Feedback sought on new council website

Shetland Islands Council is giving the public a sneak preview of its new website, with the opportunity to provide feedback on its design and functionality.

The new site will be more interactive across a wider range of devices, and will also help meet new accessibility guidelines which now apply to all public service websites.

The existing site will be kept up to date until later in the year when a full switch-over will take place.

ICT executive manager Susan Msalila said:  “We’re very pleased to be able to let people get an idea of what the new website will look and feel like.

“This ‘beta site’ is a cut-down version, and doesn’t cover the whole range of council services at the moment, but it will allow customers to see for themselves how well they can access our services using their phone or tablet.”

The small-scale test site is now live at https://beta.shetland.gov.uk/

Carmichael criticises HIE in call for fresh start on economic development

A call has been made for the “revitalisation” of island economies to help mitigate against the impact of coronavirus.

Government cuts put workers at risk, Labour claims

Government cuts are putting workers at risk when safety is at the forefront of employees’ minds because of coronavirus.

 Labour has pointed to research it claims shows the number of inspectors across Scotland has fallen by 42 per cent since 2010 from 96 to 56.

 Over the same period, the total staff employed by the Health and Safety Executive in Scotland has fallen by 41, a cut of 16 per cent. That includes a fall of 13 in the number of full time equivalent health and safety inspectors.

Rhoda Grant MSP said: “This is a disturbing insight into the real safety issues faced by workers as a direct consequence of years of government cuts.

 “At a time of such anxiety about public health, and as many of us begin to return to work, there must be confidence among workers that the people who should be employed to ensure their safety are actually able to do their job safely and comprehensively.”

Bressay Up-Helly-A’ next festival to be postponed

The Bressay Up-Helly-A’ festival has become the latest fire festival in the winter calendar to be postponed due to coronavirus.

In a short statement on Sunday evening, 2019 Bressay jarl Ross Manson said on behalf of the Bressay committee that they had to “regretfully announce” the postponement of their 2021 event.

Mr Manson said that it had been a “unanimous decision” to delay the 2021 event.

“Given the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the global coronavirus pandemic, we have taken the unanimous decision to postpone the festival for a year, in the hope we can return to a more normal way of life in time for the 2022 event.”

Bressay follows Lerwick, Scalloway and Nesting in pushing back next year’s festivals.

Police launch annual motorcycle safety campaign

Road users in Shetland are being urged to be vigilant of motorcyclists as part of an annual summertime campaign.

Police Scotland has launched its safety campaign in a bid to raise awareness of the risks to vulnerable road users. 

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users.  While they make up just one per cent of the traffic on our roads they account for around 13 per cent of fatalities.

During the summer months, police increase their focus to motorcycle safety as larger numbers of people take their bikes out to take advantage of the good weather.

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw from Police Scotland’s road policing division asked all drivers to be mindful of other road users and pay particular attention for motorbikes. 

He also urged  motorcyclists to always ride responsibly, ensuring they wear all the necessary safety clothing and travel at safe speeds, appropriate to the conditions they face.

Shetland’s new medical director inspired by isles’ pioneering approach to health and social care

NHS Shetland’s new medical director Kirsty Brightwell said she had been inspired by the isles’ approach.