The Shetland Times Live

Disruption to be caused to Whalsay and Bressay ferry service

May 7, 2025 | 4.14pm

A number of sailing cancellations and terminal changes have been announced as linkspan maintenance is set to get under way in Bressay and Whalsay.

Four sailings will no longer go ahead in Bressay on Sunday. These include the 4.30pm Lerwick to Bressay sailing, 5pm from Bressay to Lerwick, 5.15pm from Lerwick to Bressay and the 5.45pm Bressay to Lerwick sailing.

Normal service is expected to resume at 6pm for the Lerwick to Bressay sailing.

Essential maintenance will also be carried out to the Laxo linkspan on Wednesday 14th May.

As a result, a number of Whalsay’s sailings have been diverted to the Vidlin terminal. These sailings are now as follows: 5.45pm Symbister to Vidlin, 6.30pm Vidlin to Symbister, 7pm Symbister to Vidlin and 8.30pm Vidlin to Symbister.

The service is expected to return to normal at 9.15pm from Symbister.

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Man jailed after targeted abuse, break-ins and theft

May 7, 2025 | 3.08pm

A 44-year-old man has been locked up after carrying out a campaign of targeted abuse, break-ins and theft.

Stuart Campbell Duncan was handed a 31 month jail sentence after he admitted five charges at Lerwick Sheriff Court today (Wednesday).

Duncan, who appeared remotely from Grampian Prison, was also made subject to a 10 year non-harassment order.

The court heard Duncan broke into a property in Toab on 22nd November last year when a neighbour found him stealing electrical equipment including televisions and speakers.

He had also lined up car parts, a suitcase, frozen food and two candles to be taken.

In total he stole £600 worth of items, with a further £3,450 prepared to be taken at a later time.

The following month, Duncan broke his bail conditions by contacting the complainer whose house he had broken into.

Just an hour after he was released from custody on 18th December, Duncan called the complainer, who hung up, and then continued to send threatening messages over the festive period.

In January, Duncan also broke into a garage in Toab, which was owned by another person but used by the complainer.

A car key was stolen from the property – which cost £800 to replace, including the ignition.

A further £4,840 of damage was caused to the car.

A passerby found Duncan in the garage and, knowing the owner was away, contacted a neighbour for help.

Duncan gave the neighbour a false name and then became threatening, punched what remained of the broken glass window, which he had already broken to gain entry.

The court heard how the neighbour was hit in the face with debris, for which he required medical attention.

Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald described Duncan’s criminal record as “not particularly nice” and said he clearly had trouble with alcohol.

She said it was also obvious Duncan had a problem with the complainer.

Defence agent Tommy Allan told the court his client had no connection to Shetland and little desire to return.

Duncan was “sorry” for what he had done, Mr Allan said.

The solicitor said his client had been dealing with addiction and his spell in prison had “saved his life”.

He accepted he would have to pay a “serious price” for his crimes.

Sheriff MacDonald told Duncan he would serve consecutive terms of 18 months and 13 months in prison. In addition she issued a 10-year non-harassment order.

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“Liberation convoy” arrives in Lerwick

May 6, 2025 | 4.52pm

A flotilla of restored historical vessels arrived in Lerwick this afternoon (Tuesday) – to commemorate VE Day, and the famous “Shetland Bus” refugee operation.

Four fishing boats and a submarine chaser which rescued allies from Nazi-occupied Norway were joined by Norway’s floating War Sailor Museum for the voyage, which started on Monday morning.

It was a good crossing according to Jonas Hansen, skipper and owner of the fishing vessel Erkna, despite rougher weather and near five-metre waves earlier in the trip.

“More than 60 Norwegians were down under deck during one of the rescue trips,” he said, pointing at Erkna, the oldest fishing boat in the convoy.

“She’s five years older than the Titanic,” he added. “That’s a lot of history.”

The 60-metre cargo ship Hestmanden arrived first this afternoon, flanked by pilot boats, the Lerwick Lifeboat and Ruby May dive support. Erkna was next in, followed by Heland, Arndholmen and Arnefjord.

The vessels will be open to the public much of tomorrow (Wednesday), before celebrating VE day on Thursday and heading south later in the week.

The convoy has been arranged by an informal group of museums, organisations, volunteers, professionals and enthusiasts of Norway’s maritime wartime history, with the support of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Norwegian Navy, both country’s respective embassies and the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce.

For Sten Brath, a commander in the Norwegian Navy, remembering Europe’s darkest days has perhaps never been more important.

“Thoughts about freedom are much stronger now because of the situation in Europe,” he told The Shetland Times on a planning visit to Lerwick earlier this year.

“It’s important to show the vessels to young people particularly so they can learn about freedom, and what it costs.”

• Read the full story in this week’s Shetland Times, out Friday, May 9th.

Antenna upgrade is a potential ‘solution’ to Lerwick’s 4G problems

May 6, 2025 | 12.46pm

An upgrade of the antenna at Lerwick police station is hoped to improve mobile phone signal in the town.

Lerwick Community Council (LCC) agreed on Monday to ask contractors to clarify whether the work would benefit residents in the area.

Communication company WHP Telecom and digital infrastructure contractor Cornerstone wrote to LCC last month to make members aware of the upgrade proposals.

Cornerstone said: “There is a specific requirement for a radio base station upgrade at this location to provide mobile coverage and capacity in and around this area of Lerwick whilst also providing the latest 4G technology and new service provision to the local area for Telefonica UK Limited customers.”

It said this would ensure “high quality indoor service provision”.

The letter also highlighted the companies’ intention to consult with the community over its proposals.

Councillor Jonathan Duncan asked if the upgrade would solve the problem of  poor mobile connectivity, which has been a concern in the town for some time.

Chairman Jim Anderson said there was “no mention” of how the works would improve the situation for islanders.

However, as the work was on behalf of Telefonica UK Limited, which is owned by providers Virgin Media and O2, councillor Gary Robinson suggested it would likely improve signal for those companies’ customers.

Councillor Karen Fraser suggested asking the companies for more information about what the upgrades would entail for residents.

Members also agreed to seek confirmation as to whether the works would be for general connectivity or for emergency use.

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Folk festival comes to an end

May 5, 2025 | 4.03pm

The 2025 Shetland Folk Festival is now over, with visiting acts making their way back to the Scottish mainland after a busy four-day event.

It was all brought to an end in the early hours this morning (Monday) as acts, organisers and invited guests were welcomed to Islesburgh Community Centre for Da final fling.

After the bar closed at 2am, guests remained in the building to be entertained by the musicians who performed until the sun came up.

Reports and pictures from events across the isles will be available in Friday’s edition of The Shetland Times.

How did you enjoy the Shetland Folk Festival? Did you capture any pictures that you would like to share? Send pictures to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk.

Half marathon challenge in memory of much-loved dad

May 4, 2025 | 8.13pm

Members of a Gulberwick family will this month run the Edinburgh half marathon in memory of a loved one who died from a “catastrophic” brain haemorrhage.

Kris Fraser died unexpectedly last September after taking seriously ill at work on board the North Sea rig where he worked.

The drilling and completion supervisor with Total E&P UK Ltd was immediately flown by medivac to Norway, but died a few days later with his loved ones by his bedside in a Bergen hospital.

His family, friends and work colleagues were devastated by the tragedy.

But now, his family want to turn their heartbreak into something positive.

They are running the Edinburgh half-marathon on 25th May for the charity Brain Tumour Research on what would have been Kris’s 52nd birthday.

Kris’s widow Louise, sons Kieran and Leighton and daughter Eve are all taking part in the challenge.

Kieran said: “Dad always wanted to help his family and friends whenever they needed, and so through this we hope he can do that one more time.”

Louise had an operation on a brain tumour in 2012 and further treatment in 2022.

In 2013 she ran in the Nike Run to the Beat half marathon in London with her sisters Clare Inkster and Katherine Nisbet, raising over £10,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

The Edinburgh half marathon will be the culmination of local fundraising. It will follow Sunday teas on 18th May in the Gulberwick hall, where Kris was a committee member.

The teas, organised by Clare, will include what is described as a “possibly Shetland’s biggest jigsaw sale”.

A raffle will also be held, with a travel voucher for two return Loganair tickets the star prize.

An online auction will also be held from 22nd to 25th May. It is being run by Kieran’s fiancée, Lori Bulter.

Among the donations are a return NorthLink trip for two.

The family would like to thank the many individuals and organisations for their support and contributions to their fundraising efforts.

Donations can be made through a Just Giving page.

Kris fraser, who died last September.

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Motorist accused of multiple traffic offences near tourist centre

May 4, 2025 | 5.02pm

A motorist has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal after he was stopped by police in Market Cross, Lerwick on Saturday morning near the old Tourist Information centre.

The man is alleged to have committed multiple road traffic offences, including driving without a licence, having no insurance or valid MoT.

He is also alleged to have fraudulently altered a vehicle registration mark.

His vehicle was seized by officers under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Area commander Chris Sewell said: “Keeping Shetland’s roads safe is a priority for me as Area Commander. Driving without a licence, insurance or a valid MoT is unacceptable and puts other road users at risk. I am committed to taking robust enforcement action against those who show such disregard for the law.”

Isles visit from Liberation Convoy draws near

May 4, 2025 | 4.14pm

Events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day are drawing near.

A flotilla of historic vessels are due to visit the isles this week, ahead of VE Day on Thursday.

The convoy is expected to arrive in Lerwick on Tuesday, and will be made open to the public on Wednesday.

The largest in the convoy is the 60-metre cargo ship S/S Hestmanden known as the “Norwegian War Sailor Museum”.  

On Wednesday evening crews from the vessels, veterans and guests will form a procession led by Lerwick Pipe Band.

They will walk from Lerwick harbour to the town hall, via Harbour Street and Fort Charlotte. 

Council convener Andrea Manson will then host an evening civic reception for invited guests. 

On Thursday, VE Day will be marked with public commemorative events in Lerwick and Scalloway. 

The Lord Lieutenant and convener will lead the laying of wreaths, with national anthems played by Lerwick Brass Band and musicians from the Norwegian Naval Band.

A memorial service in Lerwick will take place on Thursday morning at the County War Memorial.  In Scalloway, a memorial service will also take place in the afternoon at the Shetland Bus Memorial.

On Thursday evening musicians from the Norwegian Naval Band will perform at a concert in St Columba’s Kirk in Lerwick. 

Visiting vessels are expected to leave Lerwick harbour from Saturday, with some returning to Norway.

Others will make their way to other Shetland ports, including Scalloway and Baltasound. 

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Sound Service issues warning after shoplifting

May 3, 2025 | 6.48pm

A Lerwick filling station has warned shoplifting is becoming an “all too common occurrence”.

Sound Service Station says young girls helped themselves to toys and sweets, and even ate the sweets in the premises.

It said the two girls, “who looked no older than 10 years-old,” took the items to the back of the shop, before opening the sweets using scissors from the stationery area and eating them.

They are then said to have left, stealing the toys as they went.

Sound Service said it was “really sad” to share the news.

It posted online: “Can mums and dads please be aware that if your child comes home with lots of ‘Munchems’ toys, Pez and Minecraft toys, please get in touch.

“Please all have a word with your children about shoplifting as this is far too common an occurrence.

“When we find out who they are we will be in touch.”

Armagh man fined and disqualified from driving

May 2, 2025 | 4.42pm

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.

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WATCH: First night of folk festival highlights

May 2, 2025 | 12.31pm

The Shetland Folk Festival has kicked off in fine style, with a host of musicians from far and wide taking to the stage in a variety of different venues.

Now in its 43rd year, the longstanding musical highlight features 32 local artists as well as 15 visiting acts.

First on stage in the Tingwall hall last night was Treemandos, a new collaboration of five seasoned isles musicians.

At the heart of this talented group is one of Shetland’s finest mandolin players, Jenny Henry, who joined forces with Kenny Johnson, Grant Nicol and John Clark – both of Haltadans – and Hom Bru stalwart Gary Peterson.

Next was the first of the visiting artists. Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe and Daniel Quayle brought dramatic and captivating energy to the folk music scene.

Their catchy blend of Isle of Man musical heritage and synth pop went down well with the sell-out crowd. Their performances offer a fusion of traditional Manx, Irish, Scottish and even Estonian influences.

Then it was the turn of Michael Daves and Jacob Jolliff – two of America’s premier bluegrass talents, who joined forces to create an electrifying musical duo.

Bringing the night to a close was Julie Alapnes of Norway, who was returning to the isles 16 years since her first visit. Since then she has released three albums, and developed a style which masterfully weaves the tapestry of traditional Norwegian folk music with a rich and diverse musical palette.

Meanwhile, local fiddler Bryan Gear opened the evening in Mareel with a lively trio of Shetland reels, followed by some moodier tunes from Orkney.

Accompanied by piano and guitar, Gear crossed the Atlantic for a brief country and western cover before wrapping up with some French reels, which he can’t pronounce the names of, so didn’t try.

The next act was from the US – specifically California, via Golddendale, Washington.

Margo Cilker, who has been hailed as a new star of country rock, said Golddendale was “a very windy place with lots of sheep. Does that sound familiar?”

Cilker was performing alongside guitarist Forrest Van Tuyl. With a double bass and songs about cattle wandering up highways, the sound was warm, winning and went down well.

Local favourites Kansa played third, before Richard Wood closed the night, stomping and writhing in ripped skinny jeans.

By the time he wrapped up, it was not clear where Wood’s lank hair ended and the snapped threads of his bow began. It was as close as folk fiddling gets to rock and roll.

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In this week’s Shetland Times

May 2, 2025 | 7.00am

In today’s (Friday, 2nd May) edition of The Shetland Times:

• Lyall and Macdonald on Lib Dem shortlist for Holyrood.

• Latest on zonal energy pricing.

• FEATURE: drug dogs in training.

• £10 million for hospital refurbishments, and new hospital still on track, says Robinson.

• Time for Shetland to seize autonomy?

• FEATURE: gardening and DIY section.

• SPORT: new netball development manager appointed.

Cycling for the Samaritans Scotland fundraiser launched

April 30, 2025 | 3.53pm

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.


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