Multi-million pound cuts during housing crisis ‘just doesn’t add up’ 

Councillors have rallied against Scottish government cuts to affordable housing which have forced projects to be scaled back.

Landslip exposed underground telecoms network

Roadworks had to be carried out at short notice in Lerwick after a landslip exposed the underground telecoms network.

Roadwork tailbacks expected to ease ahead of evening rush hour

The works in South Road, Lerwick, which have been causing delays for drivers are expected to finish in time for this evening’s (Tuesday) rush hour.

Usual service resumes to Whalsay Health Centre

Normal service has resumed at Whalsay Health Centre after the island was left without a GP over the weekend.

Contractors sought for £10m Cullivoe road project

Contractors have been invited to bid for the the long-awaited Cullivoe road project, which is expected to cost almost £10m.

Medical evacuation from Skerries

The coastguard helicopter carried out a medical evacuation from Skerries this morning (Sunday).

Shetland Coastguard was contacted by the NHS at around 9.40am to carry out the evacuation of an ill patient to Lerwick.

The incident was concluded at around 11.30am after the patient was transferred to the Gilbert Bain Hospital.

Stroke group praised in parliament

The hard work of a long-running group that supports stroke victims is being recognised in the Scottish parliament.

Businessman sells start-up three years after launch

A young entrepreneur with isles connections has sold his business to a major partner.

Star of otter love story signs up as charity’s ambassador

A Devon charity has gained the support of an isles couple who became a media sensation after befriending an otter cub.

Biltong expert due at beef event

Artisan butcher Jay Joubert will be a guest speaker at a Farm Advisory Service crofting cattle meeting, due to be held next weekend.

The driving force behind Shetland Biltong will provide a candid insight into Shetland’s meat supply chains.

Also appearing at the Skeld hall will be Lorna Shaw, a specialist ruminant nutritionist and a key member of the SAC national livestock team.

The cattle event will provide visitors the chance to visit a Culswick croft run by Sandy Fraser – and have a look at his 40-head herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus.

It is hoped the event will stimulate discussion on what works – and what needs to change – in order to shorten supply chains and work towards Shetland becoming more self-sufficient for beef.

The event is due to take place on 30th November. The invitation has been sent by Osla Jamwal-Fraser, of SAC Consulting.

• Read Osla Jamwal-Fraser’s views on the Whole Farm Plan and budget concerns in Landwise, featured in this week’s Shetland Times.

Single vessel for Fetlar and Unst in the New Year

Fetlar and Unst will have a single vessel for the first two weeks of 2025 due to “unplanned changes” in the dry-docking schedule.

Both the Geira and Fivla will need to remain in dry-dock after the festive season ends.

As a result, the ferry service will run to the Saturday timetable with bookings available.

Shetland Islands Council says the delays have been caused by earlier hold-ups in getting the Geira and Fivla into dry-dock, after problems with the Bigga’s gearbox.

Alternative options had been “explored”, including providing a shuttle service, but none of these options met the “varying requirements” for island communities.

Some extra crossings may be possible, during mandatory staff breaks, if additional crew are available.

These would be unbooked sailings, for crossings between Yell and Unst only, as the council says there is insufficient time to provide additional sailings to Fetlar.

Work continues on a longer-term timetable review for North Isles ferries, taking account of regulatory changes to the lashing arrangements for larger vehicles.

The council has apologised for any inconvenience caused.