The Shetland Times (original) (raw)
Health board almost halves nursing agency spend with focus on ‘grow your own’
October 1, 2024 | 10.47am
A focus on “grow your own workforce” has helped the health board slash its spend on agency nursing cover by almost a half.
Health board hopes work on new hospital may resume before end of year
October 1, 2024 | 9.53am
The Gilbert Bain Hospital replacement project is hoped to get back on track by the end of the year, a meeting heard.
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MSP makes social tariff call as energy costs rise
September 30, 2024 | 4.22pm
Calls for a social tariff to be introduced were made by a regional MSP, amid increases in the cost of fuel.
SNP representative Emma Roddick stressed those in Highlands and Islands were in particular need of the help as a harsh winter was due to set in.
Last month energy regulator Ofgem set a higher price cap on what suppliers can charge for gas and electricity – meaning a £149 increase on the average household bill.
Ms Roddick called for action to be taken as the UK government imposes cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance – potentially leaving 4,000 isles pensioners in the lurch.
“Westminster’s decision to take the winter fuel payment away from 860,000 pensioners, coupled with the fact energy prices are set to rise by around 10%, disproportionately affects people who live in my region,” she said.
“We know that we experience much harsher winters than the rest of the country and have extremely high levels of fuel poverty, yet there is nothing further in place beyond the limited winter fuel payment to protect people.”
The list MSP said she was glad that work had begun on forming a social tariff, confirmed by the first minister during question time.
It was something that was needed for so many which call the Highlands and Islands home, and for those who were “dreading” the coming winter.
Child’s motorbike stolen from Mossbank garage
September 30, 2024 | 12.34pm
A child’s motorbike has been reported stolen from a garage in Mossbank.
Wild Shetland Through the Seasons
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 …
£36.99
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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 …
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The Shetland Bus
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 …
£8.99
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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 …
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Call of the Running Tide
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 …
£12.99
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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 …
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A Shetland Pattern Book
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 …
£9.99
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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 …
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Farewell Fugley Island
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 …
£14.99
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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 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 MORE - 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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From Honky-Tonks to Helicopters
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 …
£7.99
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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 …
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- 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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Grottie-Buckie an Tirli-Wirli
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 …
£7.99
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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 …
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- 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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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, …
£8.99
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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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1915 War
Following on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
£19.99
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Following on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
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A Shetland Knitter's Notebook
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 …
£10.99
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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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- 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 …
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Heavyweights of Shetland music scene to head south for ‘Pagan Invasion’ tour
September 30, 2024 | 12.21pm
Two heavyweights of the Shetland music scene are to head south for their Pagan Invasion tour.
Welcome to wool week – hundreds flock to kick start the festivities
September 30, 2024 | 7.00am
Wool week is officially under way with fans from around the globe flocking to Shetland for the annual cultural celebration.
Hundreds turn out for ‘Run the Runway’ – raising more than £10k
September 28, 2024 | 8.41pm
More than 200 people took part in “Run the Runway” this evening in memory of popular sportsman Iain Goodlad.
Various vacancies at Shetland Islands Council
We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland. Jobs on offer this week include… You can also follow us on…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
Ground Security Operative with Sumburgh Airport
Full time – 40 hours per week Benefits include 28.5 days annual leave per year, increasing to 33.5 after 5 years’ service. An entitlement of…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
Administrator with Royal Voluntary Service
Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for an Administrator to join our team.You will join us on a part-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
HGV Mechanic with DFDS
HGV mechanic Location: Shetland Are you looking for a position in which you keep things moving and deliver when it matters most? If so, then…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
HGV Driver with DFDS
HGV DRIVER Location: Shetland Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
Various vacancies with Tulloch Developments
Tulloch Developments is one of Shetland’s largest construction and civil engineering contractors with a diverse range of works across all industries. We can offer our…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
SSEN to reveal details of future energy infrastructure plans ahead of formal applications
September 28, 2024 | 1.36pm
Energy bosses are to meet with community leaders next week to share details about future infrastructure projects.
Conservative MSP says new party leader has been ‘constant thorn in side of SNP’
September 28, 2024 | 12.43pm
A Conservative list MSP has praised his party’s new leader as having been a “constant thorn in the side of SNP ministers”.
Property to Let
Offices in Alexandra Building, Lerwick.Various sizes available, extending from 24m² to 48m². For further particulars, and to arrange viewing, please enquire via our main office…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
Accommodation Wanted
Accommodation for a professional journalist joining The Shetland Times is required in Lerwick or within a 6-mile radius. Starting last week in October or first…
September 27, 2024 | 6.00am
Shetland scientists investigate complex challenges facing world’s most powerful tidal turbine
September 28, 2024 | 12.10pm
Marine scientists carried out studies on the world’s most powerful tidal turbine to investigate its interaction with wildlife and the environment.
Campaigner Hill accuses SIC of hacking website to discredit attempt to save tourist centre
September 28, 2024 | 10.53am
Sovereignty campaigner Stuart Hill has accused the SIC of “illegally hacking” his information in order to discredit an attempt to save the tourist centre.
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Distillery shop to open with new range of whisky blended and bottled in Shetland
September 27, 2024 | 4.41pm
Shetland’s first whisky distillery shop is to open tomorrow – with a product that has been blended and bottled in the isles.
Fin named as Junior Guizer Jarl
August 30, 2024 | 5.36pm
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.
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WATCH: Piper plays for peerie ponies
July 31, 2024 | 12.05pm
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.
European bee-eater on Papa Stour
June 29, 2024 | 11.53am
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.”
Relay for life raises £174k – so far … and counting
May 26, 2024 | 12.42am
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.”
WATCH: Relay of Life gets under way
May 25, 2024 | 2.50pm
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.
Naval ships call into Lerwick
May 24, 2024 | 4.56pm
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.
42nd Folk Festival kicks off
May 2, 2024 | 5.11pm
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.
The Hackles. Photo: Austin Taylor
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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