Financial challenges flagged up for health and social care

An “extremely challenging financial position” continues to face the isles’ health and social care partnership, auditors have warned. Members of the integration joint board were told by auditor Deloitte on Friday that the board has a responsibility to balance its budget. The body, which combines SIC and NHS Shetland funds, was told that in 2017/18 […]

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Coxswain to take part in maritime rescue exchange in Oslo

Lerwick Lifeboat coxswain, Darren Harcus, will be taking part in a lifeboat crew exchange in Oslo next week, organised through the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF).

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Sturgeon says freight concern is an 'important issue'

A CALL has been made in the Scottish Parliament for the Northern Isles to be served by a third freight vessel on an ongoing basis.

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MSP Scott signs up as space centre director

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott says he is "delighted" to have joined the board of Shetland Space Centre Ltd. The politician, whose father owns the land at Lamba Ness in Unst where satellite launch facilities could be based, is one of a number of new appointments to the company.

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MSP Tavish Scott appointed director of Shetland Space Centre

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott has been appointed a director of Shetland Space Centre – the company behind plans to build a satellite launch site in Unst. Mr Scott is one of several directors appointed to the company, according to papers published on Companies House today. His occupation is listed on the paperwork as Member of […]

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SIC apologises over handling of school transport complaint

SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) has apologised for taking over a year to fully address a complaint about school transport from a parent who said a two-mile route along a rural road was not suitable for young children to walk.

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Space is the life of Brian

A PIONEERING project involving a Shetlander now living in Guildford which aims to clean up debris from space has been successfully trialled.

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Sullom Voe 'operating safely' despite new vessel control system concerns

OPERATIONS at Sullom Voe have not been significantly hindered by the problematic installation of a new vessel traffic service (VTS), the port operators have said. Port engineer Andrew Inkster, who has been heading up the VTS project for the council's ports and harbours department, said that at no time had port operations been unsafe and that the procurement of the VTS system had been rigorous and to a tender drawn up by consultants ABPMer.

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Fjanna ready for Northumberland concert

A WELL-known young group of traditional Shetland musicians Fjanna are heading to the mainland at the end of October for their first mainland booking since releasing their debut album Route 970 last year.

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Islanders urged to take part in consultation on 4G 'notspots'

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott is urging anyone concerned about poor mobile coverage to get involved in a Scottish Government consultation on 4G "notspots".

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SIC to review committees

A REVIEW is set to be carried out into how the committees Shetland's councillors sit on are run after auditors suggested merging them could save time and resources.

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Doubts raised over achievement of broadband target

A REPORT by Audit Scotland has questioned how the Scottish Government will achieve targets for 100 per cent superfast broadband coverage by the end of 2021.

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Scott calls for urgent White House talks

TWO years after Shetland Islands Council's headquarters at North Ness was evacuated due to fears the building might collapse, local MSP Tavish Scott is calling on all parties involved to get around the table to resolve the ongoing saga amicably and without the threat of litigation that is now hanging over local building contractor Hunter & Morrisons.

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Aith school to reopen

Shetland Islands Council have completed repairs at Aith Junior High School and announced it will open again to pupils tomorrow [Thursday].

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Auditors put question mark over savings target

SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) has been given a largely positive final audit report for the last financial year - but auditors were left unsure over whether its £15.6 million saving target is realistic given its "lack of detail". Members of the full council met on Wednesday to hear from auditors Deloitte, which has gone over the local authority's accounts and governance with a fine tooth comb.

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Pump station breakdown won't be barrier to new housing

SCOTTISH Water has confirmed that new housing planned for Gulberwick will not be affected by the breakdown of the village's pumping system last year.

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Cat charity on the prowl for more volunteers

THE local branch of Cats Protection, the charity that has the welfare of Shetland's cats and kittens at its heart, is looking for new volunteers and members to fulfil a number of roles, including fostering for cats while new homes are being found for them.

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Weather updates live

AS STORM Ali, the first gale of the season, approaches Shetland, ferry and air services are affected by winds gusting up to 75 mph. 08:00 - Inter-island ferry services are slowly getting back to normal; on Yell Sound a single ferry service is in operation, the Whalsay ferry service is to Vidlin.

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Council told more detail needed in financial plan

The SIC needs to provide more detail in its medium-term financial plan – as it looks change services against a backdrop of reduced budgets. That was the message on Wednesday from auditor Deloitte, meeting with councillors on Wednesday to discuss the 2017/18 audit. A report before members of the SIC’s audit committee stated that the […]

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NorthLink offers free sanitary products on board boats

NORTHLINK has become the first ferry operator in Scotland to offer free access to sanitary products.

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