Councillors told to ‘bite the bullet’ and make unpopular decisions to get spending back on track
The SIC’s finances no longer add up, councillors fear, with borrowing and spending spiralling out of control.
The SIC’s finances no longer add up, councillors fear, with borrowing and spending spiralling out of control.
Calls have been made for a long-term inter-island ferry replacement programme – recognising that tunnels will take decades to advance.
A 36-year-old man charged with theft, threatening behaviour and two assaults has been remanded in custody following his second court appearance.
The collapse of the US stock market has led to a “torrid” time for the SIC’s investments, councillors have been told.
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.
Emergency services have confirmed a vessel ran aground this morning near Lunna Holm.
The coastguard confirmed it received a call at 9.05am this morning (Monday) – with the vessel in “some difficulty”.
Two coastguard rescue teams were called out to the vessel which “re-floated” and the two people on board made it to Vidlin “safe and well” at 10.45am.
Isles comedian Marjolein Robertson has been nominated for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow award.
Robertson made the seven-person shortlist which was announced on Thursday.
An “overwhelmed” Robertson took to social media to share her delight, claiming the Big Yin was the “father of storytelling comedy”.
“He’s my greatest inspiration,” she said. “So to be included in this makes me feel like leaving Shetland to pursue comedy and bring my home’s folktales to the stage was the right choice.”
The award was founded in 2023, when Janey Godley was named the inaugural winner.
Robertson could make it a hattrick of winners for the ladies, after Glaswegian Susie McCabe took home the award last year.
According to the award itself, to be eligible for the award, a comedian must take part in the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF), as well as five other considerations:
The winner will be announced at the GICF Comedy Gala on Sunday 30th March in the city’s King’s Theatre.
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.
READ FULL STORYRetired 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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. …
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. …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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, …
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, …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREGuizer 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.
NorthLink passenger ferry Hjaltland has been undergoing sea trials off the coast of Shetland this morning.
READ FULL STORYSouth Mainland Up-Helly-A’ is under way and the Guizer Jarl said he was “delighted” to be leading the event.
READ FULL STORYIn 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.
We are looking for enterprising and upbeat individuals to join Shetland Charitable Trust as volunteer trustees.Over the years SCT has disbursed more than £350 million…
Permanent Contract Closing date: Monday 24th March 2025 Location: Lerwick and Scalloway Fish Markets Hours: Full Time Position (8am start Mon-Fri, flexible hours available) We are…
Shetland Seafood Exports Ltd is a newly established seafood processing company located in Heylor, Northmavine. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality seafood products to our…
WCS are seeking empathetic and compassionate individuals to listen to and work directly with children and young people with experience of care across Shetland. DEVELOPMENT…
Requires: A Part or Full Time PSV Driver Duties can include local schools, private contracts, cruise ships, and varied tour work within Shetland.A full Cat D bus…
IRVINE ENTERPRISES SHETLAND LIMITED Administration/Accounts Assistant We are looking for a self-motivated, mature minded person to deal with the day to day administration and accounting…
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.
READ FULL STORYPolice, an ambulance and three fire engines attended a “small fire” aboard an offshore support vessel berthed at Gremista this morning (Thursday).
READ FULL STORYAn 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.
A 36-year-old man has been fined £600 after a heated row about eating his own food outside a cafe.
READ FULL STORYA Christmas car thief who smashed into a wall and fled the scene was apprehended after his DNA was found on an airbag.
READ FULL STORYThe coastguard helicopter has been called to collect a hypothermic patient from Unst.
READ FULL STORYSalmon 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).
READ FULL STORYA woman thought she was going to die when her partner strangled her during his “relentless” abuse, a court heard.
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The Caravan & Camp Site at the Bridge End Outdoor Centre is the perfect place to stop by on your tour around Shetland. The touring pitches are suitable for caravans…
Superb, central penthouse apartment with outstanding views over Lerwick Harbour. A short stroll from all local amenities and Lerwick's business centre – a truly excellent base for discovering Shetland. Luxurious,…
A warm, friendly welcome, quiet location, near loch and beautiful award-winning beach. Great for walks. Ideal for seals, otters and bird watching. Six miles from Ulsta ferry, 5 miles to…
Three self-catering houses sleeping up to 8 people in each. Fully equipped with all you need for a comfortable stay in Britain's most northerly island of Unst. Located in Baltasound,…
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.
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 is set to provide a key role in delivering a European defence network in space amid heightening geopolitical tensions.
READ FULL STORYThe Lerwick lifeboat has spent five days at sea – ahead of a major refit taking place in Poole, Dorset.
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