Family ‘deeply grateful’ after community rallied to help rebuild lives following devastating house fire

A family who lost everything in a devastating house fire have spoken of their immense gratitude after the community rallied to rebuild their lives.

Man jailed after targeted abuse, break-ins and theft

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.

Viking longship returns to the water to welcome Liberation Convoy

A famous longship will be returning to the water this afternoon after a major refurbishment – just in time to welcome a flotilla of historic vessels in the Liberation Convoy.

In this week’s Shetland Times

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

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.

Octopus says ‘demand is high’ at RTS drop-in sessions – and urges customers to get in touch while there is still time

Energy company representatives are hosting drop-ins for Shetland customers needing help with the looming deadline for meter changes.