Folk urged to take care online after worrying rise in Shetland ‘sextortion’ reports

Reports of so-called “sextortion” have increased in Shetland over recent months.

Police in Shetland have asked people to be careful about the images they share to avoid falling victim to the crime. 

Shetland area commander Chief Inspector Paul Daley said: “Sextortion involves the threat of sharing sexual information, images or clips to extort money from people, whether images actually exist or not.

“I would ask people to consider what they share and who they share it with.

“They should, ideally, only share pictures online that they are happy with their friends, family and others seeing.

“It can be deeply embarrassing for people to fall victim to this type of crime.

Mr Daley advised people not to accept friend requests from strangers and reminded parents to check security settings on any gaming or streaming sites their children may be using.

Further details on this type of crime and how to stay safe can be found here.

Inspector praised after 33 years of service

A police inspector has been praised for his 33 years of service.

Inspector Martyn Brill of the Shetland Area Command had spent time with the Royal Navy and Northern Constabulary before moving to Police Scotland. 

According to a post by Highland and Islands Police Division, Inspector Brill, he came to Shetland with with his family in 2006, expecting to stay for five years “but forgot to leave”.

On his final day of service, on Friday, Inspector Brill worked to oversee the visit if Prince Charles. 

The Highland and Islands Police Division Facebook page said: “Martyn and his wife Idamay look forward to spending some quality time together on the golf course and touring the country in their campervan.

“We wish Martyn, Idamay and all the family the very best for the next chapter.”

Two cruise ships arrive in Lerwick

Two cruise ships arrived in Lerwick today (Monday) – the latest since last month’s easing of restrictions.

The Islands Sky became the first cruise ship to visit Shetland in 17 months when it called in on 19th July.  The Noble Caledonia operated liner has been spotted at the harbour again today.

Marbella Explorer has also visited today, exactly a week after its sister ship Marbella Explorer 2 arrived with hundreds of tourists. 

The Tui operated cruise ship is on a 10 day “British Sights and Seas” round-trip, which will see it calling in at destinations including Dover, Leith Edinburgh and Kirkwall. 

Both vessels are adhering to strict Covid-19 regulations, with reduced passenger numbers, social distancing and vaccination requirements. 

Cruise liners are scheduled for visits to Shetland through until October. 

Consultation launches seeking views on ‘Islands Bond’ plan to tackle depopulation

People are being urged to give their views on an initiative aimed to tackle depopulation in Scottish islands.

New college for Shetland as merger project concludes

The long-mooted college merger of the Shetland College, Train Shetland and NAFC Marine Centre has been completed.

Shetland UHI, the new name for the merged college, officially came into being yesterday (Sunday, 1st August).

Principal Jane Lewis expressed delight that the project, which has been delayed on several occasions, had finally been brought to its conclusion.

“I look forward to working with everyone at Shetland UHI, and our partners, to build on the legacies of the merged organisations and deliver inspirational learning, influential training and innovative research rooted in the heart of Shetland’s community,” she said.

All the services and expertise offered by Shetland College, NAFC Marine Centre and Train Shetland will continue to be provided by Shetland UHI, which will be an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

College board chairman Peter Campbell said that 1st August was a “significant day for Shetland”.

“I am delighted to mark the vesting of Shetland UHI and the conclusion of the Shetland colleges merger process.

“Shetland UHI will greatly enhance further and higher education in Shetland.

“The new college is in excellent hands with a committed and capable board and the leadership, experience and enthusiasm of Professor Jane Lewis.”

College staff and students highly commended in Highlands and Islands awards

Lecturers and students from Shetland have been highly commended in the regional Highlands and Islands Students’ Association awards.

Lecturers Paul Bloomer and Andrew Jennings, the Shetland Students Green Team and John-Ross Ratter were all rewarded for their efforts over the last year.

The Shetland Students Green Team were highly commended in the HISA Society of the Year category, organising events for environmental awareness around ongoing Covid restrictions.

Mr Bloomer and Dr Jennings earned praise for their work in offering online and video conferencing lectures, with Mr Bloomer described by one student as having a “warm-hearted, gentle manner” in his lessons.

Student Mr Ratter was highly commended in the Best Class Representative category, and was described as being “very approachable and helpful” in representing students in class and at student meetings.

The HISA Awards give recognition to staff and students who dedicate their time to making the institution more diverse and inclusive for all.

This year, over 600 nominations were received.