The Shetland Times Live

Six month supervision for sex offender

June 4, 2025 | 12.43pm

A 44-year-old former guizer who grabbed a woman’s buttocks at Up-Helly-A’ has been placed under supervision for six months.

Gareth Geddes, of Stocketgaet, Lerwick, pleaded guilty to the charge at Lerwick Sheriff Court in April when he was placed on the sex offenders register.

Back at court today (Wednesday), defence agent Tommy Allan said a “very detailed” criminal justice report had been compiled ahead of sentencing.

He said his client reacted on “impulse” during the fire festival but he did not for it for “sexual gratification”.

Mr Allan reminded the court that Geddes apologised when he realised offence had been caused to the victim.

In April, the court heard Geddes apologised to the victims partner and then again the following day.

“You can see from the report that he is genuinely sorry,” Mr Allan said.

The report concluded that Geddes was considered low risk of reoffending.

Mr Allan also said Geddes had learned lessons from the incident.

The solicitor said his client had been unable to take part in some activities with his children, due to having been placed on the sex offenders register.

And he said the publicity from the case had affected his ability to do community work.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said the case “clearly had an effect” on Geddes and there was little reason to believe his remorse was “anything other than genuine”.

Geddes will be under supervision for six months but social workers can apply to have this reduced, should they see progress in him.

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MP says space engagement should be ‘hardwired’

June 3, 2025 | 11.39am

Calls have been made for engagement between government and the SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst.

Alistair Carmichael has spoken following the release of Labour’s strategic defence review.

The isles MP was speaking during a government statement on Monday night, and highlighted the important role of the space industry in the government’s defence policy.

He welcomed the proposal for a cabinet sub-committee to set a strategic approach to the space sector.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said: “The review describes responsibility for space policy within government as ‘fragmented’, so its proposal for a ‘reinvigorated cabinet sub-committee’ to set the strategic approach to space is to be welcomed.

“That will clearly have significant implications for the development of a vertical-launch satellite facility at SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland.

“Will the secretary of state ensure that hardwired into that sub-committee is a process of engagement for the operators at SaxaVord and the communities that host them, so that both might be empowered to deliver on this most important strategic objective for the country as a whole?”

Responding for the government, defence secretary John Healey said: “At the heart of the SDR’s insight and recommendations is a new relationship between government and industry – one that we have already started to put in place and that allows industry and potential investors to see the challenges that we face and contribute their ideas and innovation to solving them.

“That principle will be applied just as much in space as it will in other areas of new capabilities that we need to develop.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said: “No one can be in any doubt following the strategic defence review of the vital importance of the space sector to our national defence, and by extension SaxaVord spaceport as the UK’s only licenced vertical launch site.

“The secretary of state’s words are encouraging – albeit a little vague – but we need to see what this new relationship between government and industry looks like in the real world.

“There is an enormous opportunity for our economy and our defence capabilities from the space industry – the government must do its part to seize that opportunity.”

Man on bail handed £300 fine

June 2, 2025 | 4.35pm

A Scalloway man has been fined £300 for breaching bail conditions.

Anthony Stewart, of New Road, Scalloway, pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court by video link today (Monday).

The 34-year-old had been bailed in February after an appearance at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

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Screen depictions of Shetland driving increased tourist visits

June 2, 2025 | 12.27pm

The number of visitors to Shetland has risen more than a tenth over the past five years — mostly inspired to visit by film, TV and books about the isles — according to new survey data published in full today (Monday).

The latest Shetland Islands visitor survey also found that the tourists spent more than £50 million in 2024, as councillors were told at a meeting of the development committee last week.

The figures do not include visitors from cruise ships.

The spending surge represents a real terms increase of 13 per cent since 2019, which development committee chairman Dennis Leask said represents a “remarkable recovery” for this isles’ visitor economy since the pandemic.

“While there are always areas where improvements can be made,” said the Lerwick South councillor, “the survey results will greatly help our efforts to responsibly sustain and grow tourism in Shetland, with the isles continuing to be a unique and attractive destination for visitors from all over the world.”

Just over half of the survey’s respondents said they were inspired to visit by popular representations of Shetland in film, TV and literature — doubtless including Ann Cleaves’ book series and subsequent BBC adaptation.

More visitors than ever also enjoyed their stay in Shetland, according to the survey.

Seven of every 10 visitors told VisitScotland Shetland was “one of the best holidays they have ever taken.”

Scottish Water calls for pay talks to resume

June 2, 2025 | 10.31am

Trade union leaders should come back to negotiations, the chief of Scottish Water has said.

Scottish Water chief operating officer Peter Farrer made the comment as a seven-day walk-out begins today (Monday).

Members of Unison, Unite and GMB took strike action after “fruitless” pay talks broke down last month.

Scottish Water said its latest proposal would see an average pay increase of around seven per cent over two years (2024/25 and 2025/26), which was “comfortably above inflation”.

Mr Farrer said the industrial action was “unnecessary” and it would mean workers losing out on wages, resulting in “extra costs” to the business.

“We invited the joint trade unions to talk over the weekend but unfortunately they refused to meet without preconditions,” Mr Farrer said.

He said the vote on the pay offer was “close” enough for Scottish Water to believe a resolution was possible and welcomed by colleagues.

Mr Farrer added: “It is now time for the joint trade union leadership to return to the table with a sensible solution that ends this dispute.”

Scottish Water said it had “robust plans” to maintain services during the strike.

Negotiations broke down last month between the trade bodies and Scottish Water last month during a meeting at arbitration body Acas to resolve the pay dispute.

The latest round of pay talks began in June 2024, and the last offer was the seventh made in 12 months.

The unions said Scottish Water had proposed an improved offer for pay and conditions worth an additional £1.2 million in May, most of which was through a staff bonus scheme.

However, the additional bonus money was taken off the table, and an inferior offer put forward, according to the unions.

Trade body representatives said they were “bitterly disappointed” with the outcome of the talks and accused senior managers of playing games over pay.

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NorthLink warns of delays on ferries

June 2, 2025 | 10.05am

Passengers can expect disruption to NorthLink services over the next few days as weather forecasts predict gusts of 55 mph.

The ferry service warned of “minor” delays on arrival in Aberdeen, with the freight vessels Helliar and Hildasay expected to be late.

Passenger ferries scheduled to travel today (Monday) are so far unaffected and are expected to depart as scheduled.

The Met Office has forecast winds of up to 55 mph overnight tonight, with winds reaching 50mph in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

OPINION: The dead hand of distant government

May 30, 2025 | 11.35am

Shetlanders are all too familiar with the dead hand of distant government – whether it be in Edinburgh, or London – and the unken bureaucrat in Whitehall has done it again by greatly underestimating the value of access to the island’s productive fishing grounds.

This new Labour government is burning through bridges quickly: disinherited farmers, colder pensioners, poorer disabled people, burdened small businesses, and now deeply frustrated fishermen.

By granting fishing access so freely, our government has given up the only bargaining chip it had in negotiations over quota shares.

It is important to note that our fishing crews do not lose the quota shares gained from Brexit, but what has been lost – and given away far too cheaply – is the opportunity to gain more, and the potential to supercharge our island economy.

Hard though it is, fishing communities such as Shetland will remain hopeful that, one day, the UK will find its feet as an independent coastal state and finally conduct itself as such – denying EU vessels access to our productive seas without first paying for the privilege.

The government is quick to trumpet what, apparently, we receive in return. Easier trade will help other industries in Shetland, such as our salmon exports, but it’s important to note that the UK is paying financially towards this deal to reduce checks on food exports to the EU. It is not a quid-pro-quo exchange in return for fishing access. So why are we paying for it twice? More to the point: why are fishing crews being forced to pay the bill for the benefit of other industries?

For the EU, this deal has been like taking fishing rights from a baby. The prime minister knew full well the fishing industry’s hopes, and the potential opportunities at hand. He has not listened, those opportunities are wasted, and now hard-working fishermen pay the price for this submission.

Every benefit the UK government lists is also a benefit to the EU: which is not the mark of a triumphant negotiation.

Ah, say ministers, but we’ll give you a £360 million fund to support fishing communities and innovation in the sector.

Let’s be clear: that is not a lot in the grand scheme of things over 12 years, and pales in comparison when set against the £6 billion worth of fishing access that we are giving away to the EU over the same time.

In truth, that funding should be coming from the EU, and not the UK government.

The fishing fleet which we all see out of our windows would be capable of bringing in that level of investment by itself, at no cost to the taxpayer, if only they had been given the chance to.

Too often the fishing industry is portrayed as moaning unconstructively after the fact.

Here then is a positive suggestion to help move us forward. If we must learn to live with EU fleets fishing Shetland waters for another 12 years, let’s please all push for the sadly lacking regulations which will constrain them – in the interest of properly protecting the fish stocks we rely on locally.

Stringent management measures are needed now for gillnetters, longliners, freezer trawlers and factory ships – along with stronger labelling laws, increased monitoring, the introduction of gear logs and mandatory check-in points.

Daniel Lawson is Executive Officer of Shetland Fishermen’s Association

Sunday Teas to honour Selkiewife

May 30, 2025 | 11.05am

Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary will host an open day on Sunday 8th June to show off its new animal care facilities for seals and otters.

The day will be a celebration of the incredible life and achievements of Jan Bevington – Da Selkiewife – who created the sanctuary almost 40 years ago.

Da Selkiewife Summer Spree will be a day and evening of music and fun with performances by the Lerwick Brass Band, The Donald Anderson Band, Alan McKay and friends, Joy Duncan’s UpAnDrumming and Sauerkraut Seth and the Sheds.

Also playing will be Shetland musical legends May and Mackie, a band with so much pedigree that they played at The Booth – the infamous pub Jan ran from the 70s to the 90s. It is hoped this would bring back some treasured memories for the many folk that enjoyed a night of music and song before the peat fire with pint or dram in hand during her management.

Da Spree will be a day of fun for all the family with plenty of activities for kids to enjoy.

Shetland’s first air guitar contest will also take place. It is open to anyone who brings along an air guitar or any other air instrument they would like to show off their talent.

The Booth will also be open for activities and anyone who wants to bring an actual instrument and have a tune.

There will be a marquee with a bar and light refreshments, and with Sunday Teas at Hillswick hall and the Sunday carvery at St Magnus Bay Hotel, there will be plenty of variety up north on Whitsun weekend.

“Jan had the most incredible energy, passion for wildlife and loved a fun,” her husband Pete said. “We worked hard together to raise almost half a million pounds to realise her dream of a well-equipped wildlife sanctuary for the seals and otters we care for.”

Sadly Mrs Bevington took ill as work began in late 2020 and she never fully recovered.

“So we never managed to hold the open day to show off the new facilities that we promised we would to thank all the people who have supported the sanctuary all these years and helped make her dream come true,” Mr Bevington said.

“We held a memorial for Jan last December after she died, but Jan always loved a party – so this will be a party for Jan and I have no doubt she will be there with us in spirit on the day.

“Over the last few years she kept saying we should have an air guitar festival for all the people who love playing the air guitar in Shetland. So this is for her.”

There will also be a raffle with first prize being an overnight stay and breakfast for two at Busta House Hotel. Entry is free and donations are welcome.

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Resurfacing work to begin at Ulsta

May 30, 2025 | 10.50am

Shetland Islands Council will soon begin work to resurface the vehicle marshalling area at Ulsta ferry terminal in Yell.

The works are expected to take place from Monday 9th June and may take up to six days, weather-permitting. 

During the works there will be no car parking available in the areas verging around the access and marshalling lanes of the terminal.  

Owners of vehicles are asked not to park in these areas while works are under way, and to remove any vehicles belonging to them.

Traffic marshals will be in attendance to assist with the marshalling of booked and un-booked ferry traffic. 

Vehicle drivers are advised that the loading of vehicles will commence earlier than usual, 10 minutes prior to scheduled ferry departure times.

With restricted space available within the marshalling area, drivers of HGVs and other vehicles, may be requested to wait and to load the ferry directly from a marshalling point before the bus shelter.  

Shetland Islands Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

In this week’s Shetland Times

May 30, 2025 | 7.00am

In today’s (Friday, 30th May) edition of The Shetland Times:

• EXCLUSIVE: Dunrossness widow speaks out over shortage of care in the isles 

• Update on the future of The Shetland Times 

• Three skippers decision to sell up sparks concern 

• EXCLUSIVE: Football fans travel 700 miles for “very special” day

The Shetland Times‘ Dogs Against Drugs petition to be heard in parliament 

SPORT: Resounding result for Whalsay’s Parish Cup netball team 

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Ferries benefit from ‘indestructible’ key cards, refurbished lounges and faster internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink

May 28, 2025 | 5.16pm

Ferries returned from dry dock with refurbished lounges, faster internet and ”relatively indestructible” cabin key cards, a meeting heard.

NorthLink Ferries managing director Stuart Garrett shared the newly improved features with members of the external transport forum on Tuesday.

These included a complete overhaul of the Magnus Lounge on the Hjaltland and Hrossey.

Mr Garrett also said the new cabin key cards worked better than their predecessor.

Whereas the old boarding cards could easily be wiped and require resetting at reception, the new radio frequency identification cards were ”relatively indestructible”, according to the NorthLink boss.

He also also showed photos of cabling work which was carried out on the vessels in preparation for the introduction of electric hook-ups at Aberdeen and Lerwick ports. 

Mr Garrett said the ferries were “ready to go” and shore power would be a “great addition” to the ports. 

It will enable the vessels to switch off their diesel generators while berthed at the ferry terminal and use electricity from the port via cable hook-ups.

Mr Garrett said he hoped the system would be up and running in at least one of the ports by the time of the next forum meeting in September.

NHS Shetland chairman Gary Robinson welcomed the shore power project, which he said would be “really positive from an environmental perspective”.

However, he also raised a “long-standing bugbear” with Mr Garrett - slow internet speeds on board.

Mr Robinson said many NHS staff travelled by ferry and it was useful for them to be able to get online to work during the journey.

Mr Garrett said NorthLink had recently introduced Starlink - the satellite internet service engineered by Elon Musk’s Space X.

He said the service was up and running for his northward journey on Monday night.

And he said there were extended “nodules” throughout the vessel to achieve greater coverage.

The work was carried out during the vessels’ visit to dry dock in February and March.

The Hjaltland was delayed returning from dry dock due to a flooded pump room, which led to significant service disruption.

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Thousands of RTS meters still unchanged a month before ‘switch off’

May 28, 2025 | 2.09pm

With little over a month until Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) signal is “switched off”, almost 4,000 meters are still unchanged across the isles, according to the latest Ofgem figures.

At the current rate of installation all of those meters are unlikely to replaced until next March.

After the switch off homes with RTS meters could be left with their heating either permanently on, or off, providers have warned.

The latest installation figures were shared with councillors at a meeting of the development committee this morning (Wednesday).

Since efforts began in March, 755 buildings have been equipped with new smart meters.

“At that rate of installation there will still be 3,000 meters to be replaced with the shutdown comes into effect in June,” said Douglas Irvine, the council’s future energy manager.

In fact, at that rate, all 3,930 remaining RTS meters are unlikely to be replaced until next March.

“The push now has to be to get that work done,” Mr Irvine added, “before the colder weather comes.”

Those smart meters which have been installed, meanwhile, have not all worked, he added.

Deputy leader Gary Robinson reminded the chamber that having a smart meter installed entitles customers to support even if the new equipment does not work.

Energy providers have a regulatory obligation to make sure that customers with new smart meters do not experience increased costs, or a deterioration of service. Those who do not switch could be left in the lurch come June.

“Whether they work or not, you need to get one,” Mr Robinson said.

• Councillors also discussed “rumours” that the switch off could be delayed in Shetland, or rolled out in stages. Read the full story in this week’s issue of The Shetland Times, out Friday 30th May.

Council looks to hire ’empty homes’ officer to help tackle housing crisis

May 28, 2025 | 10.49am

Shetland Islands Council is searching for a full-time officer to analyse how many homes are currently left empty across the isles, and develop a strategy for how they might be coaxed back into use.

A graduate officer is currently preparing a report on empty homes in Shetland, which is expected before councillors by September.

That role could soon be bolstered by a dedicated empty homes officer, director of development Neil Grant told a meeting of the council’s development committee this morning (Wednesday).

Shetland has three times the number of long-term empty homes compared to the mainland average, according to 2023 figures published by the national records of Scotland.

The majority of these — roughly 150 — are in Lerwick, though the northern and eastern isles have the highest proportion of empty homes.

Shetland is one of only four Scottish councils which has neither an empty homes officer nor empty homes service — along with Moray, Midlothian and Clackmannanshire.

In other council areas, empty homes officer have worked by surveying owners to understand why their homes are empty. In severe cases some councils have enforced compulsory purchase orders to put long-standing empty homes back on the market.


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