and oak staircase to upper balcony. Overlooking the…
Our Self-Catering Apartment is set on a working croft, has stylish contemporary furnishings and is a well-equipped peaceful home from home. An ideal location to explore coastline, beaches, wildlife and…
Comfortable, spacious, one bedroom self-catering apartment with panoramic, uninterrupted sea views in the village of Gulberwick, a quiet countryside setting just 2.5 miles from Lerwick. On-site parking. All linen, towels,…
Luxury Self Catering Apartments and Cottages. Midgarth House commands magnificent views over the harbour to Lerwick. We are a family-run business in the heart of Shetland. Our serviced apartments and…
Roegarth is a spacious four-bedroom house situated in central Lerwick, accommodating up to seven guests. Recently refurbished to a high standard, and within easy walking distance of the town centre,…
The Sands is a traditional cottage situated in a picturesque setting a few metres from a sandy beach. An ideal base for watching the wildlife, walking and enjoying the beautiful…
A short film is being made to honour the “incredible legacy” of Jan and Pete Bevington and their devotion to wildlife conservation.
READ FULL STORYThe first tenants to return to Sandveien were welcomed after major construction work to rebuild the properties.
Almost two years after families were moved out for the demolition of the hold houses, the process has now begun for those people to return to their new homes.
Partners Kyle Duncan and Kitty Horváth, and their two children, have today (Monday) moved into a newly-built three-bedroom property.
Their return marks the final stage of the housing project, with other tenants expected to move in over the coming days and weeks, in time for Christmas.
SIC housing executive manager Anita Jamieson said she was delighted for the project to be coming to an end.
“Handing over the keys and seeing our tenants moving into these houses is a great moment and the housing service is really pleased to be able to celebrate the completion of this project,” Mrs Jamieson said.
Work began in March 2023 on the rebuild project, which comprises six two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses. The overall project cost around £2.5 million, which has attracted £700k of funding from the Scottish government’s More Homes Fund.
The project was fully delivered by local companies comprising lead contractor DITT Ltd (supported by local subcontractors), plus architects PJP Architects, engineering consultants Mott Macdonald, quantity surveyor Jim Nisbet and Case Shetland as clerk of works.
Councillors have sounded the “alarm” at cuts in affordable housing funding which have forced a two year delay to the Knab development.
READ FULL STORYCouncillors have narrowly agreed to stump up a further £210,000 for a new 3G sports pitch – despite concerns about the spiralling costs behind the project.
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