Shetland records another new Covid-19 case

Shetland has recorded a new case of Covid-19.

Trio of awards for Shetland woman’s baby care business

A businesswoman originally from Shetland is “absolutely over the moon” after winning three awards for her baby care products.

Jan Mackie, nee Leask, is originally from Gulberwick but now lives in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. 

She is the force behind Bambino & I which makes baby massage kits and gift packages for new parents. The company recently picked up three prizes in the Loved By Parents 2020 awards.

Ms Leask’s unique Baby Massage Kit won awards in the categories Best Gift for a New Mum/Dad; Best Baby Gift; and Best Innovative Gift, following judging and an online public vote.

The businesswoman said: “We were absolutely delighted to be recognised in three categories. We felt that we are doing something unique and were providing a product which can have such a positive impact on the wellbeing of baby and parents. “

Shetland’s unemployment figure increases 169 per cent in a year

Shetland’s unemployment figures have more than doubled in the past year – with more job losses predicted when the furlough scheme ends later this year. 

Official figures show the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Shetland in July stood at 525 – up by 330 on the same month last year.  It represents a rise of 169 per cent year-on-year. 

Across the UK, an estimated 730,000 people lost their jobs between March and July, as the Covid-19 crisis has devastated huge sections of the economy. 

Although the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Shetland has risen sharply throughout the pandemic – the region has fared better than many other areas. 

The number of claimants represents 3.7 per cent of the Shetland population, compared to 6.4 per cent across Scotland. 

Economists predict unemployment figures will increase significantly when the government’s furlough programme is scheduled to end in October. 

Shetland’s schools among the first in Scotland to reopen today

Shetland’s schools are reopening today for the first time in almost five months today, with major changes in place to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. 

Schools in Shetland and the Borders are among the first in Scotland to reopen – followed by most other local authorities tomorrow. 

Schools have been shut since the start of the pandemic – and many new measures have been introduced to ensure social distancing. 

SIC depute leader Emma Macdonald praised staff on Twitter last night for their “outstanding effort” in preparing to reopen. 

However, a major survey by the EIS union, published yesterday, found that while most teachers supported the decision to reopen schools, many remained concerned about the safety of pupils, staff and the wider school community.

Of almost 30,000 teachers taking part in the survey, only a fifth expressed confidence that schools were currently safe. 

More to follow. 

Crown estate funding scheme gets go ahead

Councillors have approved a pilot grant scheme to make the most of £2.37 million of crown estate funding.

Grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 are expected to be given to charities, community groups and other organisations based in the isles.

The new scheme was discussed at an SIC meeting on Monday afternoon, which is the first to be recorded and published online for public access.

The revenue generated by the Scottish Crown Estate’s marine assets is allocated across 26 local authorities with coastlines. The SIC was allocated £1.36 million in July this year, which was £350,000 more than it received in 2019.

The pilot scheme will run until 1st September next year and then be reviewed.

The council’s development committee will manage the scheme.

Met Office issues yellow weather warning for possible Shetland storms

A storm warning has been issued for Shetland and other parts of the UK this week – although forecasters remain uncertain about when and where they may hit.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of the UK throughout this week, with Shetland included on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The warning states: “Some places are likely to see severe thunderstorms early next week – but there is significant uncertainty in location and timing.”

Today is forecast to be dry with some sunshine and maximum temperatures of 17C.

Tomorrow is also expected to be warm with hazy sunshine. 

By Wednesday, however, the forecast is for thundery showers. Where storms do occur, the Met Office warns that some homes and businesses could be flooded. Lightning strikes and large hail are also forecast.