POLL: Could new ‘cluster’ proposal help take control over energy sector?
Thousands of acres in Northmavine could be given special status as an “energy cluster” in a bid to secure greater control over the rapidly growing renewables sector.
The Shetland Times Live
In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday, 14th March) edition of The Shetland Times:
• EXCLUSIVE: Lifesaving letters highlighted by Viking Genes volunteers
• EXCLUSIVE: New figures reveal sick days on ferries
• EXCLUSIVE: New energy park could be bigger than Sullom Voe
• EXCLUSIVE: Dunter damage dearer than thought
• EXCLUSIVE: Lace knitting word makes it into Oxford English Dictionary
• EXCLUSIVE: China’s star teacher ‘honoured’ by recognition
• See full coverage of all the latest energy news in two pages of Energy Zone
• Bressay Up-Helly-A’ report and pictures
• Catch our reviews from the Shetland Drama Festival
• SPORT: Persistence pays off for hockey players
Click here to get The Shetland Times delivered to your device every Friday morning.
Car thief stripped off in futile bid to evade police
A 23-year-old man who stole and crashed a car in Lerwick – also took off his clothes during a police chase in a bid to evade detection.
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Emergency services called to small fire on offshore support vessel in Lerwick
Police, an ambulance and three fire engines attended a “small fire” aboard an offshore support vessel berthed at Gremista this morning (Thursday).
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KT Tunstall rocks necklace made by isles jeweller
An isles jeweller was “really blyde” after an international superstar wore one of her creations on The One Show.
Edinburgh singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, known for hits like Suddenly I See, wore a necklace made by isles jeweller Karlin Anderson on the BBC programme on Tuesday evening.
“I was really blyde to get a message from KT Tunstall yesterday saying she was wearing my Flight Necklace on The One Show,” Ms Anderson told The Shetland Times.
The necklace is part of Ms Anderson’s Wings Collection – inspired by the idea of finding “strength and hope” in difficult times.
Ms Anderson said she has always had a “huge amount of respect” for Ms Tunstall both as an artist and as a person.
“She’s been doing her thing for years and is absolutely brilliant at it.
“She’s a strong woman and a fantastic advocate for others, always championing those coming up behind her.”
Read the full story in tomorrow’s Shetland Times.
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Man fined £600 after behaving aggressively in row over eating own food outside cafe
A 36-year-old man has been fined £600 after a heated row about eating his own food outside a cafe.
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Christmas car thief caught after DNA found on airbag
A Christmas car thief who smashed into a wall and fled the scene was apprehended after his DNA was found on an airbag.
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Coastguard helicopter called to collect hypothermic casualty from Unst
The coastguard helicopter has been called to collect a hypothermic patient from Unst.
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Salmon firm netted £5 million in government handouts
Salmon farming companies have enjoyed more funding from the government than they pay in tax, according to a report published by sustainable food advocates Feedback Global this morning (Wednesday).
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Woman thought she would die at hands of abusive partner
A woman thought she was going to die when her partner strangled her during his “relentless” abuse, a court heard.
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New Opportune plans to pair-trawl and land south
The whitefish trawler Opportune arrived back in Shetland on Saturday, but not for long.
Unabashed by sinking this time last year, skipper Ross Christie and crew have rigged up their new boat for computer-operated pair trawling – a more efficient, but riskier setup in rough weather.
The set-up will also see the Burra boat landing most of her fish on the mainland with Fraserburgh-registered partner boat Helenus.
“It’s not been a big celebration; it’s just getting the families together,” said engineer and assistant Sam Young from a berth in Scalloway on Saturday afternoon.
A downturn in fish landings at Scalloway last year was partly credited to losing the Opportune after she sank suddenly in March.
Pair-trawling works by pulling a single trawl net behind two boats at once – saving fuel for both crews, which then split the catch.
“It’s easier on the boat, easier on the kit, easier on the hydraulics,” Mr Young said.
The set up also comes with the risk that either boat might career into the other, particularly in poor weather.
The Opportune sailed back south yesterday to be fitted with “pair link”, a computer system which allows a skipper on one boat to oversee and partly take control of the other in an emergency.
The new vessel is also slightly smaller, with a “modernised” helm and fresh, black and white paint job.
Read the full story in this week’s issue of The Shetland Times, out Friday 14th March.
NorthLink back down to one passenger ferry
The NorthLink passenger service between Shetland and Aberdeen is back down to one vessel again – with the Hrossey now in dry dock for her annual maintenance.
The lifeline service was hampered in recent weeks after the Hjaltland failed to return on time from her period in dry dock.
The Hjaltland suffered a flooded pump room as she was being prepared to leave dry dock on 21st February. That is now a matter of an inquiry.
She only returned to service on Saturday, although her sailing north from Aberdeen was delayed by several hours.
With the Hjaltland back doing her normal sailings, the Hrossey has been able to go to dry dock today (Tuesday) as part of her annual maintenance.
Both ferries are scheduled be sailing to full service on Monday 24th March.
The Hjaltland sails from Aberdeen to Lerwick this evening.
SaxaVord to play key role in European space defence network amid escalating geopolitical tensions
SaxaVord is set to provide a key role in delivering a European defence network in space amid heightening geopolitical tensions.
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Lifeboat heads to Dorset for refit
The Lerwick lifeboat has spent five days at sea – ahead of a major refit taking place in Poole, Dorset.
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SIC marks Commonwealth Day
Shetland Islands Council flew a flag at Lerwick Town Hall today (Monday) to mark Commonwealth Day.
The event marked across the Commonwealth with activities taking place throughout the month, including school assemblies, debates, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural celebrations.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the executive arm of the association.
Conservation sessions planned
People are being given the opportunity to comment on proposals relating to three conservation areas – two in Lerwick and one in Scalloway.
The Lerwick Lanes conservation area was designated in 1975, recognising its waterfront setting, unusual town plan and notable buildings.
A nearby New Town Conservation Area – designated in 1986 – lies west of Lerwick Town Centre, and includes the mainly residential areas of King Harald Street, St Olaf Street and Burgh Road.
Scalloway Conservation Area was designated in 1982 in recognition of its harbour setting and buildings worthy of preservation.
Shetland Islands Council carried out appraisals of the three conservation areas in 2010.
Now, a review has been undertaken to ensure that these three appraisals reflect any changes.
While the appraisals have found relatively little change in the character and appearance of the conservation areas, the SIC says there has been a noticeable deterioration in the overall maintenance and repair to buildings in all three areas.
It has also highlighted a notable increase the use of “inappropriate” modern details and materials, such as replacement windows and doors.
No boundary changes are being proposed. But the SIC proposals are being made to review permitted development rights to reflect legislation and policy.
Permitted development rights include certain building works that might not need planning permission, such as minor extensions, or the construction of fences or walls.
There are also proposals to give consideration to the introduction of areas of special advertising control to ensure that advertisements are in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.
In addition, it is proposed to create guidance on a range of relevant topics, such as the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings, shopfront and advertisement design and the use of paint or limewash finishes.
The month-long public consultation period launches today.
The appraisals and further information can be viewed on the council website at www.shetland.gov.uk/planning-building/conservation-area-reviews
There will be public drop-in sessions with details of proposals at:
• Islesburgh Community Centre on Monday 24th March.
• Scalloway Youth Centre on Monday 31st March.
Man charged with theft, threatening behaviour and two assaults
A 36-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with theft, threatening behaviour and two counts of assault.
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SIC back 50mph speed limit in Levenwick
Councillors believed reducing the speed limit on the A970 in Levenwick would “help” despite rejections from Dunrossness Community Council.
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Haar sauna wins another national award
The company behind wild saunas in St Ninians and Brae won a Scottish business award at a ceremony on Thursday evening.
Scottish EDGE, an entrepreneurial competition sponsored by Highland and Islands Enterprise, gave Haar sauna first place after they were made semi-finalists last year.
“We will be using the award to turn up the heat across Shetland and the HIE region some more,” wrote co-founded Hannah Mary Goodlad. “[We] have some exciting plans!”
Last year Haar was also voted the UK’s best nature sauna at the 2024 sauna summit awards.
IN PICTURES: Bressay Up-Helly-A’
After a quick invasion of Lerwick, Friday evening brought the fires of Up-Helly-A’ to Bressay, as captured by the photographs of arts and entertainment reporter Stephen Gordon.
See more pictures, and read the full report in next week’s edition of The Shetland Times, out Friday 14th March.
Early drought warning after unusually dry winter
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued a drought risk warning for this summer after the Met office reported an unusually dry winter.
Despite intense wet spells, Shetland recorded just 40 per cent of its typical rainfall this February. Across the UK rainfall was down by roughly a quarter compared to the month’s average.
Scientists are now crossing their fingers for a wet spring to replenish groundwater supplies.
“While some people may be surprised, given the heavy rain and flooding we saw over Hogmanay, the broader picture is one of persistent dryness with many areas seeing below average rainfall over the past several months,” Sepa senior hydrologist Claire Tunaley said.
Sepa will begin issuing weekly groundwater reports in May, and urged any businesses licensed to extract groundwater to begin taking preparatory steps for the summer now.
Earlier this year Scottish Water increased its rates by almost 10 per cent — at least in part to invest in the infrastructure to cope with droughts and intense bursts of rain exacerbated by climate change.
The utility’s climate action plan, however, suggests that Shetland is less likely to suffer from water scarcity than larger mainland cities.
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