UPDATE: Walls bus slides off road near Tumblin

The Walls bus slid off the road this morning (Wednesday) amid snowy conditions.

The Number nine bus had been spotted off the road near Tumblin just before 8am.

Shetland Islands Council said there were no passengers on the bus at the time and the driver was uninjured.

The bus has since been recovered from the side of the road and a replacement bus is now operating on the route.

Community council backs blanket 20mph speed limit

A blanket 20mph speed limit could be imposed across Lerwick if elected officials accept the views of the town’s community council.

Lerwick Community Council agreed last night (Monday) to back proposals of introducing further speed limits in the town.

However, if implemented, all members agreed to ask for the SIC to consider setting almost every road at the same limit.

Consensus in the meeting felt that safety was paramount and anything that could help keep people from harm should be put in place.

Co-opted member Diana Winfield said people generally think of the roads being used by cars.

“But there is more than that, use them,” Ms Winfield said.

Road crash at Brig o’ Fitch

A road accident took place outside Lerwick this afternoon.

The incident, involving a car and a lorry, happened at the Brig o’ Fitch.

The road remained passable, but with long queues.

Yellow warning for ice issued

The MET Office has issued a fresh warning for ice, as the winter blast continues to grip the isles.

The yellow warning is valid from 4pm today until 10am tomorrow.

It follows heavy snow falls and sub-zero temperatures.

POLL: Will Shetland have a tunnel by 2030?

Fixed links could be a reality in the isles this decade, the council’s political leader has said.

Emma Macdonald made the bold claim after the Scottish government committed to giving £10 million to the SIC for improving inter-island transport, during its budget at the end of last year.

Although Mrs Macdonald was reserved at the time, she now believes commuters could be “driving through a tunnel in Shetland during this decade, with more in construction.”

The SIC has been exploring the possibility of fixed links to serve Unst, Yell, Whalsay, Bressay and Fetlar through the Inter-Island Transport Connectivity project, which also considers ferries.

Campaigners have been vocal about the need for tunnels to maintain and improve the population of the outer isles and for smoother business operations.

And they were pleased to see Mrs Macdonald’s enthusiasm for the project.

What do you think? Will the first fixed links be built this decade?

Super Survey

Royal Mail suspends postal service outside of Lerwick

Royal Mail has suspended deliveries to rural areas due to snow and ice.

The decision has left homes outside Lerwick without mail deliveries, and country shops are also without the latest edition of The Shetland Times. The paper is normally delivered to rural shops by Royal Mail.

Deliveries are expected to resume tomorrow, weather pemitting. However, a new yellow weather warning has been issued from 4pm today until 10am tomorrow.

The Shetland Times remains available in Lerwick shops. Shetland Times staff made deliveries in the town this morning.

Anyone in Lerwick with a subscription for The Shetland Times will receive their delivery today, but anyone outside Lerwick will unfortunately not.

A free calendar is included in The Shetland Times.

Royal Mail said it thanked customers for patience and understanding during this disruption to its service.

“Once the weather clears, we will ensure deliveries recommence when and where it is safe to do,” it said.

In this week’s Shetland Times

In today’s (Friday, 3rd January) edition of The Shetland Times:

• First tunnel could be built this decade, says councillor.
• New Year’s Honours List features five.
• EXCLUSIVE: Massive hike in coastguard calls to outer isles revealed.
• Tributes paid to well-respected marine scientist.
• Second part of Review of the Year.
• INSIDE: The Shetland Times 2025 calendar.

Mirrie Dancers create epic New Year display

The Mirrie Dancers have been out in full force this evening (Wednesday) – creating a breath-taking start to 2025.

Folk across the isles have been sharing epic images of the display with colours ranging from green to pink, purple and red.

Among those to capture it was Vicky Tylsar who photographed the dazzling sky in Toab.

Did you see the Northern Lights? Send us your photos by emailing [email protected]

Happy New Year

Here’s wishing everyone all the very best for 2025.

New Year celebrations cancelled due to weather

Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled due to “worsening weather”.