POLL: Will you be tuning in for Shetland series nine? 

Shetland is set to return to our screens next week for its ninth series.

In this week’s Shetland Times

In today’s (Friday, 1st November) edition of The Shetland Times:

• Investigation launched into Viking turbine damage.
• Schoolboy wins national accordion competition.
• Latest Up-Helly-A’ committee member elected.
• Sex offender jailed for 35 months.
• New police area commander speaks to The Shetland Times.
• Ghost hunter to resurrect paranormal television show in the isles.
• Reaction to budget as questions remain over Fair Isle ferry funding.
• New consultation on large energy project applications.
• Read our Shetland Food and Drink feature.
• Youth Voice makes a return.
• SPORT: Report and pictures from Shetland men’s volleyball victory.

Investigation into wind turbine blade damage

A probe is being carried out to determine the cause of damage to a turbine at the Viking Energy Windfarm, near Vidlin.

Pictures posted on social media revealed showed the extent of the damage at the controversial Viking Energy Wind Farm, with part of the blade hanging off.

Windfarm owners SSE tried to ease concerns, saying it had disabled a turbine after receiving reports of damage.

“The wind turbine has been disabled and access to the turbine and the surrounding area has been restricted and made safe,” the renewable energy provider said.

“No one was injured or in the vicinity at the time the damage was sustained.

“We are working closely with the turbine manufacturer, Vestas, which has initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident.”

People expressed their anger over the incident on the Stop More Windfarms on Shetland Facebook page, with some highlighting the potential threat to traffic or passers by.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of tomorrow’s Shetland Times.

Fisherman ordered to pay £3,500 compensation after knocking man unconscious at Trench Bar

A fisherman who assaulted two men, knocking one unconscious and breaking his collarbone, has been ordered to pay £3,500 compensation.

Man who carried out ‘sustained and pre-planned’ sexual assault is jailed for almost three years

A 28-year-old Lerwick man who carried out a sustained and pre-planned sexual assault has been jailed for almost three years.

Jewellers up for sale for around £350k

A jewellers with almost 60 years’ history has gone up for sale.

Salmon survival rates at highest since pandemic began

Scottish salmon has recorded its best survival rate since the pandemic.

This was the assessment of Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott, who says it is thanks to a £1billion investment within the sector since 2018.

New figures published today (Tuesday) revealed a 98.18 per cent survival rate on farms in September, which is traditionally the most challenging month for salmon in the sea, following on from 99.03 per cent in June.

Mr Scott was delighted with the outcome, highlighting the high standards that salmon farmers place upon themselves to produce quality food.

He said: “Scottish salmon farmers provide the highest standards anywhere in the world for the animals in their care, and have invested £1 billion in fish health and welfare since 2018.

“It is testament to the dedication of farmers that survival rates on Scottish salmon farms are now at the highest level since 2020.”

Read more in the next edition of The Shetland Times.

Power cuts in South Mainland due to fault with overhead network

Power cuts in the South Mainland have been caused by a fault with the overhead network.

Student bursary allocation ends this week

The deadline for student bursary applications to the Glasgow Orkney and Shetland Benevolent Society is fast approaching.

Students from Orkney or Shetland who are attending an educational or training course in Glasgow this year can approach the society for assistance.

Go to their website www.gosbenevolentsociety.co.uk for an online application. They do not require any further information or reporting from awardees.

The deadline is Thursday 31st October.