New tourist centre owners ‘delighted’ after sale finally goes through

The new owners of the tourist centre have finally taken ownership of the building – more than a year after its closure was first announced.

In this week’s Shetland Times

In today’s (Friday, 4th April) edition of The Shetland Times:

• EXCLUSIVE: Strike action looms at SIC as mental health crisis bites.
• Operations cancelled as hospital emergency escalates.
• FEATURE: All the latest agricultural news in Landwise.
• Tindall family “humbled” by support after Cheyne Crescent fire.
• Knitting guild announced as Shetland Wool Week patrons.
• Clickimin pitch development begins as venue marks 40th year.
• Latest on the electric bus trials.
• SPORT: Highland Fuels Cup finalists decided.

Family ‘blown away’ by kindness after losing their home to devastating fire

A mother and daughter who lost their home following a fire have been “blown away” by the kindness of the community.

Family ‘humbled’ after community raises over £13k following devastating house fire 

A heartbroken family who lost their home and beloved pets in a devastating fire have been “humbled” by the community’s generosity after more than £13,000 was raised in just a few hours.

Police investigate reports of naked man at Clickimin

Police officers are investigating reports of a man exposing himself in a public area of the Clickimin Leisure Centre. 

The alleged incident took place last week on Thursday 27th March around 7.20pm.

Isles chief inspector Chris Sewell told The Shetland Times he was unable to go into details but “enquiries were ongoing”.

Shetland Recreational Trust refused to comment on the incident however, it is understood all of its relevant protocols were followed and details reported to the authorities.

Surgical procedures cancelled as pressure mounts at hospital

Surgical procedures have been cancelled at the Gilbert Bain Hospital as it continues to run at full capacity.

NHS Shetland issued the update update this evening (Tuesday) after weeks of delays and cancellations because the service has been overstretched to meet demand.

The health board said it made the “difficult decision” today and will cancel some surgeries and review the list for the rest of the week.

“We have reached a stage where we now need to consider what services we can and should continue at this time, so that the care we provide remains safe and we have staff in place to provide these services,” the statement said.

Emergency and urgent cancer treatment will still go ahead, according to the health board but it would contact each individual who is affected by cancellations.

Outpatient Services and other departments in the hospital are currently operating as usual, but opening times may change as its team tries to provide support to other departments in high demand.

Director of nursing and acute service professor Kathleen Carolan said she was “truly sorry” for the inconvenience caused by the disruption.

“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all our patients and staff,” she said.

Prof Carolan added those with the “greatest clinical need” would be prioritised and NHS Shetland aimed to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.

The NHS Shetland statement also asked for those with cold or flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting the hospital until they feel better. Likewise, people who have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea should wait until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have passed before visiting.

Seven suspected drug drivers caught in police crackdown

Seven people have been charged and arrested in connection with drug driving.

Aith school break-in sparks police appeal for information

Police are investigating a break-in at Aith Junior High School after an incident took place last month.

An appeal for information was launched today (Tuesday) by Police Scotland as isles officers continue to investigate.

The incident occurred between the 14th March and the 17th March.

In its social media post, Police Scotland said: “Please contact us with any information on 101 or via Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Tunnel options to be considered as transport project enters next phase

Five options for fixed links will be included in the next critical stage of a transport project.

First turf is lifted for new £1.46m synthetic sports pitch 

Construction of the new 3G synthetic pitch at the Clickimin is set to begin this week at a total cost of almost £1.5m.

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.