Crack addict jailed for smuggling heroin worth £25k
A 43-year-old crack addict who smuggled heroin into Shetland to pay off a drug debt has been jailed.
A 43-year-old crack addict who smuggled heroin into Shetland to pay off a drug debt has been jailed.
Two drug couriers have been handed lengthy prison sentences leaving their partners to raise newborn babies alone.
Passengers sailing north to Lerwick this evening (Wednesday) are expected to be delayed on arrival into the town by up to two hours. Serco NorthLink…
The council has advised some schools will remain closed today, while there is also disruption to school bus services. Aith Junior High School and Happyhansel…
A second drop-in event will take place at Brae High School next week ahead of a formal planning application for its replacement.
This follows an earlier event in September, which asked for the public’s views and would help shape the emerging design proposals.
Brae High School will again host the session on Tuesday 26th November between 3.30pm and 7.30pm.
Anyone with an interest is invited to attend to view and comment on the early building designs and site layout.
There is also an online option for anyone to respond if they are unable to attend events in person.
Town and country representatives clashed over proposals to award more funding to Lerwick Community Council.
READ FULL STORYUHI Shetland will host two graduation ceremonies for the first time this year.
Organisers say unprecedented numbers of graduates are due to be presented with their hard-earned qualifications on 6th December.
But Mareel offers insufficient seating to accommodate all graduates and guests in a single ceremony.
Professor Derek McGhee, Dean of Research and Innovation at the University of the Highlands and Islands, will be joining UHI Shetland staff and students to celebrate their achievements.
Former director of children’s services, Helen Budge, will be guest speaker.
Keith Massey, graduate and recipient of a “New Graduate Award” from the Society of Scottish Artists, will deliver a speech reflecting on his learning journey.
The number of pupils failing to achieve at least 80 per cent school attendance increased to almost 200 last year.
READ FULL STORYA 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 …
Our 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 …
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 …
First 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 …
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 …
Alec 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 …
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 …
A 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 …
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 …
Lerwick 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 …
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 …
The 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 …
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, …
In 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, …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
Following on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
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 …
A 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 …
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 …
James 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 …
FIND OUT MOREInspectors found learning, teaching and assessment at Brae school to be “weak”.
READ FULL STORYA crisis is brewing aboard NorthLink’s ferries, the Labour party’s Shetland branch has warned.
READ FULL STORYA long-running group that supports stroke victims has marked its first 20 years. Shetland Stroke Support Group was established in 2004 to provide practical support…
Tomorrow’s southbound NorthLink sailing will leave Lerwick two hours earlier than scheduled. The ferry operator has advised customers of the move ahead of possible weather-related…
The final cruise ship visit of the season has been cancelled due to weather – despite her credentials as a luxury polar exploration ship.
READ FULL STORYThe Lerwick tourist centre officially closes today (Monday) for the final time.
READ FULL STORYPart-time Receptionist wanted for a busy Lerwick beauty salon. Three days a week. Must have an interest in beauty and excellent customer service skills.Please send…
Ground Security Barrier Operative Relief Can you work well as part of a team offering a warm welcome to our passengers and providing them with…
Female Ground Security Operative at Sumburgh Airport Full time – 40 hours per week Can you work well as part of a team offering a…
We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland. Jobs on offer this week include… Support Worker – ELC – Bell’s…
Are you based in Shetland? Do you have a passion for working with people? Jewson, a leading building materials distributor in Northern Europe, is on…
Stormy weather has brewed chaos for many in the last few days, with travel disrupted on both inter-island and NorthLink ferries.
Photographer Richard Ashbee however, managed to capture the beauty of the conditions at St Ninian’s Isle yesterday (Saturday) regardless of the harsh weather.
Have you snapped any wonderful pictures over the weekend? Please send them to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk.
Passengers can expect delays of up to two hours to arrivals on board both NorthLink ferries tomorrow (Sunday).
Adverse weather has forced the operator to warn customers of the longer sailings before arriving at the terminals in both Lerwick and Aberdeen.
Both the northbound and southbound journeys are believed to be affected by conditions, with a 90 per cent chance of rain and winds as high as 53 mph overnight.
The southbound Hjlatland will depart the town as scheduled at 7pm tonight, with the northbound Hrossey expected to leave the Granite City at 5pm.
Some inter-island ferries have stopped for the night due to high winds.
Sailings on the Yell Sound, Whalsay and Skerries have already ended, with the last trip on the Bluemull Sound due to return at 9.10pm.
The Met Office has forecast a blustery night with winds as high as 69mph.
However, the Bressay ferry is currently running to schedule.
The Shetland Sports Awards was a great success, with plenty of people getting in on the fun with the selfie frame.
Photographer Brian Gray has shared a selection from the event last Friday.
For full coverage of the Shetland Sports Awards pick up the latest issue of The Shetland Times.
Hjaltland Housing Association has celebrated after completing four new homes in Walls.
READ FULL STORYFun activity sessions will be organised next week to mark the 20th anniversary of the active schools programme in Shetland.
The council says staff and volunteers have worked with many local sports clubs, schools, parents and community groups in the last two decades to deliver sport and physical activity opportunities.
These have included extra-curricular activities, school competitions and summer programmes, giving young people the chance to be active and to get involved.
Activities on offer next week are mainly aimed at primary-aged pupils, including some family sessions, and will vary across locations and by age groups.
The range of activities will include badminton, hockey, netball, pickleball, table tennis, fencing, boccia and more.
Information about these sessions is being sent out by schools, directly to parents and guardians.
Active schools manager Louise Jamieson, who also marks 20 years of working in active schools, said: “I’m proud of the impact that the active schools team has had in our local communities over the last 20 years, which is a significant milestone.
“In that time, the team have introduced thousands of children to new activities and opportunities.
“We’re looking forward to seeing plenty of folk at our fun activities next week to mark our special anniversary.”
Chairman of the education and families committee Davie Sandison added: “The active schools programme is hugely valued here in the Shetland community, and the large numbers of children benefitting from its various activities is testament to its success.
“I’d like to congratulate and thank our active schools coordinators past and present for their dedication to our community, its young people and their health and wellbeing.”
The Swan has made a welcome return to Scalloway after a brand new mast was fitted in Ullapool.
READ FULL STORYAn eye-watering £20,000 of drugs has been seized by police in a matter of days, with Dogs Against Drugs central to the successful busts.
Between two operations, the sniffer dog charity has played a crucial role in the crackdown on illicit substances reaching the isles – including £18,000 of heroin yesterday (Thursday).
Police chief Chris Sewell hailed the dog handlers and their trusted canines as a “unique asset” on the frontline, keeping Shetland safe.
“It is essential, to reduce harm, that we do all that we can to disrupt this criminal activity and bring offenders to justice,” the area commander said.
“These significant drugs recoveries once again highlight the excellent partnership working between Police Scotland and the Dogs Against Drugs charity.”
Mr Sewell added that the busts this week had been down to good intelligence and “pro-active” policing.
On Tuesday the police and Dogs Against Drugs seized £1,300 of heroin.
Earlier this week, Mr Sewell told the community safety and resilience board that it was his intention to to target those involved in the supply of controlled drugs.
Centrally located 3-bedroom cottage situated at the end of Wadbister single track road, set in its own grounds with trees all around and a good-sized garden which is enclosed by…
Bay Cottage is a purpose-built, self-catering cottage built and furnished to a high standard. Spacious and light, the cottage offers desirable self-catering accommodation and can comfortably sleep up to 4…
Hirnik B&B offers warm hospitality and is located in a picturesque rural area with stunning coastal scenery nearby. Being only 5 miles from Lerwick, it is in an ideal central…
Five star, economy self-catering accommodation in the centre of Lerwick. Open January to November. Games room, TV lounge, laundry/drying room, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, left luggage room, bike shed…
Cosy chalet with beautiful views overlooking St Ninian’s Isle and beach. Lovely coastal walks, renowned wildlife sites, archaeological and historical attractions are nearby. The local shop, post office, playpark and…
Three self-catering houses sleeping up to 8 people in each. Fully equipped with all you need for a comfortable stay in Britain's most northerly island of Unst. Located in Baltasound,…
Council leader Emma Macdonald has won the Cllr Awards Scotland Leader of the Year.
Mrs Macdonald was one of 44 councillors who were nominated to be at the event in the Edinburgh City Chambers last night (Thursday).
In today’s (Friday, 15th November) edition of The Shetland Times:
Grin and bear it: NHS dental patients de-registered
“Whatever the fire didn’t get, the smoke did,” flat blaze couple tell The Shetland Times
Fisherman attacked by “hissing” skate
Is PM Starmer a farmer harmer?
Sounding Off: Tom Morton on where the SIC is going wrong
SPORT: Interviews with Shetland Sports Awards winners
Click here to get The Shetland Times delivered to your device every Friday morning.
NHS services risk going backwards, the isles MP warned if the National Insurance contribution increase is not offset for GPs and other care providers.
Speaking during an Urgent Question in parliament, Alistair Carmichael referenced discussions with GPs in the isles who are reducing recruitment as a result of the tax increase.
The government has provided the NHS as a whole an increase in funding to cover the increased tax, but this does not apply to GPs, who are considered to be private operators despite working for the public sector.
The Liberal Democrat agreed with the government that it should do what it can to prevent the vital health service from “going into reverse” but that was exactly what it risked doing.
“I met with [a GP] on Friday who told me that as a consequence of having to find extra National Insurance contributions, they won’t now be able to make a support post permanent, which was on a temporary contract, and they won’t proceed with the recruitment of the extra GP that they were wanting to take on,” Mr Carmichael said.
Something had to give, he added, as GPs would be eligible for employment allowance as private contractors but are unable to as they work entirely in the public sector.
Minister for health Karin Smyth said it was a “complex” situation that GPs found themselves in.
“We absolutely understand the precariousness of primary care, they are crucial to our plans for developing the health service, and we will be discussing with them in the normal process about the allocations for the following year,” she said.
After the exchange, Mr Carmichael said that GPs and care providers were now making cutbacks because of uncertainty.
“That will inevitably have an effect on the health services on which we all rely,” he said.
“The government must give more clarity on their plans as soon as possible – and confirm that they will offset the increased NICs cost for GPs and care homes.”
Ferries to and from Lerwick have been rescheduled tomorrow (Friday), in anticipation of rough weather.
The southbound service from Lerwick to Orkney and Aberdeen will leave at 3:30pm, two hours earlier than planned. It will arrive up to an hour late on the mainland.
The service up from Aberdeen, which was scheduled for 7pm, will now depart at 3pm.
That disruption will carry into the weekend, with Saturday’s ferry up arriving late, and the southbound departure to Aberdeen delayed two hours to 9pm.
Freight vessels have also have been rescheduled Friday and Saturday, NorthLink said.
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