The Shetland Times Live

Charitable Trust investments bouncing back from global uncertainty

June 11, 2025 | 10.06am

Despite tariff wars, real wars and global uncertainty, the Shetland Charitable Trust’s (SCT) investments have increased since the start of this financial year.

The fund — originally established to disburse the profits of North Sea oil — currently sits at £458.8 million, up roughly £25m since April.

“Despite the volatility we are seeing the external investments starting to creep back up,” said SCT chairman Robert Leask at a board meeting last Thursday.

Overall last year was still a poor year for the trust, which made enough to cover its grant spending but only a quarter of its average return from the past half decade.

At last week’s meeting trustees agreed that more instability could be expected on the horizon, but that the SCT’s new financial strategy (ditching property and diversified growth funds for infrastructure and private credit) could help hedge against this.

SCT also announced a new trustee.

Andy Turnbull is an environmental consultant and nature-based investment advisor, with a background in
timber and food production as well as landscape-scale nature restoration.

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Open marine sustainability conference at UHI Tuesday

June 9, 2025 | 1.51pm

As world leaders gather in Nice for this year’s UN ocean conference, scientists and conservationists are hosting their own day of marine science seminars and talks tomorrow (Tuesday).

The day will begin with an afternoon conference from 2pm at the University of the Highlands and Islands’ (UHI) Scalloway campus, followed by an evening talk and Q&A from 7pm.

The event comes in the wake both of David Attenborough’s new Oceans documentary, and the government’s announcement this morning (Monday) to ban bottom trawling in a number of English marine protected areas.

Tomorrow’s event will seek to bring together industry with researchers to discuss sustainable management and restoration — from existing citizen science initiatives, to seagrass planting planned for this summer.

As well as talks from fishing representatives, government researchers and UHI academics, the afternoon conference will see the launch of UHI Shetland’s new “guiding marine restoration” plan.

You can find free tickets for the afternoon’s talks here, and the evening here.

UHI Shetland appoints Stephen Leask as chairman of management board

June 9, 2025 | 12.09pm

Lerwick North and Bressay councillor Stephen Leask has been announced as the new chairman of the board of management at UHI Shetland.

The board were “delighted” to make the announcement as Mr Leask brings a “wealth of experience”.

As well as his role representing the town and Bressay ward, Mr Leask also had a successful career as regional manager and advisor and consultant at Harbro.

Speaking to The Shetland Times, the new chairman said he was “pleased” and “honoured” to take on the role.

“I look forward to working in close collaboration with staff, students, and our wider community guided by the UHI Shetland principles of openness, respect, and excellence,” Mr Leask said.

He said the role of a leader was to turn a vision into reality, and through “effort, efficiency, and effectiveness” the board could continue to build a college that meets the training and industry needs at the heart of the community.

The outgoing interim chairman Mason Robbins said it was a “privilege” to hold the role temporarily.

Mr Robbins said the new chairman would be a “valuable” asset to have and had a “genuine passion” for the isles and its future.

He added: “With Stephen’s leadership, I believe UHI Shetland is well positioned to strengthen its role in the community, support our students and staff, and grow as a centre of learning and innovation for the islands and beyond.”

Isles have the slowest first-class post in Scotland

June 9, 2025 | 10.05am

The government’s independent consumer advocacy body has called for greater postal service safeguards, after new Royal Mail data revealed Shetland has some of the slowest first-class post in Scotland.

Less than 30 per cent of first-class post arrived on time to Shetland last year, according to the figures. Deliveries to the Western Isles were marginally quicker. In Orkney 54 per cent of first-class post was delivered on time.

Across mainland Scotland, regulators require Royal Mail to deliver more than nine out of every ten first class letters within one working day. No such targets exist for the northern and western isles, which Consumer Scotland said has allowed standards to slip.

“The lack of quality of service targets for Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles means there
are no safeguards for consumers in these areas on the minimum levels of service that they
can expect,” said Grace Remmington, Consumer Scotland’s head of post.

“This limits options for Ofcom to enforce improved performance from Royal Mail.”

Regulators Ofcom fined Royal Mail £10.5 million last year for missing those targets in mainland Scotland, and are currently investigating Royal Mail for missing them again.

Delivery rates across the rest of Scotland have improved two per cent since the year before. In the northern and western isles they have gotten worse.

Ms Remmington went on to say that logistical issues, including ferries, make mainland delivery rates unfeasible for Shetland, but that the isles should have some target nonetheless.

• Read the full story in this week’s issue of The Shetland Times, out Friday June 13th.

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Two hundred attend heart screening event

June 9, 2025 | 8.54am

Over 200 people attended a free heart screening event in Lerwick at the weekend, and the wheels
are in motion for it to return to Shetland next year.

The screenings took place at the Clickimin Leisure Centre for people aged 14 to 35, and were carried out by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, whose team of eight travelled to Shetland from the mainland.

The event’s was made even more special by the screening of Robbie Anderson, who turned up on his 14th birthday on Sunday.

Robbie is the youngest person ever screened by Cardiac Risk in the Young in the UK.

Over 10 people have been referred for further checks following the event.

Shetland Heart Screening is made up of three committee members: Siobhan Pirie, Fern Johnson and
Andrea Laurenson.

The group formed a few years ago when Ms Pirie’s husband John unexpectedly died in 2017 at the age of just 29 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The trio are so delighted to be able to facilitate the screening and are incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by the support received to date, made possible thanks to a fundraising drive in the community, as well as support from some local sponsors.

Each event costs £14,000 and the team also want to thank NorthLink, Bolts Car Hire and Clickimin for sponsorship and support for the 2025 event.

To enable future screening events to be scheduled, the team at Shetland Heart Screening are
currently running a lucky squares fundraiser.

Sunshine and song at da Selkiewife Spree

June 8, 2025 | 8.30pm

Singing, sunshine and a special seal came together at Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary today (Sunday) for its annual Selkiewife Spree.

“It couldn’t have been done without all the help,” said sanctuary trustee Pete Bevington, “and that’s always been the spirit of Hillswick sanctuary.”

While Smudge — a recovering grey seal — lolled in the sun, the crowds enjoyed musical performances from the Shetland Community Brass Band, Sauerkraut Seth and the Sheds, May and Mackie and Up an’ Drummin’ before Donald Sutherland, Alan McKay and friends rounded out the evening.

The Hillswick Wildlife sanctuary was founded by Mr Bevington’s late wife, Jan, in the 1980s.

Since then it has nursed seals, otters and other marine mammals back to health through the Braer oil spill and countless winter storms.

This year’s spree marks the first since Jan’s passing late last year.

“Jan would have absolutely loved it,” said Mr Bevington. “It brings out the best in human spirit.”

• Read the full story in this week’s issue of The Shetland Times, out Friday, June 13th.

Smudge enjoying some attention this afternoon (Sunday).

Orkney win junior inter-counties

June 8, 2025 | 2.05pm

Orkney have won this year’s junior inter-counties 154.5-140.5, after the final swimming event went down to the wire.

Orkney took the win at swimming, hockey and football. Shetland had more luck with netball and athletics.

This year marks Orkney’s third junior inter-county victory on the trot.

The final scores by event were:

• Athletics 48-47 to Shetland.

• Football 0-4 to Orkney (0-20 in inter-county points).

• Hockey 0-1 to Orkney (0-5 in inter-county points).

•Netball 47-31 to Shetland.

• Swimming 45.5-51.5 to Orkney.

Shetland’s athletics score was initially reported as 48.5 but later corrected down half a point.

Magnitude three earthquake registered east of Shetland

June 8, 2025 | 1.16pm

A magnitude three earthquake shook the North Sea 140 kilometres east of Sumburgh yesterday (Saturday) morning, according to the British Geological Survey.

The earthquake began at 9.25am and appears not to have been felt on the isles.

It was, however, little more than a dozen kilometres from the Kraken and Kraken North oilfields.

Operator EnQuest has been approached for comment.

A three on the Richter scale makes this earthquake the largest in Britain for at least two months, but still only a “slight” shake unlikely to cause damage.

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Second day of junior inter-county underway

June 8, 2025 | 10.21am

The second day of junior inter-county sport is underway with netball at the Clickimin sports centre.

Shetland took an initial lead after yesterday morning’s athletics — including a new 1500m record from runner Layla Todd.

Orkney had the best of the rest of the day however — stealing a narrow 1-0 hockey victory and a less narrow 4-0 win on the football pitch.

With five points awarded per goal difference in each sport, Orkney ended the first day 23.5 points up.

Shetland have taken an early lead at the netball, however, with swimming still to come.

You can find live results updates here.

Open mic ‘story slam’ is coming to Shetland

June 7, 2025 | 4.46pm

A loosely competitive live storytelling event is coming to the isles this winter, Shetland Arts announced yesterday (Friday).

‘Shetland Story Slam’, inspired by popular US event The Moth, will invite anyone with a tale to tell on a specific theme can put their name forward for five minutes in front of an open mic.

The rules: stories must be true, personal and no notes are allowed.

The Moth was founded in New York over 25 years ago and has grown since then to Australia, Africa and the UK — as well as onto a popular podcast highlighting the best stories from local events.

“We’re both huge fans of The Moth live storytelling podcast, and thought why not hold a live Shetland Story Slam?,” organisers Liz Musser and Ruth Oliver wrote in a blog post.

“And thanks to the Creative Shetland Commissioning Fund, we’re doing it!”

Shetland’s first Moth-inspired storytelling night is not until Saturday 22nd November, but the organisers have planned an informal chat about the event for the start of next month, Wednesday 2nd July, at Mareel from 5.30pm.

There will also be two free storytelling workshops earlier in November, with booking details still to come.

When the story slam does arrive in Shetland, the theme for stories will be “place”. Those interested should email [email protected].

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Bike week brings group rides and funding workshops

June 7, 2025 | 10.00am

Cyclists experienced and new have been invited to take part in a programme of events for Bike Week starting this Monday.

Organised by nationwide charity Cycling UK, the plans in Shetland include guided rides, a bike maintenance session and funding workshops for businesses and organisations hoping to access grants for bikes and storage.

Cycling UK’s development officer for Shetland, Andrew Campbell, said the week was primarily planned “to share the joy of cycling”.

“Cycling has loads of physical and mental health benefits, is an affordable way to travel and ultimately it’s great fun” he said.

“We want to support communities to become cleaner and greener and achieve that goal by helping more people walk, wheel and cycle for short everyday journeys.”

The week begins with a North Ness at noon on Monday that offers free bike safety checks provided by the Shetland Community Bike Project, a short guided ride and the chance to find out more about the range of free support available.

On Tuesday, cyclists can meet at Market House in the afternoon with two cycling advocates travelling up to the isles to kickstart a community effort to advance the conversation about cycling.

They will be discussing the Cycle Access Fund –  a grant available in Shetland to support organisations interested in getting their members onto bikes. Mr Campbell also offers free e-bike loans for a month at a time.

“The idea is to bring together people who are interested affecting change in the local area,” said Mr Campbell, “better understanding what local issues are and addressing barriers to participation.”

A free bike maintenance session is available at the Clickimin Leisure Centre on Wednesday at noon. Another group ride is planned from Brae on Thursday.

Cycling reached a peak UK-wide during the pandemic and has gradually declined since then, according to statistics compiled by Cycling UK. The isles also come with their own challenges for would-be wheelers.

“Obviously, Shetland is windy and a wee bit hilly, so e-bikes can really enable more frequent cycling,” he said. “Anyone that tries an e-bike becomes an instant convert.”

Frequent cyclists will also know that Shetland is not rich in bike paths.

Under its active travel strategy Shetland Islands’ Council has promised a “pipeline of projects”, from a broader cycling strategy, to a feasibility study for a cycle path linking Lerwick to Scalloway.

“I feel as if the council are doing the best job that they can when it comes to developing routes,” said Mr Campbell.

“There is a lot of development work involved in the process and it can take a lot of time before building can happen.”

“Ultimately we want to help more people discover that cycling for short local journeys can not only be practical, but fun and good for you.”

A full programme for next week can be found here.

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In this week’s Shetland Times

June 6, 2025 | 6.06am

In today’s (Friday, 6th June) edition of The Shetland Times:

  • Freight-flex procurement begins.
  • EXCLUSIVE: Walker will complete 2,000 mile charity event in Unst next month.
  • Rosebank developers uncertain of electrification at oil field.
  • COURT: Stuart Hill ordered to complete 75 hours of unpaid work.
  • Two child benefit cap criticised by councillors.
  • Officials deny knowledge of plans for major offshore development.
  • SPORT: Island games previews begin with look at lawn bowls.

Stuart Hill ordered to complete unpaid work

June 5, 2025 | 1.06pm

Sovereignty campaigner Stuart Hill has been ordered to complete 75 hours of unpaid work after he failed to pay a £500 fine issued in 2017.

Appearing from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court yesterday Hill told the court that he did not recognise the name on the letter addressed to him, which stated he was due to appear before the sheriff.

When asked by the court’s clerk to clarify his name, the 82-year-old said he was “Stuart of the family Hill”.

He also told Sheriff Ian Cruickshank that he was superior to him, because the sheriff “stepped” down to his position, while Hill was a man.

Sheriff Cruickshank told the court the fine in question related to Hill’s candidacy at the 2017 general election.

He had failed to submit documents containing expenses and statements of all payments made, which were to be submitted to the appropriate election officer within 35 days.

Kirkwall Sheriff Court ordered Hill to pay the fine at a rate of £10 per week –  however, nothing was paid.

Hill said he was not the person who was responsible for paying the fine although he was aware of the case.

“That’s because you were there,” Sheriff Cruickshank said.

However, the sovereignty campaigner maintained he was not “S-T-U-A-R-T A-L-A-N H-I-L-L” but “the man” Stuart Alan Hill.

The sheriff asked Hill if he was willing to pay the fine or was going to ask for an extension. Hill refused.

Sheriff Cruickshank said there were different options available to him to impose on Hill, one of which was a 14-day prison sentence.

Hill objected to this, claiming it was not appropriate according to the Criminal Justice Scotland Act book, which he had in the dock.

After hearing Hill’s claims and quotations, the sheriff said none were “relevant” to the fines inquiry which Hill was facing.

“I did not say I would send you to prison, I said it was an option,” the sheriff said.

Sheriff Cruickshank said he would instead order Hill to complete 75 hours of unpaid work, which would be to the benefit of the “Shetland community”.

When asked if he would comply with the order, Hill said he “would have to consider it”.

A warrant was issued on Wednesday to apprehend Hill after he failed to appear in court. He was arrested that afternoon.

Six month supervision for sex offender

June 4, 2025 | 12.43pm

A 44-year-old former guizer who grabbed a woman’s buttocks at Up-Helly-A’ has been placed under supervision for six months.

Gareth Geddes, of Stocketgaet, Lerwick, pleaded guilty to the charge at Lerwick Sheriff Court in April when he was placed on the sex offenders register.

Back at court today (Wednesday), defence agent Tommy Allan said a “very detailed” criminal justice report had been compiled ahead of sentencing.

He said his client reacted on “impulse” during the fire festival but he did not for it for “sexual gratification”.

Mr Allan reminded the court that Geddes apologised when he realised offence had been caused to the victim.

In April, the court heard Geddes apologised to the victims partner and then again the following day.

“You can see from the report that he is genuinely sorry,” Mr Allan said.

The report concluded that Geddes was considered low risk of reoffending.

Mr Allan also said Geddes had learned lessons from the incident.

The solicitor said his client had been unable to take part in some activities with his children, due to having been placed on the sex offenders register.

And he said the publicity from the case had affected his ability to do community work.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said the case “clearly had an effect” on Geddes and there was little reason to believe his remorse was “anything other than genuine”.

Geddes will be under supervision for six months but social workers can apply to have this reduced, should they see progress in him.


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