The Shetland Times Live

Foodbank demand is a ‘concern’, says manager

May 21, 2025 | 5.09pm

More than 1,000 food parcels were handed out to islanders in the last year — which has caused concern for the Shetland Foodbank manager David Grieve.

In new figures published today (Wednesday), it was revealed almost 1,600 people had received help from the isles foodbank. Of that, nearly 300 were children.

Mr Grieve said he was “very concerned” about the figures, although there was a steady increase on the previous year — in 2023/24 1,088 parcels were delivered. This was up to 1,098 in the 12 months to March this year.

“Hunger is not a food problem – it is an income problem,” Mr Grieve said.

That was a slogan for a campaign poster used by The Trussell Trust.

Foodbanks in other parts of the country were struggling to keep up with demand, Mr Grieve said. He used Glasgow and the west of Scotland as an example.

A rising number of people are looking for help from foodbanks and some of those foodbanks don’t have sufficient stocks of food to meet the needs of their local community.

The demand was easier to satisfy in Shetland, however, because of the “very generous” donations made by islanders who could afford to give.

But there is still an issue when around 18 per cent of the population are in need of essentials, Mr Grieve said.

To read more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday’s Shetland Times or subscribe for a digital edition.

Scalloway Meat Co announce ‘changes’ due to recent thefts

May 21, 2025 | 3.37pm

Scalloway Meat Co is closing off its upstairs department due to a “recent bout of theft” in its toy shop.

The convenience store wrote on its Facebook page: “Due to a recent bout of theft in the toy shop we’ve had to take the decision to implement the following changes to our upstairs department.

“The stairs will be closed off in the evenings. Any adults wanting to go up just let a member of staff know who will be happy to allow you to do so.

“Any bairns wanting to go up will only be allowed to do so if a member of staff is available to go up with you.”

The post added the store was “saddened” to have to take these measures, but it needs to nip this sort of behaviour “in the bud”. 

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Businesses received ‘no warning’ over cruise ship illness 

May 21, 2025 | 2.25pm

Anger has been expressed over thousands of cruise passengers coming ashore following an outbreak of gastroenteritis.

Thousands of passengers from cruise ship  Costa Favolosa has been spotted exploring the isles this week.

However, concerns were raised over a viral sickness bug breakout on the vessel – with reports of one passenger being “violently sick” during a bus tour.

Blyde Welcome’s Celia Smith said she had served many of the cruise ship’s passengers yesterday, but had “absolutely no warning” about the breakout and only learned of the situation through an off-duty tour guide.

“We could’ve been better prepared, we could’ve had more sanitiser and some businesses had face masks.

“The front part of our shop is really quite small and it was really busy and quite cramped. We were all in close proximity so we’re worried somebody might catch it – then you’ll see the ripple effect through the community.” 

NHS Shetland said the Health Protection and Environmental Health Teams had not been advised of any public health issues relating to the visiting cruise ship prior to its arrival.

However, it later became aware that a “small number” of passengers had symptoms of gastroenteritis which was being “appropriately managed” by the medical team on the vessel. 

RTS pleas made by isles politicians

May 20, 2025 | 3.07pm

Isles politicians are calling for more to be done to protect households before the impending Radio Teleswitch (RTS) changeover next month.

Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart will today (Tuesday) raise the concern in the Scottish parliament.

While Isles MP Alistair Carmichael called on the UK government to step in should energy suppliers fail to replace the outdated RTS meters by the 30th June deadline.

According to the latest figures, almost 4,500 homes in Shetland were yet to see engineers upgrade their meters

“This shutdown could be a disaster for households across Scotland,” Ms Wishart said.

There was the potential for “massive disruption,” according to the MSP.

She added companies had “failed” to replace the meters for customers at the “required pace”.

To read more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday’s Shetland Times or subscribe for a digital edition.

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Council marks 50th anniversary

May 19, 2025 | 2.15pm

Shetland Islands Council held its first ever meeting on 16th May, 1975. 

To mark the occasion of its 50th birthday, a special event was held on Friday night giving past and present councillors a chance to catch up and reminisce over their time in the chamber.  

Convener Andrea Manson welcomed 35 of her colleagues back to the town hall.

She unveiled a specially-commissioned piece by artist Cheryl Jamieson from Glansin Glass, and Shetland archivist Brian Smith gave a short talk on the creation and history of the council. 

A musical backdrop was provided by Bryan Gear and Martin Henderson. 

Shetland Islands Council was established during the reorganisation of local government in Scotland in 1974, replacing Zetland County Council and Lerwick Town Council.  

The first election was held in 1974, and since then the council has had seven conveners, and a majority of independent councillors.

The isles have seen enormous changes over the last 50 years.  The seventies and eighties marked a period of rapid expansion due to the growth of the oil industry, with major improvements and expansion in housing, roads and ferry services, and the development of other marine and land-based industries. 

Throughout, the council has been there to provide and develop a high standard of service to islanders. 

The challenge for the council in the coming years is to continue to maintain those services, and move forward in a time of global uncertainty.

Three former Conveners were present at Friday night’s event. 

Sandy Cluness was a member of the Zetland County Council from 1973-74, and a Shetland Islands Councillor from 1978-86 and 1999-2012, serving as convener from 2003-2012. 

He said there had been many changes over 50 years, but that he believed the council has been very successful:

“The most important thing for me is how we’ve looked after our elderly and young folk who need care.  I have had some personal experience, and we do that better, I think, than anyone else in Scotland.”

Current convener Andrea Manson welcomed everyone to the event, looked back at some of the key achievements of the council, her own experiences as a councillor from 1983-1999 and again since 2012. 

She reflected on the past, and the future.

“There have been 50 years of good, dedicated councillors.  It is good to see young faces joining us, and I hope that is a good sign for the future. 

“Thanks to all who are here, and to all those sadly no longer with us.  Long may we enjoy the benefits of friendly colleagues and dedicated staff.”

U-turn made over closure of Yell post office

May 16, 2025 | 3.32pm

There has been a U-turn over plans to close the post office in Burravoe.

Earlier this week, Post Office Ltd said it was not looking to replace the branch once Burravoe’s postmistress steps down from the role.

However, the company confirmed this afternoon it was reversing this decision.

“With the retirement of the long-serving postmistress in Burravoe in July, we have now agreed to advertise the vacancy to try to maintain Post Office services in this remote community.

“We are aware that there is a new shop opening in Burravoe and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss the business opportunity with them or anyone else.”

The Post Office added the vacancy in Burravoe would soon be advertised here.

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      In this week’s Shetland Times

      May 16, 2025 | 9.31am

      In today’s (Friday, 16th May) edition of The Shetland Times:

      • EXCLUSIVE: “Veil of secrecy” surrounds offshore salmon plans.
      • Report and reaction: Find out how your MSP voted on the Assisted Dying Bill?
      • Burravoe post office to close.
      • EXCLUSIVE: Nine motorists reported for drug driving.
      • EXCLUSIVE: Interview with award-winning homeless worker from Whalsay.
      • More than £11 billion of projects in isles — many still under wraps.
      • SPORT: Reports from Highland Amateur Cup.

      Emergency services respond to sick diver

      May 15, 2025 | 2.43pm

      Emergency services have responded to an incident in the Bluemull Sound.

      Coastguard said a diver was in distress and may need to be treated for decompression sickness.

      An ambulance is currently at the scene alongside, coastguard and a R900 helicopter from Sumburgh.

      It is understood the diver may be taken to Aberdeen for treatment.

      Woman charged with assault and domestic abuse

      May 15, 2025 | 1.19pm

      A 44-year-old woman made no plea at Lerwick Sheriff Court this afternoon (Thursday), where she faced charges of domestic abuse and assault.

      Katie Boyes, whose address was given as Shetland, was granted bail and committed for further examination.

      Labour MSP announces decision to stand down

      May 15, 2025 | 9.33am

      List MSP Rhoda Grant has announced her intention to stand down from her seat at next year’s Holyrood election.

      The Labour politician first became a member of the Scottish parliament upon its establishment in 1999 and has served in five of the six terms since then.

      Speaking about her decision, Mrs Grant said it was “time to make way for others”.

      “I have loved representing my region alongside people, too many to mention, who have worked with me, challenged me and supported me,” she said.

      “Unfortunately, after thinking long and hard about the demands of this role, I do not feel I can continue to give the time and commitment required to do it justice and therefore hand on the baton to others and will not stand at the next Scottish parliament elections.”

      As an MSP, Mrs Grant has served on a number of cross-party groups, including crofting and co-convening groups on human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. As a result of this she was invited to speak at a UN event at the 67th session of the commission on the status of women in New York.

      Her Member’ Bill on domestic abuse was adopted and became an act in April 2011 which made it an offence to engage in an abusive course of conduct against a current or ex-partner and she has served as the Labour spokeswoman on a number of areas, including rural and islands; women’s equalities; justice and finance.

      Mrs Grant is the second MSP who represent Shetland to step back ahead of the next elections. Her announcement comes weeks after Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart made the same decision.

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      Learner driver ordered to pay hefty fine and banned from driving

      May 14, 2025 | 3.35pm

      A learner driver was fined hundreds of pounds and handed a six-month ban for parking her car without her L-plates on display.

      Stacey Ryan, 29, had been at the Gilbert Bain Hospital when she realised her car had rolled out of its parking space.

      She went to move it back – but by this time the police had arrived and noted she had no insurance and only a provisional licence.

      The mother-of-two pleaded guilty to the charges when she appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court today (Wednesday).

      Defence agent Tommy Allan told the court that a friend of Ryan had driven her to the hospital for an appointment on 17th September, 2024, relating to her pregnancy.

      The friend also intended to drive Ryan back to her Sandness home.

      However, the friend had left to go elsewhere until Ryan’s appointment was over.

      During this time, the court heard, staff at the hospital became aware of a vehicle causing disruption in the car park and called the police.

      Ryan left the hospital and saw her car had rolled out of the space.

      She went to move it back – but by this time the police had arrived.

      Sheriff David Harvey noted Ryan had been “here before” as she had already accrued six penalty points on her licence.

      He ordered Ryan to pay a £400 fine and endorsed her licence with a further eight penalty points.

      As a result, Ryan has been banned from holding a driver’s licence for six months.

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      Post office in Yell to close down 

      May 13, 2025 | 4.11pm

      It has been confirmed the post office in Burravoe is set to close this summer. 

      Post Office Ltd told this newspaper the postmistress for Burravoe has resigned and is looking to leave in July.

      After reviewing the service provision in the area, the company said it is “not looking to replace this branch at this time” and the nearest alternative branch would be 5.4 miles away.

      The company also wished to thank Burravoe’s postmistress for 29 years of long and loyal service to the community. 

      North Isles councillor Ryan Thomson took to his Facebook page to express his fears over the news of the post office’s closure.

      “It is very concerning to hear that the Post Office has no plans to relocate or continue services in Burravoe when the current postmistress retires in July,”  he wrote.

      “The Burravoe Post Office is more than just a post office – it’s a vital part of the local community. It provides essential services like banking, paying bills, collecting pensions, posting parcels, and so much more.

      “For many, especially older residents and those without access to transport, it’s a lifeline.”

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      Politicians set to debate Assisted Dying Bill

      May 12, 2025 | 4.08pm

      Terminally-ill patients could be allowed to choose to die, if the Scottish parliament passes a bill on the issue.

      Politicians will debate the matter in Holyrood tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon, with MSPs given the freedom to vote how they want.

      This comes three months after a healthcare professional spoke to The Shetland Times as 25 medical experts gave evidence against the Assisted Dying Bill.

      Consultant general surgeon Stuart Fergusson and 24 of his colleagues said they were “deeply concerned” about plans to legalise suicide for terminally-ill patients.

      “It’s an appalling shift in my professional role that one of my statutory duties would be helping people kill themselves,” he told this newspaper.

      This Bill was brought forward by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur, while earlier this year a bill by MP Kim Leadbeater cleared its first hurdles at Westminster.

      Back in February, The Shetland Times conducted a poll on the issue, with 58 per cent said they were against introducing assisted dying.

      Pick up Friday’s edition of The Shetland Times for reaction to tomorrow’s debate.

      WATCH: Heavy metal talent raise the roof at Pigstock

      May 11, 2025 | 5.47pm

      Pigstock made its annual return yesterday (Saturday) with a range of live music throughout the day and evening.

      The event, held from 10am until 9pm at the Bridge-End hall in Burra, also included a variety of games, face painting and an eating competition with all funds going towards Muscular Dystrophy UK.

      There was a range of musical talent which included isles heavy metal bands Brundlehorse, Bitumen River, Vagabond, Grimlok and many others.

      Alongside a number of bands, solo artists Chloe Robertson and Kari Williamson also left the audience in awe during their sets.

      COMMENT: What now for journalism?

      May 11, 2025 | 2.15pm

      By Vaila Wishart

      Back in the cold war days of the Soviet Union, a sailor from Russia or one of the Baltic states would occasionally jump ship and make a dash for freedom, often chased by fellow crewmen.

      It made a good story which the Shetland stringer, Wishart, Lerwick, would phone down to the national press.

      Sometimes the big boys from the daily papers would arrive to cover it for themselves. The Daily Express in particular loved an anti-reds story.

      These reporters had a shorthand note of at least 100 words a minute. They could look up their notes
      and have a story ready to phone to newsroom copytakers at breakneck speed to beat their rivals.

      In those days, when they had sent in their stories, they would come to our house to meet up with Wishart, Lerwick, and spend the night drinking too much and telling tall tales of their exploits, which got taller as the night went on. I know this because I used to sit on the stairs and listen.

      Some of those who survived their careers without liver damage became tutors for my generation of would-be reporters, who also understood why shorthand was important: speed and accuracy was the key to good quality reporting.

      Times change. Shorthand is rarely used. Reporters carry recorders which makes writing a story take longer.

      Drinking at lunchtime is frowned upon. The noisy clack of typewriters gave way long ago to the almost silent tapping on a keyboard.

      Newsrooms became quieter.

      Today news is no longer daily or weekly. It is instant and continuous. Social media rules, but is it accurate?

      As the printed press declines, on at least one national newspaper reporters are expected to reach targets for the number of hits their stories get on their website.

      Editorial policy based on clicks.

      These days people don’t expect to pay for news. They get fed “news” on Facebook, Tiktok, Telegram, Instagram or whatever and as they scroll they can skim through all kinds of stories.

      News? Not really. Clickbait? You bet.

      Most in-depth reporting, higher quality journalism, in what’s left of the press is behind paywalls. The Times and Financial Times, for example, produce good quality content, but most folk don’t want to payfor it when they can get headlines free of charge. If you don’t pay for it, you get what you’re given rather than what you choose.

      So national and local newspapers are dying and quality is not valued. Accountants have always looked on reporters as a bit of an unnecessary expense, and jobs are being shed up and down the country.

      Even the BBC tends to pick up whatever is trending on social media, stories that would never have made five-minute radio bulletins previously, to keep the listener from straying elsewhere. They’re all covering the same things.

      As author Ian Dunt has remarked, when journalism was made free it was the death-knell for serious reporting.

      So with reporters up and down the land being made redundant, and newspaper circulation plummeting, the outlook is bleak.

      There are already parts of the country which can be described as news deserts with no coverage of local councils, courts or other public services. Who provides unbiased reporting and holds those in power to
      account? And how does anyone know how accurate the information they read is if they don’t know where it comes from?

      I have previously ranted about the need for critical thinking to be on the school curriculum from an early age. We’ve already seen mobs targeting immigrants when misinformation was circulated after three children were brutally murdered in Southport. That scenario is highly likely to happen more often especially as our national politicians concentrate their populist campaigns on immigration.

      Misinformation and downright lies travel fast.

      We are fortunate in Shetland that there are still going to be reporters at the court and council and hopefully investigative journalism is not dead. Elsewhere the picture is bleaker.

      I’m glad our little independent local newspaper, which carried good news as well as bad, has survived this long, and thank those who have kept it going as times became more economically difficult.

      There’s no point in being nostalgic. The tough old hard-drinking daily reporter chasing a story in his dirty old mac would frighten the horses these days. But the guff and particularly the atrocious spelling on social media makes me wonder what’s in store for communities as people hunker down into their own little spheres of interest.

      It’s ironic that as communication becomes easier and faster we tend to become more insular.

      I fear this may be my last column. While I have never expected readers to agree with what I write, perhaps it has occasionally provided food for thought and discussion.

      Especially when you disagree. Because if there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s intolerance.

      • Vaila Wishart is a Straight Talking contributor for The Shetland Times

      Sandwick man fined after confrontation with son at pier

      May 9, 2025 | 12.09pm

      A Sandwick man who drove carelessly along pier to prevent his son from leaving after a confrontation has been fined £720.

      Ronald Young, 59, also had five points added to his licence after he admitted the offence, which happened at Blacksness Pier, Scalloway, on 2nd March last year.

      The court heard he drove along the pier at speed to block his son Sam Young, who was in a pickup truck.

      However, a separate allegation that the accused had assaulted his son was found to be not proven, following last Thursday’s trial at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

      The trial featured evidence from two witnesses and a video.

      But Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald was unable to conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Young was guilty.

      The court was told the complainer had finished working on his boat when he had got into his truck and became aware his father was at the pier.

      Giving evidence remotely, the complainer said he had a difficult relationship with his father and had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with him.

      He said his father shouted at him and threw punches before he blacked out and injured his head.

      Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie told the court the complainer received six stitches for a 10cm cut on the side of his head.

      Defence agent Tommy Allan suggested his client had gone to the pier to check on his son’s wellbeing, as he had not responded to messages from earlier in the week,

      The complainer agreed that was possible – but also said his father had been listening to “lies” that claimed he was involved in drugs.

      Mr Allan also said it was “convenient” the complainer had no memory of the incident.

      In Ronald Young’s account to the police, he claimed his son “launched” to attack him.

      Video evidence taken from a passing fishing boat, showed the two men in a verbal exchange.

      Mr MacKenzie claimed the video showed Ronald Young throwing a punch.

      But Sheriff MacDonald suggested it was the younger man “who made the move” before the accused backed away.

      It was agreed the altercation had already begun before the video had started recording.

      A second witness – a friend of the complainer – said he noticed the pair in an argument from across the pier and he rushed over to split them up.

      The witness claimed Ronald Young had been the aggressor but accepted both men had been “flapping” their arms at each other.

      When the witness arrived, the father and son had stopped and the older man got in his car and left.

      The witness noticed the complainer had blood on his head and was going to take him to hospital for treatment.

      But then Ronald Young returned  – driving at speed in his car and blocked his son’s truck from leaving the pier.

      The witness said the accused had come back to apologise but Mr Allan suggested his client was returning to say “it wasn’t his fault” – as was told in a statement to police.

      Sheriff MacDonald told the accused it was clear he had gone to the pier for a “confrontation”.

      But she also saw “inconsistencies” in the Crown’s argument and evidence.

      She gave a verdict of not proven.

      “I think you were ashamed by what happened that day,” Sheriff MacDonald said.


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