The Shetland Times Live

Work begins on Brae energy hub

March 18, 2025 | 5.07pm

Work has begun on the new Brae rural energy hub – marking a major milestone in the project.

Local company RG Construction, led by Robbie Gray, has been appointed as the main contractor.

They have begun transforming the Brae Youth & Community Centre with insulation, new heating, solar and batteries creating a warm, energy efficient facility.

Previous activities at the Brae Youth and Community Centre will continue once re-opened in summer, and the energy hub will be a new addition, supporting the community in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

The renovation of the BYCC started this month and is due for completion in August.

The refurbished building will improve the existing facilities at the BYCC and add in co-working spaces, an information centre for energy efficiency, electric vehicle charging stations, a community café and facilities for a car club and e-bike rentals.

Robbie Gray, managing director of RG Construction expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We are
excited to be part of this transformative initiative. Our team and valued sub-contractors are committed to delivering a high-quality renovation that will serve as a cornerstone for Shetland’s journey to Net Zero.”

Crucially, the Brae Rural Energy Hub CIC will be led by a community board, ensuring local voices and
needs are at the forefront of its operations. The hub is actively seeking new directors to join its team.

SSE gives diversion warning as road closure to be in effect on Wednesday

March 18, 2025 | 2.30pm

Drivers have been warned of a diversion as road works take place from tomorrow (Wednesday) on the B9075 between Setters Corner and the Sandwater Junction.

The road will be closed from 7pm and will re-open at 7am the following morning.

A temporary diversion will be in place, with signs, via Stromfirth.

The road will be closed while energy giant SSE removes equipment from the area.

In a statement it said: “Whilst we expect the impact to be minimal, we’d like to take the opportunity to thank all road users for their understanding and cooperation – and apologise for any inconvenience that this temporary closure may cause.”

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SIC launches mobile phones in schools consultation

March 18, 2025 | 10.54am

The council is seeking views on the use of mobile phones in schools.

Parents, guardians teachers and pupils have been asked to complete a survey after the SIC sent out information on the consultation.

The engagement with key stakeholders aims to gather a wide range of perspectives on this topic and will also include in-person discussions with young people.

It is hoped to create balanced and effective guidance for the use of mobile phones in schools, which supports educational outcomes and promotes the health, safety and well-being of children, young people and staff. 

Education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said this was a “significant topic” which affected the daily lives of children, young people and staff.

“It is essential that we balance the views of all members of our school communities, alongside emerging research in this area, to develop guidance that is fair, practical and beneficial for everyone,” Mr Sandison said.

He encouraged anyone with an interest in the issue to make their voices heard.

More information on the consultation can be found on the SIC website and anyone who wishes to contribute to the discussion can email education.socialservices@shetland.gov.uk.

Responses must be submitted by before 5pm on Sunday 30th March.

SIC set to approve minor changes to community councils

March 18, 2025 | 9.54am

Community councils will largely remain the same as councillors are set to approve minor changes which include core funding next week.

This comes almost two years after the SIC first agreed to review the community council scheme.

Among the revisions included in the report are:

  • Merge the existing Community Council core funding allocations and Community Development Fund into one new funding scheme with a new funding mechanism;
  • Reducing the minimum age for associate membership from 16 to 12;
  • Those who are elected to another role (councillor/MSP/MP/MSYP) will no longer be allowed to be members of the community council and will have voting rights removed.

Councillors are expected to give their approval at a special meeting of the full council next week.

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

March 17, 2025 | 11.36am

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.

UPDATE: Crew ‘safe and well’ after vessel ran aground

March 17, 2025 | 10.54am

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. 

Marjolein Robertson makes shortlist for Glasgow award

March 16, 2025 | 3.11pm

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:

  • Resilient — Be as warm as they are tough.
  • Open — Accessible to all.
  • Unapologetic — Proud and unpretentious; curious and challenging; mould-breaking.
  • Gallus — Bold and brave; self-starting.
  • Funny — Above all else, an ability to make people laugh.

The winner will be announced at the GICF Comedy Gala on Sunday 30th March in the city’s King’s Theatre.

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Guizer Jarl visits Cunningsburgh primary

March 14, 2025 | 12.15pm

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.

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In this week’s Shetland Times

March 14, 2025 | 7.00am

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.

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KT Tunstall rocks necklace made by isles jeweller 

March 13, 2025 | 10.00am

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.

Karlin Anderson and KT Tunstall. 
Karlin Anderson and KT Tunstall. 

“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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