Christmas tree brings ‘sense of magic’ ahead of town parade
The arrival of Lerwick’s Christmas tree has been praised for bringing a “sense of magic” to the town centre.
The Shetland Times Live
Tingwall Airport to close in May 2025
Tingwall Airport is scheduled to close for a month next May for resurfacing, councillors heard in a committee meeting Monday.
The move will mean inter-island flights will be directed through Sumburgh Airport.
Maintenance work at the airstrip was originally planned to finish at the end of March this year. During a meeting of the environment and transport committee on Monday morning, however, councillors heard that project will now be completed by August 2026.
Tingwall Airport will only close for a month.
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.
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Brett backs energy transition away from oil and gas exploration
A former general election candidate for the SNP has spoken out against future oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
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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.
LATEST BOOKS FROM THE SHETLAND TIMES BOOKSHOP
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Wild Shetland Through the Seasons
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 …
£36.99FIND 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 …
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The Shetland Bus
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 …
£8.99FIND 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 …
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Call of the Running Tide
The call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
£12.99FIND OUT MOREThe call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
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A Shetland Pattern Book
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 …
£9.99FIND 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 …
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Farewell Fugley Island
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 …
£14.99FIND 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 …
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Knitting By the Fireside and on the Hillside
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 …
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Best Days with Shetland's Birds - Paperback
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. …
£17.99FIND 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. …
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From Honky-Tonks to Helicopters
Lerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
£7.99FIND OUT MORELerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
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Shetland's Boats: Origin, evolution and use
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 …
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Grottie-Buckie an Tirli-Wirli
Grottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
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Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters Volume 2
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 …
£21.99FIND 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 …
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Kirstie's Witnesses
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My Journey Home: Memoirs of a Shetland Exile
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Book launch raises cash for Red Cross
The work of the Red Cross in safeguarding prisoners of war has been commemorated at the
Shetland Library, with the launch of a new book by Jonathan Wills.
Stroke group praised in parliament
The hard work of a long-running group that supports stroke victims is being recognised in the Scottish parliament.
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Stroke support group marks first 20 years
A long-running group that supports stroke victims has marked its first 20 years. Shetland Stroke Support Group was established in 2004 to provide practical support…
NorthLink warns of ferry disruption
Tomorrow’s southbound NorthLink sailing will leave Lerwick two hours earlier than scheduled. The ferry operator has advised customers of the move ahead of possible weather-related…
Police stress ‘continued commitment’ to tackling drugs
Police have stressed their commitment to tackling the supply of illegal drugs after two couriers were handed lengthy prison sentences.
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Businessman sells start-up three years after launch
A young entrepreneur with isles connections has sold his business to a major partner.
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Building Maintenance Electrician at Sodexo
Sodexo Energy and Resources has an exciting opportunity for a skilled and proactive Building Maintenance Electrician to join our dynamic team. Based at the Sellaness…
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Domestic Cleaner/Housekeeper at Thomson Rentals
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Experienced Mechanic at Tonner Mechanical Services
We are looking for an Experienced Mechanic Preferably with an interest in computer diagnostics! Applicants must be self motivated and have a genuine interest in…
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Various vacancies at Shetland Islands Council
We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland. Jobs on offer this week include… • Support Worker – Early Learning…
Tractor run to raise cash for Fishermen’s Mission
Kind-hearted farmers are ploughing ahead with plans for another charity tractor run.
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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.
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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.
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POLL: Is the NorthLink ferry service in ‘crisis’?
NorthLink has rejected claims made by the Shetland Labour Party this week that its ferry service was in crisis.
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NorthLink warns of weather delays
NorthLink is warning of potential disruption in services over the weekend.
The Hjaltland is due to leave Aberdeen for Orkney and Shetland tomorrow. But NorthLink says her arrival at Kirkwall and Lerwick may be subject to delays of up to an hour and a half.
Meanwhile, Hrossey’s south-bound sailing is under review, with the possibility of an earlier departure.
Sunday will see the Hjaltland leave Lerwick an hour earlier than planned, with 6pm the new departure time.
Her arrival in Aberdeen may be subject to a two hour delay.
Changes are also being made to Pentland Firth crossings.
In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday, 21st November) edition of The Shetland Times:
- EXCLUSIVE: Power station to continue until 2026.
- Port closures risked by staff shortages.
- Drug couriers jailed after £100k cannabis find.
- Tourist centre staff praised after hub’s closure.
- Dental practice blames NHS for service scale-back.
- NorthLink “crisis” shot down by operator.
- Swan returns after mast maintenance.
- Read all the latest agricultural news in Landwise
- SPORT: Swimmers break hundreds of personal best times.
- SPORT: Report of Valkyries’ win as rugby team secures sixth league title in a row.
Click here to get The Shetland Times delivered to your device every Friday morning.
Museum cafe closes
The museum cafe is closing due to staff shortages, Shetland Amenity Trust has announced.
Hay’s Dock by the Dowry – operated by Beervana Ltd – is shutting its doors after finding it impossible to secure necessary workers.
It comes two-and-a-half years after an arrangement between the trust and Beervana was launched.
The trust says a mutual end of tenancy has now been reached between both parties.
The partnership had a shared vision of offering visitors both a casual daytime option and a formal evening experience.
However, recent challenges within the hospitality sector have changed the landscape considerably, with Beervana making the difficult decision to cease operations at the Hay’s Dock location.
Stuart Fox from The Dowry said: “While we’re disappointed to close the Hay’s Dock café and restaurant due to ongoing staffing issues, this decision allows us to focus on exciting plans we have to improve our offering at The Dowry, and we look forward to continuing to welcome our customers on ‘da street’.
“We have really enjoyed our time at Hay’s Dock, and would like to thank everyone at Shetland Amenity Trust for giving us the opportunity to run the venue over the past two and half years.”
Shetland Amenity Trust said in a statement: “We are saddened that the arrangement with Beervana has come to an end but fully understand the reasons behind the decision.
“We will take some time to explore options for the space to ensure that visitors to Shetland Museum and Archives can enjoy some light refreshments.
“Meanwhile we wish Stuart and the team at The Dowry every future success.”
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Storm Bert to cause disruption on NorthLink ferries
Passengers on the NorthLink ferries this weekend can expect disruption across all services this weekend, with storm Bert forecast to batter the isles.
The operator issued a warning today (Thursday) ahead of adverse weather over Saturday and Sunday’s sailings.
The Met Office has warned of wind speeds as high as 69mph during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Crack addict jailed for smuggling heroin worth £25k
A 43-year-old crack addict who smuggled heroin into Shetland to pay off a drug debt has been jailed.
READ FULL STORYDrug couriers behind bars as their partners give birth
Two drug couriers have been handed lengthy prison sentences leaving their partners to raise newborn babies alone.
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NorthLink issues ferry delay warning
Passengers sailing north to Lerwick this evening (Wednesday) are expected to be delayed on arrival into the town by up to two hours.
Serco NorthLink issued the warning today, as forecast adverse weather may disrupt travel.
Hrossey’s departure from Aberdeen remains at 7pm as scheduled.
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