Up-Helly-A double in this week’s Shetland Times

In this week’s Shetland Times a passenger relives the dramatic moment when a Sumburgh-bound flight plunged 2,900 feet after being struck by lightning.

• Lerwick community council has backed plans to build 21 homes at the old observatory site in the town, and the fire brigade has launched a major recruitment drive for retained fire fighters with four community stations in Shetland “desperately” short of staff.

• Up to 400 homes could be built on Staney Hill if plans are given the green light to give planning permission in principle next week.

• Meanwhile council findings detailing the cost of educating secondary pupils have been slammed in a report by pressure group CURE.

• In other news mainstream political parties are remaining tight-lipped about how many members they have in the isles, as the build up towards the General Election gathers pace. Labour is the only one of the traditional “main” parties to share its membership figure at just under 50.

• And there is coverage of Bressay and Cullivoe Up-Helly-As, as well as the Shetland rugby team’s romping victory.