Armagh man fined and disqualified from driving

An Armagh man who drove a car without a licence while high on cocaine was fined £1,200 and was disqualified for three years.

Martin Gerald Pierce McParland, 39, pleaded guilty to three charges at Lerwick Sheriff Court for the incident which happened three years ago.

The court heard how McParland — appearing remotely from Stranraer — was stopped on Lerwick’s Ladies Drive on 10th April 2022. At the time he was disqualified from driving.

Police officers found McParland had 26 microgrammes of cocaine in his blood. The limit is 10 microgrammes. He also had 480 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine — a chemical compound that is produced when cocaine is metabolized in the body — in his system. The limit is 50 microgrammes.

POLL: Would you support Faroese-style autonomy for Shetland?

A leading figure in the autonomy movement has indicated there are opportunities for success – but only if Shetlanders make it happen.

Cycling for the Samaritans Scotland fundraiser launched

Neil Beattie, a team leader with the council, will attempt to cycle between every Scottish Branch of the Samaritans this summer to raise money for the suicide-prevention charity.

Starting in late July, Mr Beattie expects the journey will take him two weeks – covering roughly 1,200 miles and racking up more elevation than Mount Everest.

Marathon cycling is no stranger to Mr Beattie, who has in the past wheeled across Vietnam and from Lands End to John O’ Groats. The inspiration for this adventure came in part from his Scottish cycles.

“It always amazes me when you cross a bridge there’s always a little Samaritans sign,” he said. “So I just thought I’d give it a go.”

The idea for this ride also came from a little closer to home.

“My mum used to be regional director for the Samaritans in Scotland, and she’d asked me a few times,” he said. “If I raise enough my mum might stop badgering me!”

You can support the cycle through Mr Beattie’s fundraising page here.

The route starts in Lerwick, catches the Northlink south and hits (in order) –  Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Edinburgh, Selkirk, Dumfries, Hamilton, Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Stornoway, Elgin, Inverness and Thurso – before hoping back aboard to Orkney and completing the loop.

On his way Mr Beattie will be camping out some nights and staying with Samaritans when he can.

Wilma Goodlad, regional director for Scotland and former Shetland Samaritans branch director said she was “delighted” Mr Beattie was taking on the challenge.

“Volunteers in the 19 branches across Scotland are looking forward to welcoming and encouraging him along his route,” she said.

“Neil will set off from the Shetland branch, and in 2 weeks cycle south to Selkirk and Dumfries then home via Caithness and Orkney. Thank you Neil, for your efforts to help Samaritans be there around the clock for people who need us.,” she added.

“Happy Cycling.”

Founded in 1959, Samaritans Scotland now field 60,000 hours of calls on average every year.

If you are feeling isolated or need support you can speak to a Samaritan anonymously by emailing jo@samaritans.org, visiting the Samaritans’ website or calling 116 123. Calls are free, fielded 24/7 and are not routed locally.

New 10 per cent ‘processing fee’ to be added to cinema and event tickets

People attending events could face added costs after Shetland Arts announced a 10 per cent “processing fee” would be added to tickets across its venues.

Plea for folk to be ‘kind and courteous’ to health staff amid sustained pressure

The health board chairman has urged people to be “kind and courteous” to staff amid severe challenges facing the organisation.

Car club grows with two new electric vans

A car club has grown with two new electric vehicles.

Marathon runners raise tens of thousands for worthy causes

Shetland runners who took part in today’s (Sunday) London Marathon have already notched up tens of thousands of pounds for worthy causes.