PODCAST: Charlie Gifford – Lighthouse keeper
Charlie Gifford served as a lighthouse keeper throughout Scotland. In this episode of The Shetland Times podcast he shares stories of his career with Marjolein.
Charlie Gifford served as a lighthouse keeper throughout Scotland. In this episode of The Shetland Times podcast he shares stories of his career with Marjolein.
Reporter for The Shetland Times. I have also worked as a senior news reporter at The Press and Journal, The Barnsley Chronicle and as a freelance reporter for The Doncaster Free Press. Alongside news reporting I specialise in music and sports journalism. Pork pie lover.
Loganair says it has taken “decisive action” and removed some of its flights to improve resilience to Shetland and Orkney.
The airline said it had “listened carefully to customers and crew” before making the decision.
Flights to and from Aberdeen and Teesside, and Newcastle, will be cut from the schedule.
As will the Glasgow-Southampton route from 10th May.
Loganair said these changes would help reduce the amount of disruption to its lifeline island communities, and a reduction in the number of delayed or cancelled flights.
Several other routes will see minor adjustments to frequency.
New Loganair chief Luke Farajallah said he wanted to personally apologise to everyone who had been affected by the “unacceptable levels of disruption”.
“This decision is one that has been made for the greater good of the vast majority of customers who must be able to book and fly with confidence, especially from some of the most remote parts of the UK.
“We are relentlessly focused on confidently serving our core markets and core customers, who must be able to book with certainty, and experience a stable and resilient flying programme.
“This is especially true for the Highlands and Islands communities who rely on Loganair for being so much more than an airline serving a leisure market.
“We have been falling short of the service levels expected of us by our loyal customers and amazing crew for over 18 months, and today we are making changes that once fully delivered throughout the summer will help restore the image and reputation we have fought so hard to generate over so many years as the trusted airline partner in our unique market.”
Emergency services are attending the scene of a pylon which caught fire this morning near the A970 at the north of Lerwick.
Fire and rescue confirmed they received the call at 10.55am and remain on the scene with one appliance from Lerwick.
Eyewitnesses say nearby heather also caught fire.
The North Road out of Lerwick had been closed, according to reports, but has since reopened.
It comes as hundreds of homes are still without power in the Central and West Mainland, with hopes to restore power later this afternoon.
Homes in Lerwick and Bressay were also without power earlier in the day.
The next major milestone in the multi-million pound Knab redevelopment has been given the green light – despite major opposition from neighbouring residents.
The SIC’s planning committee today (Wednesday) approved the plans for infrastructure and public realm works on the basis that residents’ concerns would be taken on board.
Several objectors spoke during the meeting to highlight various issues – with parking and access chief among the concerns.
A total of 31 residents of Gressy Loan and Twageos had signed a joint letter objecting on the grounds of “parking, traffic flow, road safety and the welfare of the general neighbourhood”.
Patricia Stewart spoke on behalf of the signatories and claimed that despite having raised concerns since the 2019 masterplan – they had still not been taken on board.
“Why bother with consultation?” she asked.
Councillors shared many of the concerns.
Shetland Central member Catherine Hughson said she had been concerned about parking and access and felt there was “still much to do to alleviate the angst” of residents.
However she also “took some comfort” from the assurances made.
Shetland West member Mark Robison said it seemed “very short sighted” of the council to progress such a major development with inadequate parking.
Although the masterplan envisages a reduction in car journeys and greater active travel, Mr Robinson said the Shetland community still relied on personal vehicles.
He said the access to the site was “poor” and the overall plans “need more work”.
North Isles member Robert Thomson was also concerned with the access proposals, which he feared could result in accidents,
He said it was “very, very worrying”.
Shetland Central member Davie Sandison said he was concerned that the residents “legitimate concerns” had not yet been fully dealt with.
But he also saw opportunities for these to be resolved through continued dialogue.
Committee chairman Robbie McGregor highlighted the great need for new housing – and suggested the concerns could be addressed by way of a motion.
Lerwick South councillor Cecil Smith proposed the motion on the basis the development would be taking place over several years providing opportunities for lessons to be learned along the way.
Mr Sandison seconded the motion.
The public realm stage of the project would include site levelling, drainage, roads and footpaths, landscaping and other miscellaneous works.
Housing and redevelopment of the retained buildings will be subject to future planning applications.
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