‘Good natured’ gathering at Cross

THE NEW Year celebrations at the Market Cross passed off peacefully, according to Lerwick police.

They said the “good natured” crowd of several hundred revellers was very well-behaved with few problems. Everyone enjoyed themselves on the fine night and stayed out of trouble, even though the alcohol bylaw forbidding drinking in public in the town was lifted and at least one pub had an extension.

Chief inspector Malcolm Bell described policing over the two week holiday period as “routine,” with no particular trouble. He said: “Over the whole festive period in general people have been very well-behaved and we were no busier than we would normally expect to be in a two-week period.

“We would like to thank everyone for showing it is possible to enjoy the festive spirit without going over the top.”