Free inter-island ferry travel for young people is hoped to tackle child poverty
Young people will be able able to travel for free on the inter-island ferries from next month.
The Shetland Times Live
Connor wins Shetland’s first national boccia medal
A boccia player has won Shetland’s first ever medal in the sport at national level.
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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.
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In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday, 28th March) edition of The Shetland Times
• EXCLUSIVE: Health fears raised over hundreds of damp and mould complaints
• Councillors hope to attract candidates with substantial pay rise
• EXCLUSIVE: Sisters recall “fun” and “free” childhood in Vaila and Fair Isle
• EXCLUSIVE: Calls for LGBT youth policy review are made
• BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: New college courses aims to train next generation of skilled workers
• SPORT: Whitedale’s Inter Parish Cup victory
• SPORT: All the action from the badminton inter-county
Click here to get The Shetland Times delivered to your device every Friday morning.
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”.
LATEST BOOKS FROM THE SHETLAND TIMES BOOKSHOP
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A Shetland Boyhood: Memories of a Manse 1911-1922
Retired minister John B. Logan recalls his boyhood in Shetland where his father had the extensive Dunrossness parish between 1911 and 1922. A vivid portrayal in prose and poetry of …
£11.99FIND OUT MORERetired minister John B. Logan recalls his boyhood in Shetland where his father had the extensive Dunrossness parish between 1911 and 1922. A vivid portrayal in prose and poetry of …
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Lerwick-born author and respected local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, in his own inimitable style, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through the streets of the Conservation Areas of …
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To the End of the Days of Sail. The Mariners of Shetland
Laughton Johnston’s grandfather, like so many Shetland seamenof the 19th century, moved to Leith where his father’sgeneration was brought up. The Shetland family and seafaringconnections, however, proved strong and a …
£25.99FIND OUT MORELaughton Johnston’s grandfather, like so many Shetland seamenof the 19th century, moved to Leith where his father’sgeneration was brought up. The Shetland family and seafaringconnections, however, proved strong and a …
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History Maker
Essays in Honour of Brian SmithEdited by Mark Smith and Ian Tait In 1976, Brian Smith became Shetland’s first archivist. Since hisappointment, however, he has been much more than a …
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Alec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
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A Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
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A Shetland Pattern Book
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Best Days with Shetland's Birds - Paperback
PAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
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Shetland's Boats: Origin, evolution and use
The popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
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Kirstie's Witnesses
In the hungry 1840s, the town of Lerwick is struggling with massive social problems, and Kirstie Jamieson, widow, is trying to feed three children. Like the town she lives in, …
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Knitting By the Fireside and on the Hillside
A History of the Shetland Hand Knitting Industry 1600-1950 First published 1995. This facsimile edition first published 2021. This book traces the history of the Shetland hand knitting industry from …
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Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters Volume 2
Following the huge success of Volume One, the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers are back with 12 new designs. Patterns range from peerie projects to full size …
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The Shetland Bus
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Councillors vote to apply maximum remuneration rise in bid to encourage others to stand for election
Councillors will see their pay rise significantly as part of nationwide measures intended to encourage more people to stand for election.
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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.
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Waas man “delighted” after documentary wins national award
A documentary which showcases a heartwarming relationship between an otter and West Side man has won a prestigious national award.
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story won the Science and Natural World award at the Royal Television Society Awards at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Tuesday.
The film first aired on National Geographic on 15th November – following the life of a wild otter in need of help when it washes up on a jetty.
Billy Mail, his wife Susan, and their devoted sheepdog Jade find themselves with a unique new member of their family.
When Molly first arrives at the Mail residence, Billy and Susan take it upon themselves to care for the ill otter, providing Billy with a new sense of purpose.
The couple were presented with the award by comedian and actor Tom Allen who regularly appears on television in programmes such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Would I Lie To You and A League Of Their Own.
Mr Mail was left “surprised” but “delighted” over their win.
“Charlie [Hamilton James] set out to make a film that was a bit of a fairytale and now we’re living the fairytale and enjoying the journey,” he told The Shetland Times.
“I’ll aye joost be a crofters boy fae Waas though.”
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.
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Breast screening unit to return
Around 3,000 women between 50 and 70 will be offered breast screening when the mobile units return to Shetland on 7th April.
NHS Shetland says two mobile units will be based at the Clickimin Leisure Complex until 12th June.
The breast screening service visits Shetland every three years, and Shetland remains one of the highest screening uptakes in the country.
Attendance of eligible women increased in 2022 to 85.5 per cent of eligible women attending for screening, which the NHS has described as a tremendous response.
Mrs Sarah Philip, breast services manager for the north east of Scotland breast screening service said: “Women between the ages of 50 and 70 years who are registered with a GP practice will receive an invitation for screening.
“We encourage anyone with symptoms or changes to their breasts to see their GP.
“Shetland has an impressive record with breast screening uptake, and I would urge all eligible women in Shetland to continue to take advantage of this important screening programme as they have done in the past.
“A small percentage of women who require further assessment will subsequently be recalled to the centre in Aberdeen for review.
“It is really important that women continue to come for screening each time we visit Shetland so that we can ensure there have been no changes in the three years since we were last here.
“If any woman missed or failed to attend three years ago, it is still important to come along for screening this time.”
Invitation letters will be sent out approximately four weeks prior to the screening appointment date.
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.
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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.
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Peerie tipple key to happiness, says young-at-heart Charlotte
“A peerie dram before you go to bed” is key to a long and happy life.
So says Charlotte Jamieson, who is celebrating her birthday today at her home in Lerwick’s Haldane Burgess Crescent – surrounded by family and friends.
And who better to ask, after all? Charlotte was born at Norwick in Unst on 23rd March 1925. Today she was presented with a 100th birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark a very special occasion.
And with over 30 children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, there is certainly plenty for this young-at-heart lady to celebrate.
She was born in Norwick, Unst, where she stayed until the age of 15, when she moved to Scalloway and then Lerwick.
She had three children – Carol, Kenneth and Neil – with her first husband Sonny Lyall, who was a baker in Lerwick in the town.
Charlotte remarried after Sonny’s death in 1973, to David Jamieson.
She worked for over 25 years in the canteen at Bells Brae Primary School before retiring at the age of 65 in 1990.
Charlotte has lived in Haldane Burgess Crescent for over 50 years and now enjoys knitting, playing cards and spending time with family.
“I’ve had a busy, lovely life – I’m very happy,” she told The Shetland Times.
“I would do the same thing all over again.”
She highlighted hard work and a good diet as key to having a long and healthy life.
“I was brought up on reestit mutton, pork and salt fish,” she said. “It’s much different now than what it used to be. All us young ones, we worked on the croft with our parents. And when we came home from school, there was always a job for us to do.”
“A peerie dram every night before you go to bed – that’s what keeps you going,” she added.
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Delting Up-Helly-A’ brings a spark of joy
The climax to Delting Up-Helly-A’s celebrations was, literally, a slow-burner.
Increasing winds in the evening meant the galley Maren seemed to remain largely untouched by the flames, and her mast was still standing proud as she was finally cast adrift on the water.
A storm of glowing red sparks rained down from the torches as the procession made its way from the Brae hall to the Delting Boating Club.
But none of this was enough to deter the various squads, who were enjoying a fantastic spectacle.
Following the burning, the squads headed off to the five halls for an evening of entertainment.
Freight sailings face delays
NorthLink has warned conditions are likely to impact on its freight services.
The Hildasay is due to leave Aberdeen for Lerwick at 6pm tonight (Sat).
However, the ferry operator says her arrival may be subject to delays of up to two hours.
Meanwhile, the Helliar was due to leave Lerwick for Aberdeen at 6pm. But her departure has been held back until midnight. She is not estimated to arrive in Aberdeen until 4pm tomorrow.
POLL: Are councillors’ pay rises justified if it means more stand for election?
Councillors could be in line for hefty pay rises next week – with the leader’s remuneration recommended to top £50,000.
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Celebrations in full swing for Delting Up-Helly-A’
The last in this year’s programme of fire festivals is taking place today, with Delting Up-Helly-A’ proving to be a highlight of the day.
Guizer Jarl James Manson is leading the event, portraying Thorstein Vigra-Styrsson – the son of Killer Styr of Harum, who was portrayed by his dad Peter back in 1992.
The Jarl’s Squad mustered at the Northern Lights function room bright and early this morning at 7.30am, ahead of a toasting of the jarl and his squad.
They then marched to the galley shed, where they were pictured with the galley Maren.
The Jarl’s Squad are currently visiting the schools in the area, ahead of lunch at the Mossbank hall.
Light up tonight is at 7.30pm ahead of celebrations in five country halls – in Voe, Vidlin, Brae, Mossbank and at the Delting Boating Club.
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In this week’s Shetland Times
In today’s (Friday, 21st March) edition of The Shetland Times:
• Attackers who left victim scarred for life are jailed.
• EXCLUSIVE: Performer raises awareness of agonising condition.
• EXCLUSIVE: SIC initiative seeks to grow teaching workforce.
• Councillors set to vote on hefty pay rise.
• Fire festivals are held in the sunshine.
• SPORT: Women’s football team to make debut cup appearance.
New post office opens in Scalloway
A brand new Post Office has been unveiled in Scalloway this afternoon (Thursday).
Scalloway Meat Co. Ltd announced on its Facebook page it was getting the “final touches” done for its brand new post office.
The post office then opened for business at 2pm – officially marking the butchers as its new home.
Post Office area change manager David Duff, said: “We are delighted to have restored a permanent Post Office in Scalloway at a nearby location, which has allowed us to maintain vital services to the community.”
The branch previously operated from Scalloway’s pharmacy on Main Street which had been operated by a temporary postmaster.
However, after the lease expired, the Post Office announced it was closing its doors on Saturday 3rd March and moving along the road.
The Post Office stressed it was “keen to restore” the service as soon as possible.
Opening hours for the new post office are Tuesday to Friday: 9am-1pm and 2-5pm; Saturday: 12-5pm.
Folk festival secures £10,000 sponsorship
Shetland Stays is the new headline sponsor for the Shetland Folk Festival after giving the largest private donation worth £10,000.
The newly-launched accommodation management service is dedicated to enhancing the visitor
experience in the isles.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the festival.
Folk festival committee member Louise Jamieson welcomed the new partnership with open arms.
Ms Jamieson said it was “amazing” the company had given the largest ever private donation to the festival.
“This allows us to focus on delivering yet another fantastic year of music and culture for Shetland,” she said.
Director for Shetland Stays Emily Smith said the sponsorship comes in a move to boost the “exciting cultural events” in the isles and ensure they are well supported.
“The impact of events like the Shetland Folk Festival on the local economy and tourism sector cannot be
underestimated,” Ms Smith said.
She added that she was “thrilled” to back an event which “brings so much talent” to the isles as well as tourism.
Petition calls for ‘Japanese-style’ sleeping pods on new freighter-flex ferries
A petition has been launched calling for “Japanese-style” sleeping pods to be introduced on the new freighter-flex ferries.
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