Big smiles after big skate catch

It’s an impressive catch by anyone’s standards, and for fishing enthusiast Kieran Llewellyn there was plenty of reason to smile behind such an impressive haul.

Kieran caught this large skate, weighing an estimated 45 to 50lbs.

Yellow warning for ice issued

The MET Office has issued a fresh warning for ice, as the winter blast continues to grip the isles.

The yellow warning is valid from 4pm today until 10am tomorrow.

It follows heavy snow falls and sub-zero temperatures.

POLL: Will Shetland have a tunnel by 2030?

Fixed links could be a reality in the isles this decade, the council’s political leader has said.

Emma Macdonald made the bold claim after the Scottish government committed to giving £10 million to the SIC for improving inter-island transport, during its budget at the end of last year.

Although Mrs Macdonald was reserved at the time, she now believes commuters could be “driving through a tunnel in Shetland during this decade, with more in construction.”

The SIC has been exploring the possibility of fixed links to serve Unst, Yell, Whalsay, Bressay and Fetlar through the Inter-Island Transport Connectivity project, which also considers ferries.

Campaigners have been vocal about the need for tunnels to maintain and improve the population of the outer isles and for smoother business operations.

And they were pleased to see Mrs Macdonald’s enthusiasm for the project.

What do you think? Will the first fixed links be built this decade?

Super Survey

Royal Mail suspends postal service outside of Lerwick

Royal Mail has suspended deliveries to rural areas due to snow and ice.

The decision has left homes outside Lerwick without mail deliveries, and country shops are also without the latest edition of The Shetland Times. The paper is normally delivered to rural shops by Royal Mail.

Deliveries are expected to resume tomorrow, weather pemitting. However, a new yellow weather warning has been issued from 4pm today until 10am tomorrow.

The Shetland Times remains available in Lerwick shops. Shetland Times staff made deliveries in the town this morning.

Anyone in Lerwick with a subscription for The Shetland Times will receive their delivery today, but anyone outside Lerwick will unfortunately not.

A free calendar is included in The Shetland Times.

Royal Mail said it thanked customers for patience and understanding during this disruption to its service.

“Once the weather clears, we will ensure deliveries recommence when and where it is safe to do,” it said.

In this week’s Shetland Times

In today’s (Friday, 3rd January) edition of The Shetland Times:

• First tunnel could be built this decade, says councillor.
• New Year’s Honours List features five.
• EXCLUSIVE: Massive hike in coastguard calls to outer isles revealed.
• Tributes paid to well-respected marine scientist.
• Second part of Review of the Year.
• INSIDE: The Shetland Times 2025 calendar.

Mirrie Dancers create epic New Year display

The Mirrie Dancers have been out in full force this evening (Wednesday) – creating a breath-taking start to 2025.

Folk across the isles have been sharing epic images of the display with colours ranging from green to pink, purple and red.

Among those to capture it was Vicky Tylsar who photographed the dazzling sky in Toab.

Did you see the Northern Lights? Send us your photos by emailing [email protected]

New Year celebrations cancelled due to weather

Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled due to “worsening weather”.

Organisers cancel torchlit Hogmanay procession

The Hogmanay torchlight procession was cancelled due to risk to public safety.

Organisers decided to pull the event, due to be held yesterday (Sunday), because of a forecast of high winds.

Edinburgh Hogmanay said in a statement the safety of everyone attending was paramount.

“The safety of all attending is our top priority and following recent torch tests on the route, the winds are proving too strong to proceed safely,” it said.

“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all who wished to participate… the box office will be in touch with further instructions to ticket buyers.”

UPDATE: Concern growing for missing swimmer who is UHI Shetland senior fisheries policy adviser

Police are growing increasingly concerned for a missing swimmer.