Man appears in court accused of driving while more than five times over the limit

A 37-year-old man has appeared in court charged with driving while more than five times over the legal limit.

Murray Mannall, of Gremmasgaet, Lerwick, appeared in the town’s sheriff court this morning.

Mannal is accused of driving in Gremista Brae with 129 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath yesterday (Sunday). The legal limit is 22 microgrammes.

The case has been continued without plea, until Mannall can seek legal advice.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank granted bail but demanded the seizure of the car and has restricted Mannall from driving in the meantime.

Guizer Jarl visits Cunningsburgh primary

Guizer Jarl Michael Farmer was welcomed to his old stomping ground by bairns and teachers at Cunningsburgh Primary School.

This is part of his visitations before the light up and burning this evening.

Headmaster Mervyn Clark made a roll call of past pupils who are part of today’s festivities.

The Up-Helly-A’ Song was sung followed by the Beatles’ Help by the Jarl squad. Primaries one and two had written a special version of Oasis’ Wonderwall called “Wonder Jarl”.

At dinner time, the Guizer Jarl and his squad are due to have their official pictures taken at Sumburgh Hotel before going to Dunrossness Primary School.

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.

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. 

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.

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.