BAM Nuttall fined £800k after Viking windfarm death
A construction company was today (Wed) fined £860,000 for breaching safety regulations when a worker died on the Viking Energy windfarm site. Inverness Sheriff Court…
The Shetland Times Live
Lerwick man given payback order for drug possession
A 36-year-old man was told to complete an 80-hour community payback order, after he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine.
Ross Sutherland, of Kveldsro Gardens, Lerwick, was stopped by police on the 21st November 2023, when they recovered 5.98 grams of the Class A substance on him.
Procurator Fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said illicit drugs had been valued between £480 and £600.
Defence agent Gregor Kelly told the court that his client had been “in the throes” of a cocaine addiction but had since curtailed his usage.
“He realises he is no longer a young man,” Mr Kelly said.
Sutherland’s payback order will be reviewed in three months.
North Mainland by-election confirmed
Only two candidates will contest the Shetland North by-election next month.
The SIC posted the notice of poll today (Tuesday), confirming the date and the candidates on offer to voters in the ward.
Polls will open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 23rd January 2025, with Natasha Cornick and Andrew Hall the only names on the ballot.
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NorthLink outlines further delays
NorthLink has warned tomorrow’s southbound sailing will leave earlier than scheduled because of the expected conditions.
The Hjaltland was expected to leave Lerwick tomorrow evening at 5.30pm before sailing for Kirkwall and Aberdeen. But the ferry operator has today said this sailing will now leave at the earlier time of 4.30pm. She will probably leave Aberdeen earlier than expected on Thursday as well.
Meanwhile, tonight’s southbound sailing of the Hrossey is expected to face minor weather-related delays.
Freight services could also be held up, and Pentland Firth crossings are also under review.
Another Blues’ opponent withdraws from island games football
The Falkland Islands will be approached to replace Guernsey in the island games football competition next year.
This comes after Åland had already agreed to step in for Guernsey in the men’s and women’s matches.
Åland were pencilled in to face the Shetland men’s side this summer, after Guernsey pulled out of the competition.
The Guernsey FA said it had become too costly and there had been issues surrounding accommodation arrangements.
The Orkney Island Games Association told The Shetland Times the Åland Football Association also decided to withdraw and the Falkland Islands would be the next side to be given the offer.
LATEST BOOKS FROM THE SHETLAND TIMES BOOKSHOP
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A Shetland Boyhood: Memories of a Manse 1911-1922
Retired minister John B. Logan recalls his boyhood in Shetland where his father had the extensive Dunrossness parish between 1911 and 1922. A vivid portrayal in prose and poetry of …
£11.99FIND OUT MORERetired minister John B. Logan recalls his boyhood in Shetland where his father had the extensive Dunrossness parish between 1911 and 1922. A vivid portrayal in prose and poetry of …
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Discover Lerwick
Lerwick-born author and respected local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, in his own inimitable style, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through the streets of the Conservation Areas of …
£14FIND OUT MORELerwick-born author and respected local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, in his own inimitable style, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through the streets of the Conservation Areas of …
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To the End of the Days of Sail. The Mariners of Shetland
Laughton Johnston’s grandfather, like so many Shetland seamenof the 19th century, moved to Leith where his father’sgeneration was brought up. The Shetland family and seafaringconnections, however, proved strong and a …
£25.99FIND OUT MORELaughton Johnston’s grandfather, like so many Shetland seamenof the 19th century, moved to Leith where his father’sgeneration was brought up. The Shetland family and seafaringconnections, however, proved strong and a …
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History Maker
Essays in Honour of Brian SmithEdited by Mark Smith and Ian Tait In 1976, Brian Smith became Shetland’s first archivist. Since hisappointment, however, he has been much more than a …
£23.99FIND OUT MOREEssays in Honour of Brian SmithEdited by Mark Smith and Ian Tait In 1976, Brian Smith became Shetland’s first archivist. Since hisappointment, however, he has been much more than a …
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Telescope, Telescope, what can you see?
Join a young brother and sister as they gaze through a telescope from their bedroom window. Telescope, Telescope brings you to the heart of a small community, and an island …
£7.99FIND OUT MOREJoin a young brother and sister as they gaze through a telescope from their bedroom window. Telescope, Telescope brings you to the heart of a small community, and an island …
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Wild Shetland Through the Seasons
A visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
£36.99FIND OUT MOREA visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
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Farewell Fugley Island
Alec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
£14.99FIND OUT MOREAlec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
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A Shetland Knitter's Notebook
A Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
£10.99FIND OUT MOREA Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
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A Shetland Pattern Book
First published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
£9.99FIND OUT MOREFirst published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
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Best Days with Shetland's Birds - Paperback
PAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
£17.99FIND OUT MOREPAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
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Shetland's Boats: Origin, evolution and use
The popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
£40FIND OUT MOREThe popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
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Kirstie's Witnesses
In the hungry 1840s, the town of Lerwick is struggling with massive social problems, and Kirstie Jamieson, widow, is trying to feed three children. Like the town she lives in, …
£8.99FIND OUT MOREIn the hungry 1840s, the town of Lerwick is struggling with massive social problems, and Kirstie Jamieson, widow, is trying to feed three children. Like the town she lives in, …
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Knitting By the Fireside and on the Hillside
A History of the Shetland Hand Knitting Industry 1600-1950 First published 1995. This facsimile edition first published 2021. This book traces the history of the Shetland hand knitting industry from …
£9.99FIND OUT MOREA History of the Shetland Hand Knitting Industry 1600-1950 First published 1995. This facsimile edition first published 2021. This book traces the history of the Shetland hand knitting industry from …
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Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters Volume 2
Following the huge success of Volume One, the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers are back with 12 new designs. Patterns range from peerie projects to full size …
£21.99FIND OUT MOREFollowing the huge success of Volume One, the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers are back with 12 new designs. Patterns range from peerie projects to full size …
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The Shetland Bus
Our bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
£8.99FIND OUT MOREOur bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
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MSP ‘astonished’ over accountability claim for iCentre closures
A Scottish government minister has been accused of dodging accountability over the closure of all Visit Scotland’s tourism centres.
One MSP was left “astonished” when she claimed the minister for business passed on responsibility to VisitScotland.
List representative Rhoda Grant asked the minister Richard Lochhead to take action to prevent the closures of the visitor centres – known as iCentres.
However, she was left irritated by Mr Lochhead’s outright dismissal.
“I am astonished that having put very detailed questions to the cabinet secretary, his stark response addresses none of those concerns but instead bats the issue over to VisitScotland as an operational matter for them,” Ms Grant said.
The Scottish government funds 94 per cent of VisitScotland’s budget, the Labour MSP continued.
She added: “But that appears to be of no concern to the SNP government.”
In March this year, Visit Scotland announced it would close all of its 25 visitor centres across the country.
The move courted controversy, with isles tourism bosses branding the axe of the Lerwick facility a “fundamental blow,” to the hospitality sector.
The Scottish government has been approached for comment.
MSP welcomes energy regulator’s standing charge consultation
An MSP has welcomed a decision from the energy regulator to consult on introducing zero standing charges under the price cap.
Green MSP Ariane Burgess wrote to Ofgem earlier this year, highlighting the disproportionate effect charges have on people from rural areas.
The Highlands and Islands MSP said bringing a consultation to the public was a “significant shift” in energy policy.
“Much more must be done to help rural households who face the highest rates of fuel poverty,” Ms Burgess said.
Standing charges put hard working people off reducing their energy usage efficiently.
“The standing charges issue is fundamentally about fairness: there is no reason why energy bills for millions of poorer, low-income households should be proportionately more expensive than those of many larger and wealthier households,” she said.
“The government and Ofgem must work together to provide support for vulnerable customers who have high energy needs while enabling those who use less energy to avoid the moral hazard of an effective poll tax on energy use.”
Some suppliers already offer low- or no-standing charge tariffs, but they are not universal.
Ms Burgess added that more choice is needed for all consumers, including those in debt.
NorthLink services delayed due to weather
Ferry services to and from the isles are facing delays because of a poor forecast.
NorthLink’s northbound sailing could be up to two hours late getting in to Lerwick tomorrow morning, the ferry operator has warned.
The Hjaltland is scheduled to leave Aberdeen at 5pm tonight, and is due to stop at Kirkwall before heading on to Shetland.
But the ferry operator says her departure from Kirkwall’s Hatston Pier will not happen until 1am tomorrow morning.
The Hrossey was scheduled to depart Lerwick for Aberdeen at 7pm tonight.
But NorthLink say her departure from Holmsgarth will now be delayed “until the late evening”.
Arrival in Aberdeen tomorrow may be subject to a delay of up to four hours.
Meanwhile, all sailings across the Pentland Firth today are cancelled, while tomorrow morning’s sailings are under review.
MP says EU-wide youth mobility a ‘no brainer’
A cross-party call is being made for a youth mobility scheme which could give young people the freedom to live and work across Europe.
Over 70 MPs have signed a letter to the minister responsible for EU relations.
Shetland’s MP has even described the move as a “no-brainer” which could address recruitment challenges in key sectors, such as hospitality.
The letter insists providing opportunities to young people should be “at the heart of government policy”.
It states: “We believe that establishing a Youth Mobility Scheme would not only offer huge benefits to young people but also would have a broader range of benefits including strengthening cultural, social and economic links between the EU and the UK.”
The effort has been driven by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney, and backed by Alistair Carmichael.
“The government needs to be more ambitious about rebuilding stronger ties with our European allies,” the isles MP said.
“It is difficult to understand why they are not yet pursuing a UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme, which would be a good first step towards better relations, boost the economy and give our young people opportunities to live and work across Europe.
“We already have such a deal with Australia, Canada, Japan and a number of other countries – to do the same with the EU is a no-brainer.
“That need is even more pressing given that local businesses, especially in hospitality and the wider visitor economy, are crying out for young people to join them. It is in all our interest to make this happen.”
SHETLAND JOBS
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Various vacancies at Shetland Islands Council
We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland. Jobs on offer this week include… • Relief Domestic Assistants – Lerwick…
- Lerwick, Shetland. PART TIME
Property Services Assistant at Hjaltland Housing Association
Part-time (25hrs Monday-Friday) Permanent Position Salary on a scale PA13-16 (Grade 5) £31,521 -£34,759 (including island allowance) pro rata In addition to the salary and…
- Lewick, Shetland. FULL TIME
Full Time Yard Operator/HGV Driver at Jewson
Are you based in Shetland? Do you have a passion for working with people? Jewson, a leading building materials distributor in Northern Europe, is on…
UPDATED: NorthLink warns of disruption
NorthLink has warned both north and southbound sailings tomorrow are under review.
The Hjaltland is scheduled to leave Aberdeen for Kirkwall and Lerwick at 5pm.
However, a poor forecast means the vessel is facing possible cancellation.
Similarly, the southbound sailing of the Hrossey, due to leave Lerwick at 7pm, is also in doubt.
Pentland Firth crossings by the NorthLink ferry Hamnavoe will be cancelled tomorrow.
POLL: Should the council appoint un-elected religious representatives to voting roles?
The controversial question of whether unelected religious representatives should have voting roles in council committees resurfaced this week.
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Get voting for your favourite photo to feature in The Shetland Times 2025 calendar
We are looking for votes to give us a spectacular photograph to adorn The Shetland Times 2024 calendar.
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In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday, 13th December) edition of The Shetland Times:
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Former chief pilot and Hjaltland Housing Association stalwart dies
A former chief pilot and housing association stalwart known for his wry sense of humour has died.
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Calls made for flights to Faroe
A councillor has quizzed Loganair on introducing flights to Faroe in recognition of its close cultural connections.
READ FULL STORY
WATCH: Living Lerwick release heartfelt Christmas ad
Living Lerwick released a heart-warming video this week highlighting the value of shopping locally.
READ FULL STORY
‘Dynamic’ ferry fares could dissuade tourists from travelling with cars
Transport bosses are considering “dynamic” pricing for ferry fares to discourage tourists taking cars on NorthLink crossings.
READ FULL STORY SHETLAND ACCOMMODATION Powered by Stay.Shetland
VIEW ALL- HotelNorth Mainland
Busta House Hotel
Busta House – all about you! Located on the shore of sheltered Busta Voe in Mainland Shetland, Busta House is the perfect place to reside during your Shetland experience. With…
- Self CateringCentral Mainland From £189 - £210 p/n
Da Haaf
Recently refurbished, spacious, high quality, four-bedroom detached house, situated across the road from Meal beach in Burra. The property has many features including a multifuel stove, 4 double bedrooms of…
- Self CateringLerwick & Gulberwick From £700 - £790 p/w
Fairview
Fairview is an exceptionally comfortable 2-bedroom property (both bedrooms en-suite), well equipped to help you enjoy your time in Shetland. The house has central heating, a wood burning stove, free…
- Self CateringLerwick & Gulberwick From £160 p/n
Roegarth
Roegarth is a spacious four-bedroom house situated in central Lerwick, accommodating up to seven guests. Recently refurbished to a high standard, and within easy walking distance of the town centre,…
- Self CateringSouth Mainland From £90 - £110 p/n
Shetland Glamping
Luxury glamping pods set in a peaceful rural location with stunning south-facing coastal views…
- Self CateringFetlar
The Lodge & The Peerie House
Award-winning seaside houses within the historic Leagarth Estate on Fetlar. Both houses are a stone's throw from the sea with superb views across the bay. Abundant wildlife and birdwatching literally…
Whalsay Golf Course named best in the world
A golfing Youtuber has named Whalsay Golf Course as the “best in the world”.
Liam Harrison runs the Golf Mates YouTube channel which has 225,000 subscribers across the world.
Mr Harrison played on the Whalsay course in September as part of his visit to Shetland and Orkney.
He was blown away by the UK’s most northerly course – including its stunning views, challenging holes, and the story behind the golf course.
Asked why he loved it so much, Mr Harrison said: “I liked the journey to Whalsay be honest, and the people there were just brilliant. If you get it on the right day, you’re not going to find anywhere better than Whalsay for views.
He added: “What they have done with it is cracking.”
While in the Bonnie Isle, Mr Harrison met former fisherman Graeme Sandison – one of those who pursued the idea of creating a golf course in the 1970s.
In the film, Mr Sandison explained how the late shopkeeper’s son-in-law brought the first set of golf clubs to the island in 1972, sparking the idea of finding land to create a course, which opened four years later.
Read the full story in this week’s Shetland Times.
Wishart quizzes NorthLink on extra ferry after warning transport troubles were forcing families out of Shetland
Beatice Wishart has asked about bringing an extra NorthLink ferry into service after claiming families were leaving the isles because of travel difficulties.
READ FULL STORY
Bam Nuttall pleads guilty after Viking Windfarm death
A construction company has admitted breaching safety regulations after a worker died on the Viking Energy windfarm site.
READ FULL STORY
Union ‘lights a fire’ with workplace safety regulators over station conditions
The national Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has escalated its concerns over Shetland’s fire stations to the government’s workplace health and safety regulator.
FBU health and safety representative for Scotland, Scott MacRory, yesterday and today (Tuesday) filed complaints with the Health and Safety Executive over three specific stations: Walls, Bressay and Hillswick.
These stations and others in Shetland are cramped and operate without heating or showering, The Shetland Times has reported previously.
Such conditions are not only a discomfort, but pose a real health risk to firefighters working with hazardous chemicals who have nowhere to wash off after a shift.
“We are past pussyfooting around,” said Mr MacRory, who along with other FBU representatives had threatened to report Shetland’s stations if improvements were not promised in a meeting with Scottish Fire and Rescue leadership last week.
“The lid is well and truly off this,” he said.
The Health and Safety Executive has the power to put businesses on probation or prosecute them if they believe workplace conditions are not up to scratch, though the latter course of action is usually reserved for when a worker is injured or killed.
Government officials are expected to respond to reports within three weeks.
“We’ve lit a fire and now it’s a wait to see what happens,” said Mr MacRory.
• Read more in this week’s issue of The Shetland Times, out on Friday, December 13th.
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