Coastguard helicopter called to collect hypothermic casualty from Unst

The coastguard helicopter has been called to collect a hypothermic patient from Unst.

Woman thought she would die at hands of abusive partner 

A woman thought she was going to die when her partner strangled her during his “relentless” abuse, a court heard.

NorthLink back down to one passenger ferry

The NorthLink passenger service between Shetland and Aberdeen is back down to one vessel again – with the Hrossey now in dry dock for her annual maintenance.

The lifeline service was hampered in recent weeks after the Hjaltland failed to return on time from her period in dry dock.

The Hjaltland suffered a flooded pump room as she was being prepared to leave dry dock on 21st February. That is now a matter of an inquiry.

She only returned to service on Saturday, although her sailing north from Aberdeen was delayed by several hours.

With the Hjaltland back doing her normal sailings, the Hrossey has been able to go to dry dock today (Tuesday) as part of her annual maintenance.

Both ferries are scheduled be sailing to full service on Monday 24th March.

The Hjaltland sails from Aberdeen to Lerwick this evening.

Lifeboat heads to Dorset for refit

The Lerwick lifeboat has spent five days at sea – ahead of a major refit taking place in Poole, Dorset.

Conservation sessions planned

People are being given the opportunity to comment on proposals relating to three conservation areas – two in Lerwick and one in Scalloway.

The Lerwick Lanes conservation area was designated in 1975, recognising its waterfront setting, unusual town plan and notable buildings. 

A nearby New Town Conservation Area – designated in 1986 – lies west of Lerwick Town Centre, and includes the mainly residential areas of King Harald Street, St Olaf Street and Burgh Road.  

Scalloway Conservation Area was designated in 1982 in recognition of its harbour setting and buildings worthy of preservation.  

Shetland Islands Council carried out appraisals of the three conservation areas in 2010.

Now, a review has been undertaken to ensure that these three appraisals reflect any changes.

While the appraisals have found relatively little change in the character and appearance of the conservation areas, the SIC says there has been a noticeable deterioration in the overall maintenance and repair to buildings in all three areas.

It has also highlighted a notable increase the use of “inappropriate” modern details and materials, such as replacement windows and doors. 

No boundary changes are being proposed. But the SIC proposals are being made to review permitted development rights to reflect legislation and policy. 

Permitted development rights include certain building works that might not need planning permission, such as minor extensions, or the construction of fences or walls. 

There are also proposals to give consideration to the introduction of areas of special advertising control to ensure that advertisements are in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.

In addition, it is proposed to create guidance on a range of relevant topics, such as the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings, shopfront and advertisement design and the use of paint or limewash finishes.

The month-long public consultation period launches today.  

The appraisals and further information can be viewed on the council website at  www.shetland.gov.uk/planning-building/conservation-area-reviews

There will be public drop-in sessions with details of proposals at:

• Islesburgh Community Centre on Monday 24th March.

• Scalloway Youth Centre on Monday 31st March.

SIC back 50mph speed limit in Levenwick

Councillors believed reducing the speed limit on the A970 in Levenwick would “help” despite rejections from Dunrossness Community Council.

POLL: Do you agree with any of Stuart Hill’s arguments? 

Sovereignty campaigner Stuart Hill claims his efforts have been bolstered by an SIC data breach.

Tribute to former councillor Florence Grains

Tribute has been paid to former longstanding West Side councillor Florence Grains, who has died aged 92.

SIC convener said: “Florence was a hard-working councillor for her constituents and had a huge interest in education and social care.

“She was highly respected and just a totally excellent councillor, as well as a really, really nice and caring person.

“She was the first female vice convener and she also served on the health board for a considerable number of years.”

Mrs Grains was first elected in 1978 for Tingwall Whiteness and Weisdale ward, beating Alexander Arthur and John G. Rae to the seat. She lost the seat to Cecil R. H. Eunson in the 1982 election.

For the 1986 election she stood for the Sandsting and Aithsting seat as an independent and won, beating Harold Leask, also independent.

For the following four elections, 1990, 1994, 1999 and 2003, she was unopposed. When in 2007, the boundaries of constituencies in Shetland were completely redefined, Aithsting and Sandsting was incorporated into Shetland West, a three-member ward. Mrs Grains was elected together with Frank Robertson and Gary Robinson.

She was a councillor for a total of 30 years and served on many committees and organisations. She had been chairwoman of the SIC’s planning committee, as well as the audit and standards committee.

She had also been president of the Althing Society and served on the Shetland Health Board. She was a committee member of the Shetland Family History Society.