Council meeting recording uploaded to YouTube for first time

THOSE with an appetite to learn more about the process of local democracy can now watch and listen to council debates online. Shetland Islands Council (SIC) has just published a recording of Monday afternoon’s session of the full council, held socially distanced in the Lerwick Town Hall with a number of councillors and officials joining […]

Get the full story

Crown estate funding scheme gets go ahead

Councillors have approved a pilot grant scheme to make the most of £2.37 million of crown estate funding. Grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 are... Crown estate funding scheme gets go ahead

Get the full story

McGregor takes Smith’s place on planning committee following resignation

SNP councillor Robbie McGregor has been appointed to Shetland Islands Council’s planning committee. The south mainland member was voted onto the committee at a meeting of the full council on Monday. It comes after south end councillor George Smith resigned from the committee in July. Meanwhile Lerwick member John Fraser was appointed to the integration […]

Get the full story

Crown estate funding scheme gets green light

COUNCILLORS have given the green light for a new fund to be established which could distribute grants ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 to community groups and charities. The scheme, which will disburse money received from Crown Estate Scotland, is set to run as a pilot through to September 2021. It was approved by elected members […]

Get the full story

New appointments for councillors

Two councillors were appointed new roles at a special SIC meeting on Monday afternoon. Shetland South councillor Robbie McGregor was appointed to the planning committee,... New appointments for councillors

Get the full story

Crown estate funding scheme gets go ahead

Councillors have approved a pilot grant scheme to make the most of £2.37 million of crown estate funding. Grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 are... Crown estate funding scheme gets go ahead

Get the full story

Toft Pier now expected to be completed in December

THE EXPECTED completion date of work on a revamped Toft Pier has slipped to December following the coronavirus crisis. The project had already suffered delays associated with weather and obtaining marine licences. In March there was a hope that it would be “substantially complete by summer 2020”. The project to rebuild and extend the run-down […]

Get the full story

Turtle remains found in Papa

THE REMAINS of a turtle are lying on an uninhabited island in Shetland after coming ashore earlier this year. The remains of what is believed to be a leatherback turtle are located on the island of Papa near Scalloway. It is thought that the turtle may have appeared in February after coming ashore and dying.

Get the full story

Aberdeen cluster sparks calls for folk to question whether they had ‘dropped their guard’ in fight against Covid-19

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urges caution after Aberdeen's Covid-19 cluster. Aberdeen cluster sparks calls for folk to question whether they had ‘dropped their guard’ in fight against Covid-19

Get the full story

Lies, damned lies and statistics

This quote has never seemed more true with the latest numbers on Covid from the government. Shetland has a new case, though the victim was found in the Grampian region. Originally added to Grampian statistics it has now been “re-allocated” against Shetland because the person involved has a Shetland home address. New confirmed Covid-19 case […]

Get the full story

Fire on fish carrier

EMERGENCY services were alerted on Sunday afternoon following a fire in the engine room of the fish carrier Ocean Aquila to the east of Burra. The fire was brought under control and all crew members were reported to be safe and well. The Aith Lifeboat was tasked to Clift Sound but it was later stood […]

Get the full story

Peatland petition says wind farm construction is at odds with council’s recognition of climate emergency

OVER 20 people from across the isles have signed a petition expressing concern that Shetland Islands Council’s (SIC) recognition of a global climate emergency has not taken into account current evidence on the carbon value of peatland. The petitioners say that since the original approval was given to the Viking Energy wind farm from the […]

Get the full story

Apology for using the wrong e-mail address

I recently posted a letter here, last week in fact, which I really have never done before, but sometimes you just have to step outside your comfort zone on certain issues. It has now been highlighted to myself that I chose a dead end address for our MSP, Beatrice Wishart. This happened whilst looking at […]

Get the full story

Met Office issues yellow weather warning for possible Shetland storms

A storm warning has been issued for Shetland and other parts of the UK this week – although forecasters remain uncertain about when and where... Met Office issues yellow weather warning for possible Shetland storms

Get the full story

NHS Shetland clarifies new isles coronavirus case

One positive case that was assigned to NHS Grampian on 8th August has been reassigned to NHS Shetland. NHS Shetland clarifies new isles coronavirus case

Get the full story

Bain’s Beach swimmers make most of the weather

The August sunshine attracted many swimmers in for a dip at Bain’s Beach, Lerwick. Bain’s Beach swimmers make most of the weather

Get the full story

New coronavirus case recorded in Shetland

Shetland has recorded one new coronavirus case, according to Scottish government figures released today. New coronavirus case recorded in Shetland

Get the full story

New confirmed Covid-19 case added to local tally

A NEW case has been added to Shetland’s tally of positive Covid-19 tests. Scottish Government data said one positive case that was assigned to NHS Grampian on 8 August had been reassigned to NHS Shetland as they are a resident of Shetland and had been tested while visiting Grampian. A spokesperson for NHS Shetland said the […]

Get the full story

Unfair delivery charges for islanders highlighted in new map

New research has shown the significantly higher delivery charges Shetlanders face compared to their southern counterparts. Unfair delivery charges for islanders highlighted in new map

Get the full story

Farewell visit to Sumburgh puffins

For those unable to leave the house, Ernie Ramaker has been documenting drives across the isles on his Driving Shetland YouTube channel. In his most... Farewell visit to Sumburgh puffins

Get the full story

‘Jolly summer picnic’ held in protest against Viking Energy wind farm

AROUND 50 islanders expressed their opposition to the Viking Energy wind farm on Friday when they staged a “jolly summer picnic” next to the construction site at the Upper Kergord valley. The protesters said they were concerned with the amount of peat that was being extracted, as peat is regarded as a valuable carbon sink […]

Get the full story

Support at hand for pupils with lower than expected grades

PUPILS who received results lower than expected this week will get support from their schools in appealing their grades, according to Shetland Islands Council’s director of children’s services Helen Budge. Attainment in Shetland was up slightly when results were announced on Tuesday. They were ‘exam-free’ due to coronavirus, with grades based off estimates from teachers. […]

Get the full story

Dentists as frustrated as patients with coronavirus restrictions

NHS SHETLAND’s new dental director has expressed his frustration with the way current Covid-19 restrictions are impacting on dental care. Antony Visocchi, a dentist from Banchory in Aberdeenshire, has started his new role at the local health board with immediate effect as he replaces Brian Chittick, who has moved to the position of director of […]

Get the full story

Buchan Alpha decommissioning work continues

SOME OF the remnants of the Buchan Alpha platform were removed from the waters at Dales Voe and taken to the Greenhead Base on Friday. Preparatory work to remove what is left of the Buchan Alpha from Dales Voe has been undertaken on site by local company Ocean Kinetics following the easing of coronavirus restrictions. […]

Get the full story

Artist hands over cheque to MRI appeal after street exhibition

AN ARTIST who held a street exhibition in Lerwick has raised £700 for the Shetland MRI scanner appeal after selling off some of the paintings. Balazs Onhausz handed over a cheque this week to the Dr Pauline Wilson and nurse Alison Irvine at the Gilbert Bain Hospital – two people who have helped him with […]

Get the full story

Bomb disposal team arrives after shoreline find

A BOMB disposal team arrived in Shetland this morning (Saturday) after possible ordnance was found on the shoreline near Hay’s Dock in Lerwick. The coastguard confirmed that the scene has now been made safe. Police and Shetland Coastguard were made aware of the object – reported to be a bullet shell – on the seabed, which […]

Get the full story

There is method in the madness

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t”, mused Polonius, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Four centuries on, the London-based decision to blow £1.3 billion of consumers’ money on a grid link/wind farm in Shetland, instead of a new £105 million, gas power station, is also madness. Why on earth would Westminster permit such folly? On […]

Get the full story

Questions for the fire service

I am pleased that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service promptly responded to my 3 August 2020 letter about the need for an aerial/height fire apparatus in Shetland. Fire service says no plans at this stage for height appliance I want to pose two questions for their constant review: Are the ladders on Lerwick apparatus […]

Get the full story

Sexual harassment study ‘exceptional work’ but findings are unsurprising, Women’s Aid says

A NEW study detailing first-hand accounts of sexual harassment and abuse people have experienced suffered in Shetland has been hailed as an “exceptional piece of work” by Shetland Women’s Aid. However, manager Laura Stronach said the accounts in the report, which range from inappropriate touching to rape, did not come as a surprise to the […]

Get the full story

Reopening of schools mapped out as soft start to cover first week back

MORE details have been confirmed about how Shetland’s schools will reopen next week, with five smaller schools set to welcome back all pupils on Tuesday and the others staggering their return. Shetland Islands Council’s children services director Helen Budge said by Monday 17 August all pupils will be back full-time at their schools. She said […]

Get the full story

What visitor attractions are open in Shetland?

The coronavirus pandemic means it's sadly not business as usual this year for some of Shetland's popular tourist attractions. Here's a quick rundown of what's open...

Get the full story

Place-name of the week - Nesses

Ness place-names are common throughout the Viking world. Old Norse nes described headlands and was also used in both farm and village names.

Get the full story

Off the Beaten Track 19 – Skaw

Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust

Get the full story

COVID-19: Latest visitor information

Advice for people hoping to travel to Shetland from July 2020 onwards.

Get the full story

What to Look for this week - Gentian Heaven

The gentians are among the most attractive flowers found in Britain. Yet sadly, they are becoming increasingly rare.

Get the full story

Successful Reopening of Sites

The Shetland Amenity Trust reopened its doors to the public at the Shetland Museum and Archives and the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre in recent weeks with a positive response from locals and visitors alike.

Get the full story

Caravanning and camping in Shetland 2020

As visitors and islanders get out and about across Shetland, we’ve had a few enquiries asking which campsites are open for business and the facilities available. Here’s a quick round-up…

Get the full story

Student Profile - Zdenka Mlynárikov, BA Applied Music

Get the full story

Student profile - Heather Newell NC Music

Get the full story

We are seeking new trustees

Could you help lead Shetland’s heritage into the future?

Get the full story

Off the Beaten Track 18 - Eshaness

Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust

Get the full story

Walker and his dog capture islanders' hearts

Charity walker Christian Lewis and his rescue dog Jet bid farewell to Shetland after memorable nine month stay.

Get the full story

Stacks of scenery: a coastal walk in Northmavine

Shetland offers an astonishing range of walking opportunities. Some - like the Eshaness cliffs - are very well known, others less so. This easy walk gives wonderful views over St Magnus Bay, with a dramatic foreground of cliffs and sea stacks.

Get the full story

Place-name of the week – Mills

Shetland’s horizontal watermills are often referred to as Norse mills as they were introduced here by the Vikings, but their origins lie in Ancient Greece.

Get the full story

A walk (or cycle) to Burland Broch

As we continue to get out and about to Rediscover Shetland, Laurie Goodlad pays a visit to Burland Broch in Sandwick.

Get the full story

Bonhoga shop and cafe to reopen this weekend

Get the full story

What to look for this week - Beautiful 'Weeds'

One group of plants that has declined more than any other in Shetland are the so-called arable weeds. Our Natural Heritage Expert Paul Harvey explains more and shares some of the best places to find them in Shetland today.

Get the full story

Travelling to Shetland with pets

If you’re making the move to Shetland with pets, or planning a holiday, you’ll probably have questions about how to transport them. Here’s what you need to know…

Get the full story

Shetlanders praised for response to Covid-19

NHS Shetland's Chief Executive Michael Dickson commends islanders community spirit during lockdown and Shetland Public Health team provide ongoing guidance for locals and visitors.

Get the full story

A remarkable man: the world of James Teit

Wendy Wickwire's excellent account of the life of James Teit, who worked with Indigenous peoples in Canada, also offers fascinating insights into the Shetland of his day.

Get the full story

Place-name of the week – Landing places, docks and harbours

The Lodberrie has become an internationally recognised landmark since featuring as Jimmy Perez’s home in the TV drama ‘Shetland’.

Get the full story

Off the Beaten Track 17 – Pinhoulland

It is almost impossible to go for a walk in Shetland without seeing a plantiecrub (krub), the small enclosures in the hill for kale seedlings.

Get the full story

More of Shetland's abandoned places

In the second in a two-part series, Laurie Goodlad explores some of Shetland’s abandoned buildings and delves into their history.

Get the full story

Place-name of the week blog – Linga and Klingra

This week it’s been a joy to see both heather and wild roses coming into flower. Both beautiful plants are reflected in several place-names.

Get the full story

Off the Beaten Track 16 - Eastshore, South Voe

Shetland’s South Mainland has one of the greatest densities of broch sites anywhere.

Get the full story