Road closed after failure of parapet

A B-road from Weisdale to Sandwater has been closed due to the failure of a parapet on the north side of the bridge over the Pettawater burn.

The council’s roads department has warned there is no access through Kergord between Weisdale and the Sandwater junction on the A970.

All Kergord traffic must use the A971 access from Weisdale.

The closure is necessary in the interests of public safety and will remain in place until repairs can be effected to replace the parapet wall.

Woman released on bail

A woman has been released on bail after after appearing from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court following an accusation she behaved in a threatening or abusive manner.

Samantha Gibney, 44, of Stura, Tingwall, is charged with entering a house in Burra without any invitation to do so.

She is said to have refused to leave and struggled with an occupant, before smashing a plant pot and repeatedly striking a porch door with a fire extinguisher – brandishing it at her former partner, and threatening him with violence.

Gibney appeared from custody before Honorary Sheriff Eric Peterson on Monday.

Her case was continued without plea until 9th December.

Police launch campaign tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol fuelled criminality in run-up to Christmas

Police and partner agencies have teamed up to lead a campaign tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol and drug misuse during the festive period. 

Police Scotland launched Operation Respect across the Highlands and Islands division, including Shetland, last Friday. 

Operation leader Chief Inspector Ian Graham said shops and cafes tended to be busier during the run-up to Christmas and urged folk to be mindful of their own security.

“Criminals can see this period as an opportune time to commit offences,” he added. 

“Ensure to keep an eye on your shopping at all times, keep your bags closed and ensure your purse or wallet is not easily accessible.”

Mr Graham advised people to use cash machines in well-lit areas, shield their pin and put their money and card away as soon as they are done.

He said that as people tend to drink more alcohol at this time of year, they should plan ahead and take care.

Toy Tesla arrives in Shetland to make hospital visits more enjoyable for poorly bairns

A mini Tesla has been donated to enable poorly Shetland children drive themselves for treatment in hospital – rather than being wheeled around in a bed. 

The donation aims to ease the anxiety of young patients and make their visits to hospital more enjoyable. 

Tesla Owners UK, which  made the donation to the Gilbert Bain Hospital, thanked members for their work raising money to buy and transport the cars. 

“This car originated in a warehouse in Nottingham and has travelled by Tesla – and ferry – all the way,” it said. 

“Thanks to Elon Musk, RadioFlyer, members and the general public for their kind donations at our events too,

“Lastly, thanks to Deryn who makes this all possible with her meticulous planning.”

The organisation has partnered with The Christian Blandford Fund to ensure all funds raised through this scheme go entirely towards buying the toy Tesla cars.

NorthLink Ferries said it was “delighted” to assist with transporting the car to Shetland.

Shetland software firm’s role developing maths game welcomed as ‘exciting opportunity’ for new creative jobs

A Shetland software company is involved in the development of a computer game which aims to boost pupils’ maths skills.

Carmichael calls on government to support ‘enormous’ opportunities of tidal power in Shetland

Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has called on the government to support the commercialisation of marine renewable energy – to make the most of Shetland’s opportunities.

Mr Carmichael spoke in a parliamentary debate, highlighting the Northern Isles’ long history of supporting the UK’s energy needs and its potential as a hub of marine renewables. 

Shetland became home to the world’s first offshore tidal array in 2016 when Nova Innovation installed the first turbines in the array at Bluemull Sound. 

However, Mr Carmichael said the growth of green renewable energy was still frustrated by a lack of opportunities. 

Mr Carmichael said that while  research had been carried out in to the development of wave and tidal power it needed funding to reach commercial deployment.

He suggested an “Innovative Power Purchase Agreement” for marine energy could produce “enormous” opportunities for Shetland and the UK.