POLL: Has crime increased in Lerwick?
Retailers have reported an increase in shoplifting in Lerwick – with some blaming it on cruise ship passengers.
Retailers have reported an increase in shoplifting in Lerwick – with some blaming it on cruise ship passengers.
The Shetland Times petition to channel more funds from the proceeds of crime will be considered in less than three weeks time. Holyrood issued an…
Your industry needs you! Calling all Shetland fishing crews, fishing families and fishing communities. Head along if you can to the Town Hall in Lerwick…
In today’s (Friday, 20th September) edition of The Shetland Times: • Investigation launched into teenager’s death • EXCLUSIVE: Businesses forced to increase security • EXCLUSIVE: Whalsay…
A bereaved mother has launched an appeal for accommodation after her 16-year-old son died on Saturday.
READ FULL STORYScottish Ballet has announced the award-winning feature film Starstruck will hit screens in the Mareel next month.
The company’s revival of Gene Kelly’s Pas de Dieux, will return to cinemas from 17th to 25th October in cinemas in Belfast, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Orkney, Shetland, Stirling and Stornoway, with tickets on sale now.
Set to Gershwin’s Concerto in F, with extracts from Chopin, Starstruck was awarded Best Dance Film at the 2022 Critic’s Circle National Dance Awards.
The cinema screenings will also include a short ‘making of’ film featuring cast and crew interview, following the credits.
A transport official has claimed NorthLink fares were “not astronomical” – and downplayed suggestions they could be reduced for islanders.
READ FULL STORYCrofters and farmers are being invited to attend meetings to learn more about how they can meet the Scottish government’s new Whole Farm Plan requirements for 2025.
As part of the project, SAC Lerwick will deliver a meeting in Shetland on Tuesday 24th September at 6pm, at the UHI Scalloway Fisheries College Auditorium.
The future of agricultural support is changing for businesses of all sizes.
From 2025, the government’s new Whole Farm Plan will be gradually phased in for all businesses who submit a Single Application Form, replacing the current Common Agricultural Policy.
While crofters and farmers in Shetland will still be eligible for the same schemes as they were last year, they will have to undertake at least two baseline plans, or audits, by 15th May next year.
These new measures were outlined in a letter sent out to all businesses in July by the Rural Payments and Services Division.
The Whole Farm Plan is made up of five plans and audits in total:
Businesses are free to choose which two of the plans and audits to complete for their 2025 SAF and may already have some of them in place through their usual business practice.
However, they will be required to progressively phase in all the parts of the plan that are relevant to their business by 2028.
Osla Jamwal Fraser of SAC Lerwick said: “The aim of these meetings is to support crofters and farmers in this period of change, helping them to get ready for the phased introduction of the government’s new support scheme.
“The event will provide information to give people a fuller understanding of what is required for each of the five elements, which parts they may already have in place and how and where to access support with the parts they don’t.
“We’ll provide plenty of time for folk to ask questions and get to grips with it all. We have been out and about at the shows over the summer months and we are very much aware that for many this all seems pretty overwhelming at first glance. We really hope folk will come along and get a clearer idea of what they are being asked to do and come away in a more positive frame of mind knowing how to tackle it for their own business scenario.”
The meeting will be held at the UHI Scalloway Fisheries College at 6 pm on the 24th September.
A visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
A visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
FIND OUT MOREOur bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
Our bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
FIND OUT MOREThe call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
The call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
FIND OUT MOREFirst published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
First published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
FIND OUT MOREAlec 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREA 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREPAPERBACK 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. …
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. …
FIND OUT MORELerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
Lerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
FIND OUT MOREThe 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREGrottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
Grottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREIn 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, …
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, …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
Following on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
FIND OUT MOREA 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 …
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 …
FIND OUT MOREJames Pottinger’s travels from his birthplace in a croft house in pre-war Burra have taken him full circle and he is “home” again, after a career in engineering, the merchant …
James Pottinger’s travels from his birthplace in a croft house in pre-war Burra have taken him full circle and he is “home” again, after a career in engineering, the merchant …
FIND OUT MOREShetland is the “perfect location” for new hybrid-electric planes, Loganair’s chief executive has said.
READ FULL STORYA Lerwick pianist has made the longlist for a Scottish album of the year award.
READ FULL STORYWhalsay’s ferry service was down to a single vessel due to the breakdown of the Hendra.
The 42-year old vessel, which is the oldest of the current ferry fleet, was taken out of service due to an “overheating engine”.
Bookings had been suspended and commuters were advised to use the booked queue until further notice.
This comes after the SIC announced yesterday evening the Yell Sound service is also running to a single vessel due to “sickness and no certified cover”.
The Yell Sound service will have a single vessel today, tomorrow and Friday.
SIC confirmed the Hendra will return to service at 12 noon.
Two new flights to Belfast and Manchester will be available from Sumburgh Airport next summer.
READ FULL STORYFull-Time Post We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced General Manager to lead our operations in the Shetland Islands. Our company is a well-established…
We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland. Jobs on offer this week include… • Port Safety Officer – Sella…
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Training provided. Pay negotiable, depending on experience We are looking for an enthusiastic, trustworthy and motivated person to join our team at Freefield Pharmacy. You…
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Loganair has reported increased bookings as a result of performance improvements including a 45 per cent decrease on cancelled flights.
READ FULL STORYTransport bosses have shared the latest designs for the newly named “freighter flex” vessels.
READ FULL STORYEmergency services attended a house fire in Virkie last night (Monday).
READ FULL STORYWhiteness Primary School received a ‘very good’ evaluation in every section of its inspection report.
READ FULL STORYA “safe access zone” will be created at the Gilbert Bain in Lerwick to prevent abortion protests from taking place.
The move follows the passing in the Scottish Parliament of the Safe Access Zones Scotland Act, which was introduced by Green MSP Gillian Mackay.
The act will create a 200-metre-wide safe access, or buffer zone, around abortion service providers to prevent intimidating protests from taking place from 24th September.
Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing Safe Access Zones. Anyone breaking safe access zone laws could be fined up to £10,000.
Among the 118 MSPs who supported the act is Highlands and Islands Green MSP, Ariane Burgess.
“This is a milestone for healthcare and reproductive rights in Shetland,” she said.
“Nobody should have to pass protesters with graphic banners and sometimes even megaphones trying to stop them from accessing the healthcare they are entitled to, but that is what people have had to endure.
“The protesters know exactly what they are doing, and the distress and hurt that they are causing for patients and medical staff at hospitals. Now, at last, we are only weeks away from stopping them for good.
“I am grateful to my colleague Gillian Mackay MSP for all of her work in introducing this act, as well as campaigners across the Highlands and Islands and everyone who contributed to the consultation and shared what I know were very difficult experiences.
“I hope that nobody else will have to go through what they have.”
The youngster responsible for leading next year’s Junior Up-Helly-A’ has been named.
Fin Hatrick has today [Friday] been confirmed as the Junior Guizer Jarl for the 2025 festival.
An Unst woman was surprised to see a bagpiper serenade a string of Shetland ponies.
Janice Priest was on her way to a self-catering accommodation she looks after when she encountered the impromptu concert.
The Swiss Jacques Ioset had found a quiet place to play his pipes when he noticed a peerie crowd gather around him on the side of the road.
This picture of a European bee-eater was captured today (Saturday) by Magnie Scott on Papa Stour.
He told The Shetland Times: “He was so colourful he stood out!”
The photo was post on the Shetland Birds and Wildelife Facebook page and local wildlife expert Hugh Harrop confirmed it was a European bee-eater, commenting: “Brilliant.”
At midnight on Saturday the Relay for Life Shetland committee announced the total raised
so far this year – unveiling an amazing £174,868.
And with fundraising to continue till the end of August, they expect to smash through the £200k mark.
A typical Shetland day saw the relay get underway at its new start time of midday.
Over 125 survivors took part in the opening lap before peeling off for their reception at the
Anderson High School.
They led off the 32 teams, made up of over 600 participants, that had registered to take part this year.
Kerry Llewellyn, chairwoman of Relay for Life Shetland, said “It has been an amazing event this
year, and the support from the community and local business has been overwhelmingly
positive”
“I want to thank all the volunteers who help us on Friday and Sunday putting the site
together, who bake and help in the tea and BBQ tents and the musicians who keep us
entertained through the day and night.
“I also want to thank all the business that donated raffle prizes our main sponsor Cooke Aquaculture, Ocean Kinetics Ltd, LHD Ltd, Lerwick Port Authority, Scottish Seafarms Ltd and Serene LK297 for supporting the event, EMN Plant Ltd for sponsoring the Survivors’ Reception and Malakoff Ltd for their support of the Candle of Hope ceremony.”
Susan Johnstone – senior divisional manager at CRUK said “It’s been an incredible day at
Relay for Life Shetland.
“The committee, teams and the local community out in force raising money for Cancer Research UK is hugely appreciated by everyone at Cancer Research UK. Together we are beating cancer.”
Hundreds have turned out for the beginning of this year Relay of Life, raising funds for CRUK.
It is the first time the Relay got underway in daylight – having previously begun at midnight – beginning just after noon with the ‘survivors’ lap’.
Kerry Llewellyn, chairwoman of the Relay for Life, was really excited at the beginning, saying it was an important event that brings together all of Shetland for a cause close to many people.
Around 125 survivors began the relay, with the support of families and huge crowds.
They were then joined by participants from 31 teams taking part, with around 610 participants.
However, it was plain to see many more wanted to join in – so the actual number will well exceed that.
Kerry said: “Relay For Life celebrates the power of community fundraising to make breakthroughs happen.
“Teams of friends and family fundraise for world-leading cancer research then unite as a collective at a festival to remember loved ones, honour everyone affected by cancer and celebrate the progress we’re making.”
The ‘survivors’ lap’ was led by Natasha Fraser and Alison Leith, both from Lerwick.
Natasha is in recovery from breast cancer, having undergone treatment over the last two years, while Alison is currently in recovery for breast cancer.
They both said they were “honoured” to be opening the event and leading the other participants.
A fun day is now underway with games, stalls, bouncy castles, tea tent and the Relay BBQ.
There will be musical accompaniment throughout the day with great sets from some of Shetland’s
greatest bands including the Plonkeys, Just Another Cake Fridge and the Revellers.
The Candle of Hope will take place at 10pm, with the event finishing at midnight.
A flotilla of naval ships which have been operating for NATO have arrived in Shetland for some “rest and recuperation” for their crews.
The ships, four from the Royal Netherlands Navy and one registered under the Belgium flag, arrived on Friday morning. They are expected to remain over the weekend.
The Mercuur, Zierikzee, Wiilemstad and Makkum are all Royal Netherlands Navy ships. They have differing roles, described as submarine support, military ops or minesweeper.
The Bellis is a “military ops” ships sailing under the flag of Belgium.
They have all been described as working for NATO.
Lerwick Port Authority said they were visiting for “R&R”, and were due to leave again on Monday.
The 42nd Shetland Folk Festival has got under way in great fashion today.
Musicians gathered for the launch event this afternoon (Thursday), with an array of concerts planned over the coming days.
Norwegian ban Gangar added a bit of folk, rock and metal at the opening, and were joined by The Fretless with Madeleine Roger and the Tenement Jazz Band, tipped to be one of the star acts of the event.
There are 15 visiting acts joining local performers in entertaining the crowds all over Shetland.
Concerts tonight take place in Lerwick – Da Big Kirk Concert, the Legion and Mareel – and at Hamnavoe and Vidlin.
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