Charitable trust funds made available to protect historic buildings

One-off grants are being made available to protect historic buildings, the Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) has announced.

It comes three years after the sale of Belmont House in Unst, with the proceeds funding the support.

The scheme is open to charities, trusts and not-for-profit community and voluntary groups only.

SCT was given the proceeds after the sale by the The Belmont Trust which saved and restored the derelict Georgian mansion, built in 1775, to its original form.

The Belmont Trust stipulated the funds be used to support similar restoration projects on important examples of historic Shetland buildings.

The Belmont Built Heritage Grant scheme will only be available while its funds of around £200,000 last.

It offers up to 90 per cent of the capital cost of improving assets.

Any buildings or structures supported by the grant scheme will need to be accessible, relevant, sustainable and valued.

The emphasis will be on assisting examples of built heritage which are in poor condition or at risk of loss or decline.

The aim is to increase people’s connection with their local heritage and possibly to support innovative ways of managing the buildings to keep them going.

The scheme is open to bids until 27th June with any awards paid out after October.

Full details and application forms are available from the SCT website, by email from mail@shetlandcharitabletrust.co.uk or telephone 01595 744 994.

Hydrogen project progresses to shortlist

Plans for a hydrogen production facility have taken a major step forward after making the shortlist of a UK government scheme.

Sumburgh lighthouse re-opens for 2025

With an almighty toot, Sumburgh’s foghorn announced the re-opening of the lighthouse and visitor centre this afternoon (Saturday).

“You could feel it in your ribcage,” said Jane Outram, a member of the centre’s visitor engagement team. “I’m surprised they couldn’t hear it in Lerwick.”

The current foghorn — bright red and installed in 1906 to warn wayward fishermen off the rocks — now sounds twice a year to mark the opening and closing of the Sumburgh head visitor centre.

“What’s great about it is a lot of the sensations come back again every time,” said Ms Outram, now in her tenth year working at the centre.

“It made me jump,” said Evie Herrington, a UHI research assistant and first-time foghorn onlooker. “But it was great to see.”

Today the foghorn was powered by Brian Jonson, a retained lightkeeper with the Northern Lighthouse board.

Less reliable than the foghorn, however, is the sunshine.

“It’s been a great day,” said Ms Outram. “The weather behaved.”

The visitor centre is now open from 10am to 5pm everyday outside Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

New tourist centre owners ‘delighted’ after sale finally goes through

The new owners of the tourist centre have finally taken ownership of the building – more than a year after its closure was first announced.

In this week’s Shetland Times

In today’s (Friday, 4th April) edition of The Shetland Times:

• EXCLUSIVE: Strike action looms at SIC as mental health crisis bites.
• Operations cancelled as hospital emergency escalates.
• FEATURE: All the latest agricultural news in Landwise.
• Tindall family “humbled” by support after Cheyne Crescent fire.
• Knitting guild announced as Shetland Wool Week patrons.
• Clickimin pitch development begins as venue marks 40th year.
• Latest on the electric bus trials.
• SPORT: Highland Fuels Cup finalists decided.

Family ‘blown away’ by kindness after losing their home to devastating fire

A mother and daughter who lost their home following a fire have been “blown away” by the kindness of the community.

Family ‘humbled’ after community raises over £13k following devastating house fire 

A heartbroken family who lost their home and beloved pets in a devastating fire have been “humbled” by the community’s generosity after more than £13,000 was raised in just a few hours.

Police investigate reports of naked man at Clickimin

Police officers are investigating reports of a man exposing himself in a public area of the Clickimin Leisure Centre. 

The alleged incident took place last week on Thursday 27th March around 7.20pm.

Isles chief inspector Chris Sewell told The Shetland Times he was unable to go into details but “enquiries were ongoing”.

Shetland Recreational Trust refused to comment on the incident however, it is understood all of its relevant protocols were followed and details reported to the authorities.