Four new Covid cases

Shetland has recorded a further four Covid cases today (Sunday).

It is the second consecutive day in which four cases have been recorded.

That takes the isles seven day total to 25 cases, according to Scottish government figures.

Brave swimmers take to the sea as cancer fundraiser tops £10,000 raised

A crowd of hardy sea-swimmers took to the water at St. Ninian’s beach on Saturday to help fundraiser Anita Georgeson close her cold water challenge with a festive flourish.

Ms Georgeson passed £10,000 raised for Cancer Research UK over the weekend as she brought her month-long sea-swimming challenge to a close.

She had taken to the water everyday in November to raise money for the cancer charity in aid of her late father, Jim Coutts.

And she had plenty of help on Saturday as she braved the cold for one last time.

You can donate to her fundraiser here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/639032723763727/10221329353963141/

Four new Covid cases

Shetland has recorded a further four coronavirus cases today (Saturday).

The number of cases being recorded has levelled off after a surge last month, with 29 now being recorded in the last week.

Over 1,300 sign petition demanding NorthLink reverse discount decision

More than 1,300 people have signed a petition in 24 hours calling for NorthLink to reinstate its on-board islander discount.

The ferry operator came in for fierce criticism yesterday after it was revealed the 20 per cent discount had been quietly withdrawn.

Isles politicians Beatrice Wishart and Alistair Carmichael have both urged NorthLink to reverse the decision.

And Mr Carmichael said the petition’s response showed the “overwhelming strength of feeling” about the news.

“The company appears to have forgotten in the run up to Christmas that Scrooge was not supposed to be a role model,” he said.

“As much as the content of NorthLink’s action, people are rightly angry about the way that they have gone about it, without consultation or even any meaningful notice.”

Ms Wishart said that folk had demonstrated they will not stand for NorthLink’s decision.

“People are not choosing NorthLink through a sense of loyalty, nor is it necessarily a reflection on the service they encounter.

“People need to travel and it is a long journey to the mainland. Those on restricted budgets should not be forced to choose between eating and anything else when travelling on a lifeline service.”

The petition can be viewed here: https://www.alistaircarmichael.co.uk/northlinkdiscountnow

Major investment expected to bring new job opportunities to North Yell

A project to expand a business park in North Yell has secured half a million pounds of investment.

Around 25 new jobs are expected to be created in the next three years following the boost from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish government’s Marine Scotland Fund.

Community development group North Yell Development Council (NYDC) is undertaking ambitious developments at Cullivoe Harbour to help local firms grow and attract more visitors.

Ten serviced sites for new or expanding businesses will be created following high demand from local companies, the majority of which operate in the marine sector.

Cullivoe is Shetland’s third largest fishing port and ranked 8th in Scotland with annual fish landings totalling around £6.9 million.

HIE is investing £248,545 in site servicing costs for the “phase two” project to extend the existing business park.

Marine Fund Scotland has awarded £250,000 and Shetland Islands Council an additional £25,000 to enable the project to be completed by next spring.

Local HIE manager Katrina Wiseman said: “We are delighted to support this community led infrastructure project, that will enhance Cullivoe’s already impressive track record in contributing to the social and economic wellbeing and growth of the region.

“Extending the business park will enable the growth of businesses on Yell and create well paid jobs in the marine sector, ultimately supporting the retention of families in the island and attracting skills and talent to the area.

“This would not have been possible without close working relationships with our key partners including Marine Scotland.”