More investment needed for electric cars, says MSP

A call has been made on the Scottish government to help kick start the electric car revolution in the isles.

Latest figures from the DVLA show 54 electric cars registered in Shetland.

That equates to just 0.36 per cent of cars in the isles being electric.

In the second half of 2020, 1.66 per cent of all car insurance enquiries from Shetland were for electric vehicles.

Isles MSP Beatrice Wishart says more investment in infrastructure is necessary.

She said the installation of reliable rapid chargers (50KwH chargers) across all the islands in Shetland would be a good start.

“Cars are not a luxury in Shetland because of our geography, and these figures show that if we are to see more electric cars on Shetland’s roads, then investing in infrastructure is the first step that needs done sooner rather than later.”

Drone will survey district heating network

Long-running plans to conduct a thermal imaging survey of Lerwick’s district heating pipes are due to go ahead tonight (Tuesday).

A drone will be used to help identify any leaks or inefficiencies.

The Shetland Flyer will be leading the operation.

The job was originally due to happen earlier this year.

But poor conditions have prevented the operation from taking place before now.

Manager Rory Gillies said: “We’ve never had suitable weather.

“It was planned originally for Up-Helly-A’ night. But the district heating had a shutdown because there was a fault at Gilbertson Road.

“Then, until the end of February, there was snow on the ground all the time, and after that it was wintry and wet.”

Indoor visits to care homes resume

Residents at isles care homes will be allowed up to two visits per week in a “welcome” relaxation of rules.

Each resident will also be able to have up to two designated visitors.

SIC deputy director of social care Jo Robinson said the news was “a huge step forward”.

“Our teams have been working hard to ensure the safe return of visits to our care homes, and this will certainly go a long way towards supporting the wellbeing of residents, as well as their families and friends.”

Steps have been taken to support the return of indoor visits, the SIC said, including testing programmes for staff and visitors.

Winning murals selected to adorn Lerwick shop walls

Two murals have been selected to feature in the centre of Lerwick later this year.

The designs by artist Gavin Renshaw and Glasgow-based collective Cobolt were the winners of a public vote.

Mr Renshaw’s work will be painted on adjacent walls at the No. 88 restaurant and on the side of Bayes, while Cobolt’s effort will appear across from the Peerie Shop Cafe.

All female group Cobolt have chosen a sea theme for their Lerwick mural, which features a line from local poet’s Christine De Luca.

Mr Renshaw’s features both a yoal and a standing stone.

Shetland Arts exhibition manager Jane Matthews said that over 640 people had voted for their chosen murals.

“Thank you to everyone that took the time to have their say. I’m delighted that the two chosen designs will add to the LOCUS art trail,” she said.

The murals are expected to be painted in July or August.

MSYPs raise issues in virtual meeting

The effects of coronavirus on young people were at the forefront of talks held between MSYPs and the Liberal Democrat’s Holyrood representative.

Topics of discussion also included education recovery, the student experience and access to local mental health services.

Youth parliament representatives Jonathan Dorrat and Leighton Anderson discussed the issues with MSP Beatrice Wishart.

The meeting followed previous engagement between them.

Ms Wishart said: “I want to ensure that Shetland is a great place for young people to live, study and work.

“So I’d like to thank Jonathan and Leighton for once again taking the time to discuss with me about how we can best support young people in our community.”

She added: “The voting age at the Scottish election is 16 which gives young people a real voice at this election to talk about what they want to see improve.”