Driver arrested after crash
A motorist was arrested following a one vehicle accident in Lerwick on Saturday night. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.40pm on Saturday, 12 October,…
A motorist was arrested following a one vehicle accident in Lerwick on Saturday night. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.40pm on Saturday, 12 October,…
A Heritage Celebration Day is taking place next weekend. The a one-day event organised by Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Heritage Association is aimed at…
Tributes are being paid following the sudden death of former First Minister Alex Salmond. The former MP and MSP, who led the country as leader…
Shetland Young Promoters Group is to host a student night at the Mareel next month. The event is to support the UHI music students studying…
The 35th Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival is well under way.
The event kicked off on Thursday at the Festival Hub, based at Islesburgh Community Centre.
It was opened this year unusually by more than one person – consisting of the “Super Six”, made up of Sheila Bain and Billy Stuart, Isobel and John Michie and Peggy and Les McIntosh who are a group of stalwarts that travel from mainland Scotland every year.
The festival committee say they contribute a huge amount to the event, especially dancing, enthusiasm and support.
This was followed by an afternoon of music.
The committee, on its official website, said: “Officially Open!! Thank you to the fantastic Super Six who opened our festival, your heartfelt and humorous speech was lovely.
“Bring on the rest of the festival.”
The festival is the highlight of the year for many and is enjoyed by all ages and out reaches to the many communities of Shetland.
More than 50 invited visiting musicians outwith Shetland, including Full Scottish Dance Bands, smaller groups and solo musicians as well as countless local musicians, bands, groups and clubs form the basis of the festival.
The festival is also attended by various Scottish traditional dance groups, enthusiasts and tourists from all over the country.
There are also around 150 local artists performing.
The festival consists of a packed programme of events, including at Islesburgh, Garrison Theatre in Lerwick, and four outreach concerts at local community halls.
Islesburgh will host daytime sessions, shop and a bar during the day and until 2am each night after the concerts held at various halls..
The Grand Dance will be held at Clickimin in Lerwick on Saturday, with 12 bands taking to the stage for a night of Scottish and Shetland dancing.
This year’s festival runs until Sunday, finishing up with a closing ceremony held at both the Festival Hub and the Garrison Theatre.
• If you have any photos or videos of the event, email them to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk
The Mirrie Dancers were out in full force last night across the isles – with colours of green, pink and red across Whalsay.
The Northern Lights also put on a green, purple and hot pink display north of Voe.
Did you see the Mirrie Dancers? Send us your photos by emailing editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk
Politicians and industry representatives debated the impact of offshore wind on the fishing sector over recent days.
READ FULL STORYA January date has been pencilled in for the Shetland North by-election for the seat soon-to-be vacated by Tom Morton.
Returning officer Jan Riise identified Thursday 23rd January 2025 as the most suitable date taking account for statutory rules for local government.
A formal notice calling for nominations will be made in the coming weeks, and if the vacancy is contested, a by-election would be held on this date. The by-election count would take place the following morning on Friday 24th January.
Mr Morton’s notice of resignation is effective from midnight on Thursday 31st October 2024.
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 …
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 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 …
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FIND OUT MOREThe call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
The call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 MORELerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
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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 …
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FIND OUT MOREGrottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
Grottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
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 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, …
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FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
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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 …
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FIND OUT MOREJames Pottinger’s travels from his birthplace in a croft house in pre-war Burra have taken him full circle and he is “home” again, after a career in engineering, the merchant …
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FIND OUT MOREIn today’s (Friday, 11th October) edition of The Shetland Times:
Shetland North councillor Tom Morton is stepping down from the SIC.
The Labour councillor says he has reached the decision after carrying out “something of an audit” on his various activities.
Mr Morton says he is “unable to commit the necessary time and energy due to other professional and personal commitments”
He was elected to the ward in May 2022, one of a growing number of elected representatives to stand on a party ticket.
Mr Morton has represented Shetland North alongside political leader Emma Macdonald and convener Andrea Manson.
He will stand down at the end of this month.
A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital after being injured at Shetland Catch today (Thursday).
Emergency services attended the scene at Gremista at around 9am and the man was taken to the Gilbert Bain Hospital for treatment.
Police confirmed inquiries were ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive had been notified.
Pelagia Shetland general manager Graeme Davie confirmed he was aware of the incident but was unable to comment as it is under investigation.
Lerwick Harbour has set a quartet of new records following a “brilliant” cruise season.
The season, which usually runs from April to October, features shoulder season bookings in March and November.
Cruise arrivals, tonnage and passengers all reached all-time records in 2024.
To date, the performance was underlined by a visit last Tuesday by the 253-metre long, 71,304 gross tonne, Italian cruise ship AIDAsol.
This cruise ship boasted 2,342 passengers on board as it made its way to Bergen in Norway as part of a nine-day round trip of Britain.
Several AIDAsol visits this season contributed to the records in 2024, which now total 134 vessel arrivals – representing 6.9 million gross tonnes of shipping, carrying 138,537 passengers.
Last year, there had been 5.8 million gross tonnes of shipping and 123,903 passengers.
LPA cruise and marketing manager Melanie Henderson said: “It has been abrilliant season hosting many different operators, types of vessels and dozens of nationalities.
“The success is down to the incredible co-operation from all the service providers, retailers, venues and attractions working very hard to showcase Shetland as a wonderful destination, unlike any other.
“The warmth of welcome which cruise visitors receive is always highlighted in feedback received and is testament to everyone’s efforts.”
Read the full story in tomorrow’s Shetland Times.
SHEAP operates the Lerwick District Heating scheme, providing efficient and eco-friendly heating to 1,400 homes, schools, care homes, and businesses in Lerwick. We pride ourselves…
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced General Manager to lead our operations in the Shetland Islands. Our company is a well-established provider of…
An opportunity has arisen for a Port Controller to assist with the safe and efficient operation of Lerwick Harbour. Based in the Control Centre in…
Full Time Sales Estimator Full Time or 2 x Part Time Showroom Assistants Full Time Yard Operator/HGV Driver Are you based in Shetland? Do you…
EMN Plant Ltd is a plant hire, contracting, haulage, quarry and recycling business with its main base at Sella Ness, Graven. Due to increased workload…
The isles sail training vessel Swan has been tied up, bringing a close to the year in which it helped 140 young Shetlanders.
The former herring drifter also welcomed and additional 220 young people who live outwith the isles.
Voluntary group The Swan Trust, which owns the boat on behalf of the community, aim to use the vessel to provide young people with the experience of sailing.
As a sail training vessel, Swan promotes mental and physical health, builds life experience, friendships and memories.
Swan Trust chairwoman Mary Irvine said that the continued success of the Swan in meeting its mission – to encourage more people to take to the waves – is only made possible by hard work and community goodwill.
“We are incredibly proud to work with the community of Shetland – and the work we do to
both keep our heritage alive, and offer life changing experiences for our current and future
generations,” Ms Irvine said.
She gave particular thanks to all of the volunteers and crew who have been aboard her this season.
Bookings will open in the coming weeks to sail on Swan in 2025, and enquires are welcomed by email to info@swantrust.com.
Whalsay School pupils raised almost £3,000 for the RNLI following a fish and chip fundraiser.
READ FULL STORYCouncillors are seeking answer as to why mobile phone signal has dropped in parts of Lerwick.
READ FULL STORYConcerns have been raised about “rogue” maas behaving aggressively towards people in Lerwick.
READ FULL STORYPolice have reported an “alarmingly” high number of assaults on officers during a “busy time” for the force in Shetland.
READ FULL STORYThe youngster responsible for leading next year’s Junior Up-Helly-A’ has been named.
Fin Hatrick has today [Friday] been confirmed as the Junior Guizer Jarl for the 2025 festival.
An Unst woman was surprised to see a bagpiper serenade a string of Shetland ponies.
Janice Priest was on her way to a self-catering accommodation she looks after when she encountered the impromptu concert.
The Swiss Jacques Ioset had found a quiet place to play his pipes when he noticed a peerie crowd gather around him on the side of the road.
This picture of a European bee-eater was captured today (Saturday) by Magnie Scott on Papa Stour.
He told The Shetland Times: “He was so colourful he stood out!”
The photo was post on the Shetland Birds and Wildelife Facebook page and local wildlife expert Hugh Harrop confirmed it was a European bee-eater, commenting: “Brilliant.”
At midnight on Saturday the Relay for Life Shetland committee announced the total raised
so far this year – unveiling an amazing £174,868.
And with fundraising to continue till the end of August, they expect to smash through the £200k mark.
A typical Shetland day saw the relay get underway at its new start time of midday.
Over 125 survivors took part in the opening lap before peeling off for their reception at the
Anderson High School.
They led off the 32 teams, made up of over 600 participants, that had registered to take part this year.
Kerry Llewellyn, chairwoman of Relay for Life Shetland, said “It has been an amazing event this
year, and the support from the community and local business has been overwhelmingly
positive”
“I want to thank all the volunteers who help us on Friday and Sunday putting the site
together, who bake and help in the tea and BBQ tents and the musicians who keep us
entertained through the day and night.
“I also want to thank all the business that donated raffle prizes our main sponsor Cooke Aquaculture, Ocean Kinetics Ltd, LHD Ltd, Lerwick Port Authority, Scottish Seafarms Ltd and Serene LK297 for supporting the event, EMN Plant Ltd for sponsoring the Survivors’ Reception and Malakoff Ltd for their support of the Candle of Hope ceremony.”
Susan Johnstone – senior divisional manager at CRUK said “It’s been an incredible day at
Relay for Life Shetland.
“The committee, teams and the local community out in force raising money for Cancer Research UK is hugely appreciated by everyone at Cancer Research UK. Together we are beating cancer.”
Hundreds have turned out for the beginning of this year Relay of Life, raising funds for CRUK.
It is the first time the Relay got underway in daylight – having previously begun at midnight – beginning just after noon with the ‘survivors’ lap’.
Kerry Llewellyn, chairwoman of the Relay for Life, was really excited at the beginning, saying it was an important event that brings together all of Shetland for a cause close to many people.
Around 125 survivors began the relay, with the support of families and huge crowds.
They were then joined by participants from 31 teams taking part, with around 610 participants.
However, it was plain to see many more wanted to join in – so the actual number will well exceed that.
Kerry said: “Relay For Life celebrates the power of community fundraising to make breakthroughs happen.
“Teams of friends and family fundraise for world-leading cancer research then unite as a collective at a festival to remember loved ones, honour everyone affected by cancer and celebrate the progress we’re making.”
The ‘survivors’ lap’ was led by Natasha Fraser and Alison Leith, both from Lerwick.
Natasha is in recovery from breast cancer, having undergone treatment over the last two years, while Alison is currently in recovery for breast cancer.
They both said they were “honoured” to be opening the event and leading the other participants.
A fun day is now underway with games, stalls, bouncy castles, tea tent and the Relay BBQ.
There will be musical accompaniment throughout the day with great sets from some of Shetland’s
greatest bands including the Plonkeys, Just Another Cake Fridge and the Revellers.
The Candle of Hope will take place at 10pm, with the event finishing at midnight.
A flotilla of naval ships which have been operating for NATO have arrived in Shetland for some “rest and recuperation” for their crews.
The ships, four from the Royal Netherlands Navy and one registered under the Belgium flag, arrived on Friday morning. They are expected to remain over the weekend.
The Mercuur, Zierikzee, Wiilemstad and Makkum are all Royal Netherlands Navy ships. They have differing roles, described as submarine support, military ops or minesweeper.
The Bellis is a “military ops” ships sailing under the flag of Belgium.
They have all been described as working for NATO.
Lerwick Port Authority said they were visiting for “R&R”, and were due to leave again on Monday.
The 42nd Shetland Folk Festival has got under way in great fashion today.
Musicians gathered for the launch event this afternoon (Thursday), with an array of concerts planned over the coming days.
Norwegian ban Gangar added a bit of folk, rock and metal at the opening, and were joined by The Fretless with Madeleine Roger and the Tenement Jazz Band, tipped to be one of the star acts of the event.
There are 15 visiting acts joining local performers in entertaining the crowds all over Shetland.
Concerts tonight take place in Lerwick – Da Big Kirk Concert, the Legion and Mareel – and at Hamnavoe and Vidlin.
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