Established 1872. Online since 1996.
A tough jobAt a time when Tory ministers and their Liberal Democrat minions are gleefully waving axes in every government department, it would be reassuring to know that we had a confident, competent local authority in place, ready to guide us through the difficult times ahead.We don’t tho... Read more...
Louis Mackay tells the story of his ancestor, Thomas Johnson, and the dramatic naval career that saw him lose both legs in battle.In early October 1805, 17 months had passed since the war between Britain and France had resumed after a brief interlude of uneasy peace. Napoleon, hoping to break t... Read more...
From The Shetland Times, Friday 23rd September, 1960Nine o’clock on a fine autumn evening. As the Town Hall clock starts to chime the hour, the steamer’s bell rings for the third time and Captain Mainland puts the engine telegraph to “slow astern”. On Victoria Pier – scene of so m... Read more...
From Shetland Life, September 1985, No. 59September 1914 and William Johnson’s diary records the stranding of the ss Oceanic at Foula, the loss of three British cruisers and, nearer home, an unexplained dispute at Walls. (more…) Read more...
Eigg on his faeceDis summer Meenie insisted we wirna raikin awa. “Wi fower peerie trows hit’s an ontak,” she said. “Mind hoo wabbit du wis eftir we traiked tae Norway tae veesit yon trolls?”Meenie wis fairly richt. A holiday in Shetland wid be mair relaxin. An whaar is boannie... Read more...
Steven Coutts suggests an innovative way of protecting the local economy, and looks at examples of local currencies elsewhere in the UK.Was there ever a more appropriate time to discuss the opportunities for a local currency and for supporting the local economy? The discussion surrounding the ar... Read more...
With the school year started, my far superior half is back at work “learnin’ the bairns art,” and I am once again a full time Domestic Dad. As I buzz around trying to prevent the wee one from braining himself on the furniture and eating everything in his path (whilst standing on plastic toys a... Read more...