POLL: Should domestic cats be restricted from going outdoors?
The SNP was this week forced to deny it had any plan to ban or restrict domestic cats – after the suggestion was made in a Scottish government report.
The SNP was this week forced to deny it had any plan to ban or restrict domestic cats – after the suggestion was made in a Scottish government report.
The Nesting and Girlsta Up-Helly-A’ has begun, with The Guizer Jarl and his Jarl’s Squad already on visitation around the area. Bjorn “Ironside” Ragnarsson —…
In today’s (Friday, 7th February) edition of The Shetland Times: Read more in this week’s edition of The Shetland Times out now in shops. Visit here to…
A Shetland hat worn by Billie Eilish at the Grammy awards on Sunday was, in fact, a copycat made from imitation wool. Yorkshire-based manufacturers Abraham…
The Nesting and Girlsta Up-Helly-A’ has already been a roaring success.
The Guizer Jarl’s Squad has been keeping folk entertained, and the day has remained calm and clear – all of which should make for a great atmosphere when the main procession takes place tonight.
Two power outages hit Shetland this morning — one in Lerwick, the other stretching across all of Unst and north Yell.
Together at least 700 homes lost power.
Though pupils sitting exams in Anderson High today fall under one of the outage areas, the school was unaffected, according to SSE and the council.
Both failures were caused by “a fault in our underground network” according to the energy company’s power tracker.
“These are not related and are on different parts of the network,” however, SSE said.
The Lerwick outage was reported a little after 3.30am today (Wednesday) and an engineer is currently on site. Despite SSE initially aiming to restore power by 11am, the cut is still in force at time of writing.
The larger cut across Unst and Yell was reported at roughly 10.15am and power has now been restored.
The Lerwick cut stretches over Anderson High, where pupils are sitting preliminary examinations today, but the school did not experience any cuts.
“Anderson High School has been unaffected by any power outages this morning,” the council said. “Classes and school activities have been as normal.”
Lerwick Port Authority (LPA) has welcomed the announcement of a new, floating facility to restart oil production at a deep sea field north-east of Shetland.
The Penguins field had ceased production four years ago, but operators Shell announced today (Tuesday) that oil is flowing again — courtesy of new wells and a “modern” floating, production, storage and offloading facility (FPSO), co-owned by NEO Energy.
“Being the closest hub port, we will be expecting to see service and supply vessels using Lerwick for Shell’s operations at the field,” said LPA Harbourmaster Captain Alexander Simpson.
“It is difficult to predict numbers at this stage but hopefully we will see some regular visitors.”
The facility will, Shell said, produce roughly 45,000 barrels of oil a day, as well as enough gas to heat 700,000 homes. The oil and gas giant said it hopes to extract from Penguins for another two decades.
While that oil will be refined overseas, and Penguins’ gas piped directly to the north-east of Scotland the activity is expected to bring more oil support boats into the harbour.
The number of oil rig supply and standby vessels calling in Lerwick dropped more than ten per cent last year, according to the LPA’s annual report — though dive support boats more than doubled, netting the harbour an extra £400,000, compared to 2023.
Shell claim operating the new facility will produce a third less emissions than the previous, standing platform.
“Today, the UK relies on imports to meet much of its demand for oil and gas,” said Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s integrated gas and upstream director.
“The Penguins field is a source of the secure domestic energy production people need today, and the FPSO is a demonstration of our investment in competitive projects that create more value with less emissions.”
A drug referred to as “apples” is believed to be circulating in Shetland.
Shetland Alcohol and Drug Partnership warned on its Facebook page Orkney Alcohol & Drugs Partnership have reported the drug is being circulated and consumed in Orkney.
The partnership said it is believed the “extremely potent” drug is also circulating in Shetland. The drug “red apples” is believed to contain opioids.
The statement highlighted naloxone is a drug which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
More information of naloxone provision in Shetland can be found here.
Retired minister John B. Logan recalls his boyhood in Shetland where his father had the extensive Dunrossness parish between 1911 and 1922. A vivid portrayal in prose and poetry of …
Retired minister John B. Logan recalls his boyhood in Shetland where his father had the extensive Dunrossness parish between 1911 and 1922. A vivid portrayal in prose and poetry of …
FIND OUT MORELerwick-born author and respected local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, in his own inimitable style, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through the streets of the Conservation Areas of …
Lerwick-born author and respected local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, in his own inimitable style, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through the streets of the Conservation Areas of …
FIND OUT MORELaughton Johnston’s grandfather, like so many Shetland seamenof the 19th century, moved to Leith where his father’sgeneration was brought up. The Shetland family and seafaringconnections, however, proved strong and a …
Laughton Johnston’s grandfather, like so many Shetland seamenof the 19th century, moved to Leith where his father’sgeneration was brought up. The Shetland family and seafaringconnections, however, proved strong and a …
FIND OUT MOREEssays in Honour of Brian SmithEdited by Mark Smith and Ian Tait In 1976, Brian Smith became Shetland’s first archivist. Since hisappointment, however, he has been much more than a …
Essays in Honour of Brian SmithEdited by Mark Smith and Ian Tait In 1976, Brian Smith became Shetland’s first archivist. Since hisappointment, however, he has been much more than a …
FIND OUT MOREJoin a young brother and sister as they gaze through a telescope from their bedroom window. Telescope, Telescope brings you to the heart of a small community, and an island …
Join a young brother and sister as they gaze through a telescope from their bedroom window. Telescope, Telescope brings you to the heart of a small community, and an island …
FIND OUT MOREA 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 MORECommunity councillors have united with residents in opposing temporary car park plans – branding the scheme “absolutely ludicrous”.
READ FULL STORYTwo local photographers have been shortlisted for a national award celebrating nature, wildlife and landscape photography.
Wild Shetland through the Seasons, by Brydon Thomason and published by The Shetland Times, has made the list, along with Shetland Travel Guide, by travel writer, tour guide and Shetland Times columnist, Laurie Goodlad.
The Scottish Nature Photography awards are held every other year, and organisers are now asking readers to cast their votes for their favourite of 18 candidates.
In the books highlighted, photographers cast their lenses from the Hebrides and Highlands to the Cairngorms and Shetland.
Some of the books are presented as guides, others as studies of particular photographers and photographic techniques. All of them focus on Scotland’s natural world.
“The shortlist reflects a prolific two years of publishing in this genre,” said the award’s organisers.
“Covering diverse subjects and approaches, these books feature stunning photography that portrays aspects of Scotland interwoven with its nature, wildlife and landscape.”
Voting opened on Friday and closes Monday, 3rd March.
You can cast your vote here, and find copies of both Shetland-inspired books in The Shetland Times bookshop or online.
There is no “dispute” between Lerwick Dental Practice and NHS Shetland – the director of dentistry has stressed.
Antony Visocchi has commented this week after “issues” were detected at Lerwick Dental Practice.
Last week, Lerwick Dental Practice called for a public meeting to address its controversial move to discharge some of its NHS patients.
The practice stressed it had to deregister some of its NHS patients amid long-term delays in new dentists’ accessing their list numbers.
“If the director of dentistry did not withhold list numbers for new dentists to come to Shetland we would be able to see current patients and register more new NHS patients without any delay,” the post read.
Following this post, NHS Shetland said in a statement it was continuing to “support” the practice as it works towards achieving its practice certificate.
The health board said this would then enable new NHS dentists to be listed at the practice.
Mr Visocchi emphasised there was not a “problem” or “dispute” between the health board and Lerwick Dental Practice.
However, he stressed it was “central” to his role he ensured anyone delivering NHS dental care in the isles does so to the “correct standard” and complies with all the checks and assurances the health board routinely looks for.
After it was agreed the practice’s three-yearly inspection would occur on 16th October, Mr Visocchi said some “issues” were detected.
“Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the independent practice to maintain and provide a service that is fully compliant with a number of matters.
“These matters might be NHS regulations, infection control, clinical standards or health and safety requirements.
“Unfortunately, issues were found during the visit to the practice which meant the application process for the new dentist was paused until such a time NHS Shetland were satisfied the standards had been improved.”
Since this inspection, he said the health board has continued to work with the practice and set a date for a deadline for the completion of the inspection actions and requirements for 31st January.
Mr Visocchi said these actions and requirements had only been “partially completed” and a meeting is now being offered to “discuss the next steps”.
Read the full story in this week’s Shetland Times.
Social housing bosses are considering a shift in focus to support town centre regeneration.
READ FULL STORYPermanent We have an opportunity for a full-time experienced Master based in Cowal to serve on board our fleet of Class V passenger/vehicle ferries operating…
Job Vacancy Finance Assistant (Part-Time, Fixed Term) At UHI Shetland there is a vacancy for a Purchase Ledger Finance Assistant on a part-time (15 hours…
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…
Bar Staff required Up to 30 hours per week. Wednesday to Saturday evenings Could be job share. Good rates of pay. Telephone: 07500 176677
Volunteer Trustee at The Swan Trust The Swan Trust SCIO is inviting applications for a new volunteer Trustee, with specific skills in accounting and budget…
Full-time HGV Drivers to join our team based in Lerwick. About the Role The successful candidates will be responsible for transporting chilled and ambient goods…
More than 5,000 households could be left without heating or hot water following a switch-off this summer.
READ FULL STORYDevelopers of Shetland’s largest new housing development say they are “struggling” to find contractors to carry out the next phase of work.
READ FULL STORYVisitors to the newly-opened Lounge may have spotted a slightly sullen Japanese film crew last month.
In town to film a one-off documentary for a Japanese public broadcaster, the team had hoped to shoot footage of locals in their Fair Isle jumpers, but failed to find a single authentic gansey.
Not to be discouraged, director Mayumi Oxborrow and her crew will be back in Shetland this afternoon (Monday) to ask a favour.
“We would like people to come with their Fair Isle jumpers on,” said Ms Oxborrow.
The crew will be waiting for you and your favourite gansey from 3pm at Market Cross today. If the weather is poor, jumpers and their owners should meet at Lerwick Town Hall instead.
Under the working title UK Knitting Journey from the Past and the Present, the show is expected to air with Japan’s public media broadcaster, NHK, in March.
“We’re looking into the traditional, historical side of knitting but also exploring current trends,” Ms Oxborrow said.”
Especially after the pandemic, lots of people started or resumed knitting and find it mentally helpful. Knitting is also a symbol of love and hometown pride.”
Decades ago Ms Oxborrow visited Shetland with a different crew for another documentary, also about Fair Isle knitting.
“This time we even revisited some of our previous contributors who had appeared in our programme about the Fair Isle jumper around 30 years ago.
“We’ve been lucky to have been able to visit Fair Isle where the jumpers’ name comes from. There were some opportunities for us to film traditional food and music as well.”
This time the show will also include traditional knitwear from Guernsey, where the crew spent last week. Fair Isle yarn holds a unique place though, the director said.
“We felt that people in Shetland were very proud of fair isle knitting.”
Anyone feeling particularly proud of their jumper can find Ms Oxborrow this afternoon.
A driver was clocked doing 56mph in a 30mph zone as part of road safety patrols during Up-Helly-A’.
READ FULL STORYTomorrow’s (Monday) southbound NorthLink sailing from Lerwick will leave earlier than scheduled because of adverse weather, the ferry operator has announced.
Hrossey was due to depart the town at 7pm but poor conditions forecast for the evening has forced the operator to make changes to the schedule.
She will now leave at 5pm, two hours early, with a possible delay on arrival in Aberdeen by an hour.
The Met Office has forecast wind gusts could reach 50mph around 7pm in Lerwick.
Forecast wind speeds have also forced the freight vessel Helliar to leave an hour early and will now also leave Shetland at 5pm.
The energy chief tasked with transforming Sullom Voe Terminal insists its best days are yet to come.
READ FULL STORYGeorge Robesten spoke to The Shetland Times about finally living the dream in Dingwall after making his first start for Ross County last weekend.
The Staggies starlet completed a full 90 minutes in the Premiership clash at the Global Energy Stadium against Leith side Hibs.
The forward became the first isles football player to reach the milestone in the modern Scottish top flight.
Elsewhere, Vidlin runner Layla Todd says she has set her sights on achieving more glory, after a strong start to 2025 and earning herself a chance to represent Scotland in the process.
Full results and reports from volleyball, netball and indoor hockey also feature in this week’s newspaper.
And find out which 14-year-old netball star Rhianne Colvin has included in her Dream Team.
Read more in this week’s edition of The Shetland Times out now in shops.
Visit here to subscribe to a digital or print edition.
NHS Shetland is working alongside the Lerwick Dental Practice to maintain the levels of health service dentists in the isles, the health board has said.
It comes after the town dentists’ calls for a public meeting following a decision to deregister some of the national health patients.
In its own social media post, the health board said it was continuing to “support” the Lerwick Dental Practice as it works towards achieving its practice certificate, “which will enable new NHS dentists to be listed”.
NHS Shetland said the process had to be made to “meet specific standards, requirements, and responsibilities”.
“This inspection process began in October 2024 and is still ongoing.,” the health board said.
“NHS Shetland is providing assistance to Lerwick Dental Practice to help it achieve full compliance by the 31st January 2025 deadline. The list number application for a new dentist made by Lerwick Dental Practice has not been refused but the practice certificate assurance is a requirement for it to happen.”
It was “important to note” dentist provision in the isles was a challenge but NHS Shetland was committed to providing the universal service for patients.
The health board added: “We are working with our local MSP and the Scottish Government to find solutions to improve dental services in Shetland, whilst awaiting confirmation of Lerwick Dental Practice’s intent to delist patients.
“We will be reaching out to the practice to arrange a meeting to discuss next steps.”
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• Superior Scandinavian lodges ('Oxna' and 'Papa') • Stunning coastal location yet only 8 minutes to Lerwick • Spectacular sea views from all properties • Quality furnishings, fully equipped and…
Traditional crofthouse in a stunning location, completely renovated inside, with lovely views out south voe. Two double bedrooms, single room, one en-suite bathroom with shower over bath, separate shower room,…
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Self-catering, well equipped cottage situated in a beautiful, peaceful coastal location on the west side of the North Mainland, with views southwest to Papa Stour and Foula in the distance…
At the heart of Lerwick's town centre, 'The Watchmakers' is a traditional yet contemporary one-bedroom luxury hideaway, providing a delightful central stay. This building dates back to the early 1800s…
Changes to Whalsay’s ferry timetable sparked controversy this week – causing a council U-turn on some of its sailings.
Whalsay’s ferry service will operate to a revised timetable for three weeks due to “unforeseen” dry docking delays of both the Linga and Fivla.
The Hendra will cover services on the the Whalsay route while the Filla will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Commuters were left angered after it was announced a 5.30pm sailing would be in place as opposed to the usual 5.55pm service from Laxo or Vidlin.
They stressed bus users would not be able to make the ferry in time, and therefore would have to wait at the terminal until the next sailing at 7pm.
The SIC was flooded with social media complaints where folk called the situation “chaos”, accused them of not consulting the community “as usual”, and stressed the council needed to do “a lot more” than just apologise for any inconvenience.
Following the backlash from commuters, the SIC announced the sailing would now take place at 5.45pm instead, and the next sailing would be at 7.15pm.
The SIC, in a statement, confirmed bookings had temporarily been suspended due to the changes to the timetable.
However, it said it was in the process of contacting passengers who had a booking to transfer them to a suitable time on the alternative timetable.
The council also admitted there was not a backup vessel in place if the Hendra or Filla was to break down during this period.
“We currently do not have a spare ferry, so we would consider the options at the time, depending on the nature of any breakdown, and the duration of any possible disruption,” it added.
In August, Whalsay commuters relying on the bus service were left stranded on two occasions while the Linga was out of service.
As the island’s smaller vessels are slower than the Linga, when the service diverted to Vidlin it was late in arriving at the terminal and the bus had left commuters behind.
This week the SIC’s environment and transport chairwoman Moraig Lyall said she has requested a “protocol” to ensure passengers were aware the bus may not be there when they arrive. “If the ferry is diverted to Vidlin, following the issues that occurred last year, I asked for a protocol to be put in place to ensure that – if the ferry was diverted and there was a chance that the bus may have departed before it docked – that passengers would be advised of this before boarding the ferry so that they could decide whether to travel or not,” she said.
Mrs Lyall added, in the case of any further issues, the service would be “adapted” to ensure as many people as possible have access to the services they require.
Read more in this week’s edition of The Shetland Times out now in shops.
Visit here to subscribe to a digital or print edition.
The green energy gravy train is running out of steam for the Viking windfarm after its controversial constraint payments were slashed following public outcry.
Campaigners are claiming victory after the handouts to keep the turbines idle were reduced by around three quarters.
SSE came under fire soon after the windfarm went online last August when it emerged it had received a staggering £2.5m to stay switched off in the first month of operation.
The constraint payments – made by the National Electricity System Operator (Neso) to stop windfarms generating when there is insufficient network capacity – have come to symbolise all that is wrong at the heart of the industry.
And Viking Energy has suffered the brunt of that criticism.
SSE said it could comment on the reduction in payments as it was “commercially sensitive”.
“In general prices are set by generators on a number of factors to reflect reasonable costs incurred in providing services to the grid,” it said.
Read more in this week’s edition of The Shetland Times out now in shops.
Visit here to subscribe to a digital or print edition.
The Scottish Affairs Committee is holding a one-off evidence session next week asking the question: Will a rocket be launched from Scotland this year?
READ FULL STORYNorthLink passengers have been warned of adverse weather departing the isles tomorrow as the southbound has been scheduled to depart earlier than originally planned.
The ferry operator announced that tomorrow’s (Saturday) sailing of Hrossey, bound for Aberdeen, would leave at 5pm.
She was originally scheduled to leave for the Scottish mainland at 7pm but an adverse weather forecast has forced the change.
Although skies are expected to be clear, the Met Office has warned of gusts as high as 50mph tomorrow evening.
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