Seven suspected drug drivers caught in police crackdown

Seven people have been charged and arrested in connection with drug driving.

Aith school break-in sparks police appeal for information

Police are investigating a break-in at Aith Junior High School after an incident took place last month.

An appeal for information was launched today (Tuesday) by Police Scotland as isles officers continue to investigate.

The incident occurred between the 14th March and the 17th March.

In its social media post, Police Scotland said: “Please contact us with any information on 101 or via Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Tunnel options to be considered as transport project enters next phase

Five options for fixed links will be included in the next critical stage of a transport project.

Drivers’ feedback will steer direction of travel for electric buses

“The proof will be in the pudding” when it comes to making a decision on the future of electric buses.

That was the opinion of the SIC senior climate change officer Steven MacLean, who was discussing the a trial of the buses, with The Shetland Times today (Monday).

Mr MacLean said it would be important to get feedback from drivers as well as collecting data.

Councillors and media representatives had been invited on board the Sigma 8 electric bus, which is currently undergoing trials, to find out first-hand what the green vehicles were like.

Speaking to The Shetland Times after a trip to Scalloway, Mr MacLean said no decision had been made on the future of electrifying public transport in the isles but there was already lots of information to sift through.

Mr MacLean said the trial sought to collect data about the efficiency, range and challenging geographical conditions posed in Shetland.

“If we just wanted metrics, we could almost have taken the spec sheets and said ‘well, let’s account for Shetland weather and reduce that by a percentage’ but you need that qualitative data to go along with it,” he said.

He said the view of the bus drivers would be most important as they are the experts on how the service is delivered.

For a full report on the electric buses, pick up a copy of the next edition of The Shetland Times on Friday.

You can also get a copy of the paper sent directly to your online device by clicking HERE.

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”.

Councillors vote to apply maximum remuneration rise in bid to encourage others to stand for election

Councillors will see their pay rise significantly as part of nationwide measures intended to encourage more people to stand for election.

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.