Drivers’ feedback will steer direction of travel for electric buses

“The proof will be in the pudding” when it comes to making a decision on the future of electric buses.

That was the opinion of the SIC senior climate change officer Steven MacLean, who was discussing the a trial of the buses, with The Shetland Times today (Monday).

Mr MacLean said it would be important to get feedback from drivers as well as collecting data.

Councillors and media representatives had been invited on board the Sigma 8 electric bus, which is currently undergoing trials, to find out first-hand what the green vehicles were like.

Speaking to The Shetland Times after a trip to Scalloway, Mr MacLean said no decision had been made on the future of electrifying public transport in the isles but there was already lots of information to sift through.

Mr MacLean said the trial sought to collect data about the efficiency, range and challenging geographical conditions posed in Shetland.

“If we just wanted metrics, we could almost have taken the spec sheets and said ‘well, let’s account for Shetland weather and reduce that by a percentage’ but you need that qualitative data to go along with it,” he said.

He said the view of the bus drivers would be most important as they are the experts on how the service is delivered.

For a full report on the electric buses, pick up a copy of the next edition of The Shetland Times on Friday.

You can also get a copy of the paper sent directly to your online device by clicking HERE.

Gilbert Bain extends visitor restrictions

NHS Shetland has extended visitor limits to the Gilbert Bain hospital amid a continued surge in respiratory illness.

Only “essential visits” will be allowed, the health board said in a statement this afternoon.

“Although this is a temporary measure,” the statement continues, “we anticipate the restrictions will be in place for at least the next few days.”

The hospital first began limiting visits this time last week, then issued an update continuing the restrictions on Thursday.

None of the three statements set an explicit deadline for when the limitations would be lifted.

NHS Shetland has asked that anyone hoping to visit loved ones at the hospital first call 01595 743000.

Photographer takes advantage of clear skies to capture partial solar eclipse

The partial solar eclipse was visible from Shetland today (Saturday) – as this stunning image clearly shows.

Council staff and Scottish Water workers set for more strikes over pay

Public sector workers are poised for strike action in a dispute over pay.

POLL: Should the minimum age for community council membership be lowered to 12?

This week, plans to lower the minimum age for community council membership from 16 to 12 were discussed.

A review of Shetland’s community council scheme was approved at the SIC’s meeting on Tuesday, while a debate was held over allowing 12-year-olds to join community councils and whether this would require other members to have PVG checks.

Weather to cause delays to NorthLink sailings 

NorthLink has warned there will be delays and potential disruption to tomorrow’s (Friday) sailings due to the weather.

Hrossey was scheduled to depart Aberdeen at 7pm sailing for Lerwick. However, due to tidal conditions, this sailing will take place at a later time of 8.30pm.

Hjaltland was scheduled to depart Lerwick at 5.30pm sailing for Kirkwall and Aberdeen. This sailing will instead commence at 4.30pm as a result of “adverse weather”.

Freight vessel services could also be affected.  Helliar is scheduled to depart Lerwick sailing for Aberdeen at 6pm, but this sailing is currently under review – with the departure time potentially being delayed until 9pm with an update expected tomorrow.

Hildasay is scheduled to depart Aberdeen sailing for Kirkwall and Lerwick at 3pm tomorrow, but NorthLink said this sailing may also be subject to “minor delays”.

UPDATE: Council meeting resumes after webcast crashes

The live webcast of today’s SIC meeting has crashed just as members were about to debate whether to decide remuneration matters.

Halls of residence set for ‘hotel’ classification in bid host summer visitors and raise council cash

The Anderson High School halls of residence could be reclassified under “hotels and hostels” in a bid to open it up for guests during the summer holidays.

Helicopter scrambled for casualty

The coastguard helicopter has been scrambled this afternoon after an injury onboard a vessel.

Rescue 900 was called summoned following the incident, which happened 60 nautical miles east-north-east of Saxa Vord.

The call was made at around 4.30pm today [Monday], and the casualty is being transferred to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick for treatment.

Hospital accepts ‘essential visitors only’ amid surge in respiratory illnesses 

Visitor restrictions have been introduced at the Gilbert Bain Hospital to keep staff and patients safe amid a surge in respiratory illnesses in the community.