Gilbert Bain extends visitor restrictions

NHS Shetland has extended visitor limits to the Gilbert Bain hospital amid a continued surge in respiratory illness.

Only “essential visits” will be allowed, the health board said in a statement this afternoon.

“Although this is a temporary measure,” the statement continues, “we anticipate the restrictions will be in place for at least the next few days.”

The hospital first began limiting visits this time last week, then issued an update continuing the restrictions on Thursday.

None of the three statements set an explicit deadline for when the limitations would be lifted.

NHS Shetland has asked that anyone hoping to visit loved ones at the hospital first call 01595 743000.

Photographer takes advantage of clear skies to capture partial solar eclipse

The partial solar eclipse was visible from Shetland today (Saturday) – as this stunning image clearly shows.

Council staff and Scottish Water workers set for more strikes over pay

Public sector workers are poised for strike action in a dispute over pay.

POLL: Should the minimum age for community council membership be lowered to 12?

This week, plans to lower the minimum age for community council membership from 16 to 12 were discussed.

A review of Shetland’s community council scheme was approved at the SIC’s meeting on Tuesday, while a debate was held over allowing 12-year-olds to join community councils and whether this would require other members to have PVG checks.

Weather to cause delays to NorthLink sailings 

NorthLink has warned there will be delays and potential disruption to tomorrow’s (Friday) sailings due to the weather.

Hrossey was scheduled to depart Aberdeen at 7pm sailing for Lerwick. However, due to tidal conditions, this sailing will take place at a later time of 8.30pm.

Hjaltland was scheduled to depart Lerwick at 5.30pm sailing for Kirkwall and Aberdeen. This sailing will instead commence at 4.30pm as a result of “adverse weather”.

Freight vessel services could also be affected.  Helliar is scheduled to depart Lerwick sailing for Aberdeen at 6pm, but this sailing is currently under review – with the departure time potentially being delayed until 9pm with an update expected tomorrow.

Hildasay is scheduled to depart Aberdeen sailing for Kirkwall and Lerwick at 3pm tomorrow, but NorthLink said this sailing may also be subject to “minor delays”.

UPDATE: Council meeting resumes after webcast crashes

The live webcast of today’s SIC meeting has crashed just as members were about to debate whether to decide remuneration matters.

Halls of residence set for ‘hotel’ classification in bid host summer visitors and raise council cash

The Anderson High School halls of residence could be reclassified under “hotels and hostels” in a bid to open it up for guests during the summer holidays.

Helicopter scrambled for casualty

The coastguard helicopter has been scrambled this afternoon after an injury onboard a vessel.

Rescue 900 was called summoned following the incident, which happened 60 nautical miles east-north-east of Saxa Vord.

The call was made at around 4.30pm today [Monday], and the casualty is being transferred to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick for treatment.

Freight sailings face delays

NorthLink has warned conditions are likely to impact on its freight services.

The Hildasay is due to leave Aberdeen for Lerwick at 6pm tonight (Sat).

However, the ferry operator says her arrival may be subject to delays of up to two hours.

Meanwhile, the Helliar was due to leave Lerwick for Aberdeen at 6pm. But her departure has been held back until midnight. She is not estimated to arrive in Aberdeen until 4pm tomorrow.