Well, this is embarrassing: Andrew Halcrow is right.

In the heat of the moment, responding to rapid-fire questions on Radio Shetland last Thursday night, I made a mistake.

What I should have said, but did not, is that although Viking Energy will have legal bills through being represented as an interested party at the judicial review in the Court of Session, because Viking Energy is not the target of the action, it doesn’t face the huge costs that the Scottish government or Sustainable Shetland might have if they were to lose.

But, as Andrew rightly points out, Sustainable Shetland has won an exemption so the taxpayers will meet its costs above a certain amount if the judge decides the wrong way (or the right way, depending on your point of view).

Anyway, I’m sorry if I made a misleading statement but I do assure Andrew it was not intentional. To err is human and to forgive divine. I hope he and his colleagues will forgive me.

I should perhaps explain that I was not on the “Public Platform” on behalf of Viking Energy, for which I cannot and do not speak. I was taking questions as a trustee of Shetland Charitable Trust, whose lawyers are keeping a watching brief on the case.

Any legal fees for the trust are, in my opinion, the fault of Sustainable Shetland for going to court in the first place. That cost is, however, negligible in relation to the potential costs of this “spoiler” legal action to the wider public purse, in the form of the Scottish government.

I’ve again been criticised for pointing out the obvious fact that the purpose in applying for a judicial review was to sabotage the wind farm. What else did Andrew have in mind? It’s also obvious that, if Sustainable Shetland succeeds, it may sabotage the Shetland community’s chance to earn millions of pounds for local charitable objects.

To satirise Sustainable Shetland by calling it “Sabotage Shetland” is therefore well within the bounds of robust debate, as routinely practised at Andrew Halcrow’s highly entertaining Althing sessions (where humourless zealots rarely win the vote).

Jonathan Wills

Sundside,

Bressay.

A garden which features walls built using stone from Yell has won a gold award at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Stone from Yell features in the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s gold-winning garden.

Burravoe dyker Alan Smiles transported 20 tonnes of Lewisian gneiss stone from the island to London and set about constructing the garden with his son Karl for the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s entry in the show, the ‘Hebridean Weavers’ Garden’.

Today’s gold award can be added to previous Chelsea visits which netted impressive gold and bronze awards for the charity’s design and final layouts.

Martin Anderson, associate founder of the MNDA, said: “Set in the 1950s, the garden reflects the remoteness and bleakness of the islands but also features the many wild flowers prolific in the summer months.

“The artisan imagined to be living in the Black House weaves Harris tweed using natural dyes from plant materials grown in the garden or collected from around the island.”

The stone for the old Lewis Black House façade was planned to come from the isle of Lewis but rising transport costs meant the charity was struggling to bring the garden entry in on budget.

Martin has been a regular visitor to Shetland for many years and keeps in touch with folk throughout the isles, which is how he first came up with the idea for the Shetland Croft House Garden entry which won a gold medal at Chelsea in 2008.

Whitedale stretched their lead in the senior football’s Madrid Cup qualifying league table to five points by defeating Delting on Friday while all the other teams dropped at least one point.

Delting bounced back to defeat Scalloway, Whalsay managed a win and a draw while Thistle, Spurs and Scalloway picked up a point apiece.

The results mean Whitedale have now definitely qualified for the semi-finals while Spurs look likely to join them with Scalloway, Delting, Celtic and Whalsay all technically in the running for the other two places.

Madrid Cup
(league stage)

Delting 2, Whitedale 3
The home side were two up with goals from Ross MacDougall but Cameron Gibbs and Lorne McNiven, who got a brace, ensured the West Siders keep winning.

Ross MacDougal grabbed a hat trick against Scalloway.

Scalloway 2, Whalsay 2
The village side came back from two goals down. Daryn MacDonell and Colin Anderson had put the visitors two up at half time but Andrew Flett and Alan Davidson scored in the second half to equalise.

Thistle 2, Spurs 2
Stuart Smith and Calvin Leask grabbed goals for the Jags while a Jordan Webb penalty and Sam Maver strike meant the spoils were shared.

Delting 4, Scalloway 0
A Ross MacDougall hat trick and Gary Sutherland strike gave the home side a convincing win at Brae.

Whalsay 1, Thistle 0
A solitary goal from Allister Johnson gave the men from the Bonnie Isle thethree points.

Whitedale v Celtic
The match was not played.

For full reports and table see The Shetland Times on Friday.

Lerwick Harbour is set for another busy year thanks to the four main industry sectors operating at the port – oil and gas, ferries and freight, fishing, and marine tourism from cruise ships and yachts.

According to its newly-published plan, the port is continuing to invest in infrastructure to meet users’ future requirements, making 2013 an “exciting year”.

Lerwick Port Authority’s projects the next few years, featured in its newly-published Strategy and Business Plan 2013, include the development of a deep-water quay at Dales Voe for decommissioning which, if constructed, would be the largest single investment in infrastructure yet at Lerwick.

Another project is the land reclamation and new quay at Mair’s Yard, to be completed this summer, which will providing the location for a replacement white fishmarket. This will be built next year.

At Arlanda, initial land reclamation is providing sites for pelagic tenants to develop. Ongoing developments include deep-water quays, laydown and future development sites for multi-user tenants.

Following a new, deep-water berth at Greenhead Base becoming operational ahead of schedule last year to support a major subsea project, a 75-metre extension is due for completion this autumn. 

Local firm Tulloch Developments has been involved in the work at Greenhead Base and Mair’s Yard.

Future quay projects all require either demolition or disruption at existing berths. This will necessitate new berthing, resulting in a planned development at Point of Scatland as a precursor to re-development of Gremista Quay and Holmsgarth north jetty.

In addition LPA continues to see demand increase for its land estate. With developed industrial estates all fully let, it is pursuing creation of more sites, including near Rova Head.

The plan also identifies a number of future projects, including more deep-water berths, expanded lay-down, roll-on/roll-off infrastructure improvements and assessing support for onshore and offshore renewable energy projects.

LPA chairman Harry Jamieson said: “The harbour is set up well for the future…and has seen a period of growth in overall terms.

“Forecasts for offshore oil and gas projects being supported from Lerwick over the next three years are very encouraging and the authority’s endeavours to keep pace with the size of ships now operating in this sector has paid dividends, with deep-water quays continuing to be provided on the back of a huge dredging project in 2008.

“A significant list of new capital projects continues to be delivered by the authority, at the same time as costs and staff numbers are kept steady at a sustainable level.”

The plan continues the authority’s commitment to maintain the port as an economic hub for Shetland, building on a successful year in 2012. The many projects now on the drawing board are all intended to provide the infrastructure necessary to allow the industries using the port to flourish. The challenge now is to prioritise these in an affordable manner.

The scope of the plan includes aspects of health and safety, conservancy, investment in companies providing harbour traffic and operational income, repair maintenance, community engagement and stakeholder benefits, marketing and management and personnel.

As a trust port, all profits are re-invested in the harbour, with over £74 million going into port assets since the 1960s.

The plan can be viewed online.

Flybe and Serco have both been criticised over their customer care after fog in Sumburgh forced flights to be cancelled.

Some flights which set off for Shetland landed in Orkney and went no further.

Air passengers then endured an uncomfortable night on the North Boat after being left by the flight operator in Kirkwall on Sunday.

Complaints have been sent to Flybe, who are now processing the feedback from disgruntled passengers.

Susan Bowie, of Hillswick, was travelling home from Glasgow when she became caught up in the nightmare journey.

She says elderly passengers were left in the dark about which alternative flights might be available from other airports.

She was even warned off by “snippy” ground staff from Menzies Aviation who threatened to throw her off the flight after she suggested the plane should land at Scatsta.

“Most folk were cancelled and offered refunds, and sent on their way with no flights booked and none available until Thursday, although two poor passengers had been travelling for hours.

“[They did not bother] to tell a passenger who had travelled by plane from Canada that she could get a boat from Aberdeen the next day, or plane from Inverness, Aberdeen or Edinburgh. They just told her she couldn’t get a plane from Glasgow until Thursday or Friday, and sent her away.”

She said no extra planes were made available to deal with the backlog. Similar problems were experienced by air passengers flying from Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Dr Bowie said many passengers opted to take the plane, knowing they would most likely have to land in Kirkwall and then travel overnight on the boat.

“But the staff couldn’t help with a berth, or a reclining seat and they couldn’t help us with transport to get our cars.

“The last time I met ground staff like that was Aeroflot in Moscow circa 1986.”

Dr Bowie said cabin staff “couldn’t have been more helpful”.

Passengers were offered a meal at the Ayre Hotel in Orkney and bused to the boat, where they were handed vouchers for breakfast.

“We were then at the mercy of Serco, who treated us as second class citizens. Most of us had no hope of a reclining seat.

“They have put dividers on the seats to stop any passengers like us without cabins or recliners lying down.”

There were added problems at breakfast time, as the vouchers that had been provided the previous night failed to cover the full cost of a breakfast on the boat.

“As passengers we helped look after the over 80s, and developed a camaraderie in adversity.

“However no one in authority in ether the boat, Serco, Loganair or Flybe made any attempts to help these very elderly, which is just not good enough.”

Loganair say they are now investigating a breakdown in communications.

More on this story in Friday’s Shetland Times.

A pupil from Whalsay School has won the regional heat of a competition to design a poster for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Charlotte Hutchison

Charlotte Hutchison, 12, is now in the running to be named overall winner.

Her poster was chosen as the best in Shetland in the festival fringe society’s scho

ols poster competition, which attracted over 5,000 entries. The winner will be announced on Thursday.

Charlotte said: “I liked painting it so I’m brawly prood o’ it getting chosen.”

The poster was done as part of a class project, with four posters, chosen by the class, sent into the competition. Art teacher Nick Stevenson said: “I gave the pupils a brief – the poster had to be bright, colourful and simple, and express the fun of the festival.”

Charlotte’s poster features an elephant with a monkey on its back about to be sprayed by the trunk. Mr Stevenson said: “It’s bizarre, eye-catching and memorable. It’s a strong image and [the fringe] needs something simple, quirky and immediate, or it would be lost amongst all the other festival imagery.”

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society chief executive Kath M Mainland said: “Charlotte’s design came top of all entries from Shetland as it met the judges’ criteria of being fun, eye-catching, colourful and encapsulating the feel of the Fringe. This is a terrific achievement and something to be very proud of.

“We know how much schools enjoy being part of this competition and this year even more schools have taken part from across Scotland. I’m delighted that Whalsay School was one of them.”

Charlotte’s poster will be displayed at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh from 24th May to 26th August as part of an exhibition along with the top three prize-winners, 13 regional winners and 57 shortlisted entries.

Every year the winning design becomes the official poster for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is used on mugs, bags, t-shirts and other merchandise.

There was a sombre mood at the town’s Freefield Centre on Wednesday as pensioners gathered for their last lunch at their much-loved venue.

Around 30 of them tucked into a meal, but the atmosphere was subdued. One of the staff said: “It’s like leaving home.”

Many had been coming to the lunch club since it opened in 1977 and said they could hardly believe what was happening. All expressed their deep sadness, with some criticising councillors and officials for not being more interested in the situation. Others gave vent to their anger – a poster on the wall read: “Bought by BP, sold out by SIC.”

Phyllis Hunter, who had worked as a care assistant at the centre in those early days, said: “I can’t believe it. There are no social work people here, and where are the councillors who said they would try and save it? It’s cruel.”

Diners were in sombre mood during the last lunch at the Freefield Centre. Photo: Stephen Gordon

Her sister Agnes Johnson, who had worked there at the same time, said: “I didn’t expect this.”

Lunch club stalwart Ivy Cluness echoed the same sentiments: “No councillors and no social services heads of department have been to see how we’re getting on.”

Member Tammy Tait was deeply upset, and said: “We’re all so disappointed. We’re an easy option.”

Jimmy Blance said: “It’s utterly disgusting, this carry on. It’s been a paper shuffle and ended up in nothing but a big farce. As the former provost Bill Smith said, it’s more than just a lunch club. Lots of people only see people here, they don’t see anyone until the next day.”

Jimmy Wiseman said that all the Lerwick councillors, plus some from further afield, had pledged to do their utmost to save the centre. He said: “They were all cadging for votes then,” and remarked they had as many faces as the town hall clock.

Veteran of 20 years at the lunch club Margaret Batty summed up the feeling: “It’s a very sad day for wis all. It’s the end of an era. The staff have been very good and helpful and we’re going to miss them very much.”

However all agreed the staff at Islesburgh, where the lunch club will meet in future, had been very helpful. But it would not be the same, they felt, as there would be no meals on Saturdays and none over Christmas and New Year, and uncertainty about provision during festivals.

Full report in Friday’s Shetland Times.

Looking down towards the proposed Anderson High School site at the Staney Hill.

Clickimin Leisure Centre is in line for a £1.5 million extension and refurbishment so it can house the new Anderson High School’s PE department.

Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) has agreed in principle to sell the neighbouring parcel of land hosting its campsite, though negotiations on the fine detail are continuing.

While haggling with the SIC over the sale price, the SRT also has to weigh up the benefits of Clickimin being revamped and extended – and the guaranteed income a 25-year “service level agreement” for the local authority to use the leisure complex would bring.

SIC children’s services director Helen Budge told councillors on Wednesday that, as an all-new PE department was not needed, the figure of “roughly” £1.5 million could come from within the overall £36 million budget for a school and halls of residence.

Mrs Budge said a Clickimin extension could include a new 200 square metre gym hall, along with funding to make alterations to existing parts of the building.

“We need a number of PE areas, but also it would be for the public to use other areas that we are not utilising,” Mrs Budge told members of the education and families committee.

It is hoped an agreement between the SIC and SRT can be ironed out in the next three months.

AHS pupils would not require exclusive use of Clickimin’s swimming pool, bowls hall or squash courts. All would continue to operate as normal. The new gym hall could also be made available to the general public in evenings and at weekends.

Councillor Peter Campbell pointed out that the benefits the SRT stands to gain “could influence the whole question of purchase of land”.

Detailed site investigations have been conducted looking at precisely where the accompanying halls of residence will go. Mrs Budge said the project team had to work around an area of “contaminated” land which used to host the town’s dump.

But she remains hopeful that the first turf will be turned in March 2014, in line with the Scottish Government’s quick-fire timetable.

Two-thirds of the project cost is being met by the Scottish Government – though North Isles councillor Gary Cleaver said he had “grave concerns” about the financial model.

He claimed the “design, build, finance and maintain” arrangement with Hubco North was akin to a re-branding of the discredited Private Finance Initiative (PFI) model used for big building projects.

Though his fears are “partly tempered” by other councillors’ “overwhelming will” to see the new school built, Mr Cleaver fears members will be asked to sanction an eight-figure spend in “blind faith”.

“I’ve always been told that it’s not [a re-branded PFI model],” he said. “However, at their first meeting the senior representatives of Hubco North… unequivocally replied ‘yes it is’.

“Only time will tell, but we are committing in the region of £12 million… and as yet we have no clear understanding of the additional costs [in maintenance]. This could be viewed as blind faith in years to come.”

Mr Cleaver added there was “no such thing as free money”, also querying why the new AHS, with a 1,200-pupil capacity, “has to sit within the top 10 per cent of largest secondary schools” in the country.

But Mrs Budge said this was the third round of the Scottish Government’s “schools for the future” programme. She believes “lessons have been learned” and arrangements for maintaining new buildings were “not nearly as rigid as before”.

Finance chief James Gray said the council would be responsible for day-to-day things such as painting and replacing light bulbs and carpets – just as it would if it took out a long-term lease on a building. A contractor would carry out larger scale tasks such as replacing boilers.

“At the end of the 25 years the school is handed over to us as good as new, effectively,” Mr Gray said.

Councillor Frank Robertson noted it was now 30 years since the first report recommending a new school at Clickimin. He was more sanguine about the project’s prospects of success, pointing out “reputable” and “experienced” national companies were to design and build the school.

Religious representative Martin Tregonning said that, though “strictly speaking” it was not a PFI contract, “many elements are very similar”.

He said he hoped there would be no repeat of “stuff-ups” under PFI, such as the hospital built without an X-Ray room and frequent post-construction problems with the cost of maintenance.

“There’s always the law of unintended consequences,” Mr Tregonning said. “There’s no desire to enter into a contract which is going to be a rod for our own back in the future. The more people look at it and scrutinise it and come back with positive suggestions, the better chance we have of making this a successful project.”

Shetland has enjoyed “robust” economic growth of 27 per cent in the last decade, and its billion-pound economy makes a positive contribution of £82 million a year to the UK.

The data is drawn from a newly-published, SIC-commissioned study into the islands’ economy. Conducted by the Hutton Institute and based on 2010-11 figures, the study used information gathered through business and household surveys, as well as from SIC and government sources.

Economic growth in the eight years since the last major economic study was carried out, in 2003, has averaged 3.5 per cent a year. That has come despite a savage global economic downturn from 2008 onwards.

In 2011 the Shetland economy produced £1.09 billion-worth of services. Given the figures pre-date frenzied oil and gas activity it is likely productivity has increased substantially since then.

Household income has grown too, albeit at a slower pace. At £38,148 per annum, income rose by an average of 17 per cent between 2003 and 2011.

MP Alistair Carmichael and MSP Tavish Scott both said the report’s findings reflected the “continued strength” of Shetland’s economy in “difficult times”.

The report does warn that SIC cutbacks of £26 million were likely to shrink the size of the isles’ economy by just over three per cent.

Mr Scott said the “hard decisions” to cut council spending were “bound to have consequences for economic growth”.

“Our local councillors will want to weigh up the speed that they implement the changes so as to get the right balance between balancing the books and stalling economic growth,” he said.

“Shetland is well-placed to meet the economic challenges of the future, but we must never take our eye off the need for fundamentally important public services such as our external transport links, the quality of our schools and how we look after our older people.”

There were lengthy delays in publishing the findings, which trade unions had hoped would be available prior to councillors approving huge spending cuts in February 2012.

At that time unions aired their concerns that the cuts would inflict serious damage on the local economy. But development committee chairman Alastair Cooper has said he thinks developments such as Total’s £500 million gas plant will help minimise the pain.

Two years ago almost 30 per cent of economic output came from various sectors of the seafood industry. Those account for £317 million in all, including £156 million from aquaculture, £83 million from fish processing and £71 million from fishing.

Public spending took care of £248 million, or nearly a quarter, of the economy. That figure included local government spending of £153.2 million, of which £38 million went on schools and £28 million on social work. Just over £56 million went on health, while “public administration” in council and government departments was worth nearly £63 million.

Between 2003 and 2011 public spending as a whole rose by £60 million to account for 22.7 per cent of the economy – compared to 21.5 per cent a decade ago.

Nearly half of the £496 million-worth of exported goods went beyond UK borders. Exports of £166 million went to the rest of Scotland, while a further £118 million of products and services were sent to other parts of the UK.

Imports outweighed exports by £131 million. A total of £365 million imports was made up of £260 million from the rest of Scotland, £363 million from the rest of the UK and £42 million from the rest of the world.

The so-called “exchequer balance” – the different between government revenue and government spending – showed Shetland generated a net surplus of £82 million, up £5 million in today’s prices from the 2003 figure.

Mr Scott claimed those figures made the case “for our islands looking at our own future” irrespective of the outcome of next year’s referendum on Scottish independence.

In a press statement, Mr Cooper said: “This is a tremendous document, covering all sectors of the Shetland economy between 2003 and 2011. This was [a] period of great upheaval in the national and global economies, yet the figures in this report demonstrate robust growth in Shetland.

“The importance of this report is that it includes a wealth of information on every aspect of our economy, from the individual householder up to our most important industries.”

The report will be discussed by councillors at next Wednesday’s development committee.

These details are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Check with organisers if unsure.

Useful numbers:

Islesburgh Community Centre – 01595 745100; Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) – 01595 694688; Shetland Arts – 01595 743843; Shetland Box Office – (www.shetlandboxoffice.org) or 01595 745555; Shetland Museum & Archives – 01595 695057.

JUNE 2012

Lerwick Lifeboat Gala Day (date tbc)

until 9th: Bonhoga Gallery Main Exhibition: ‘Four Journeys from Blue’ by Ria Moncrieff, Rachel Ross Smith, Diane Garrick and Gail Harvey – winners of Shetland Open 2012; Lower Gallery: Bairns’ Open Drawing Awards 2013; Craft Cabinet: UK Craft

until 30th: Da Gadderie Exhibition (at Shetland Museum) – ‘Of Time and Water’ by Peter Davis

1st: Cruise Ship Silver Explorer in Lerwick Harbour

1st: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Quarff to Fladdabister, book at Tourist Office

1st: Farmers’ Market in Tingwall Public Hall, 10am-2pm

1st: Coffee Morning & Sales Tables etc in Scalloway Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, in aid of Walter & Joan Gray Home

1st: Taing House – Soup & Sweet Lunch + Stalls, Silent Auction, Plants etc, 12noon-2pm

1st: Overtonlea Services – Soup & Sweet Lunch in Cunningsburgh Hall, 12noon-2pm

1st: 45/33 Promotions presents ShetFest at Wheel Bar, midday-9pm; at Baroc 11am-2am, various local & visiting artists, tickets £15

1st: Bigton Rowing Regatta & Beach Party at St Ninian’s Isle Sands from 2.30pm

1st: Mid Yell Hall – Concert & Dance

1st: Shetland Arts – Shooglenifty + support from Vair in Mareel, 8pm, tickets £16 Shetland Box Office

1st: Klub Revolution – DJ vertigo in Royal British Legion, Lerwick, 9pm-1am, tickets £10 Shetland Box office

2nd: Aith Lifeboat Gala Day, 2-5pm

2nd: Whiteness & Weisdale Hall – Car Boot Sale & Coronation Teas, 2-5pm

2nd: Sullom Hall – Car Boot Sale, Teas & Homebakes, 2-5pm

2nd: JDRF Supporters – Walk to Cure Diabetes Event at Gilbertson Park

2nd: Unst Angling Club Trout (boat/bank) Competition, 4-10pm

2nd: Delting Football Club – AGM in Brae Hotel Coffee Shop at 6.30pm

3rd (then weekly): Afternoon Teas in Weisdale Kirk, 2-4pm

3rd: Cruise Ship MSC Magnifica in Lerwick Harbour

3rd: Centre for Nordic Studies – Talk: ‘Comparison between the material culture of Shetland and the Faroes’ by Ian Tait, in NAFC Marine Centre

3rd: Shetland Nature Festival 2013 – ‘Natural Sound Installation’ with Chris Watson etc in Mareel, 7-9pm, free

4th: Scottish Water – Public Meeting in Lerwick Hotel, 6pm

4th: Shetland Arts – Matthew Barley: Around Britten, 7pm, tickets £18 Shetland Box Office

5th: Dementia Awareness Week – Strawberries & Sparkly Summer Concert in Lerwick Town Hall, 7pm

6th: Cruise Ship Discovery in Lerwick Harbour

6th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

6th: Variety Concert with various local artistes in Garrison Theatre, 7.30pm, in aid of Eric Gray Services Hansel Fund

7th: Big Yell Weekend – Chip Suppers & Music Night in Weavers Shed, Burravoe

7th: Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

7th: Mareel Café Bar – Mixology@Mareel, 9pm-1am

8th & 9th: Big Yell Weekend – Shetland Dinghy Sailing Championships at Burravoe

8th: Family 1-10k Fundraiser, with Disney-themed fancy dress, at Clickimin Track, 1.30pm, in aid of Yorkhill Hospital Children’s Foundation

8th: Nesting Rowing Regatta

8th: Sandwick School Gala Day

8th: Bridge End Outdoor Centre – Car Boot Sale 12noon-2.30pm; Soup, Bannocks, Teas & Homebakes; Eela Competition 2-4.30pm followed by BBQ and music etc

8th: Big Yell Weekend – Burravoe Carnival from 6pm at Burravoe Hall;The Bashies in the Weaving Shed & Fiddle/Accordion music in Barrel Store

9th: CLAN 30th Anniversary Walk & Teas, Cunningsburgh

9th: Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

9th: Moving On Employment Project – Sunday Teas & Car Boot Sale etc in Gulberwick Hall, 2-4pm

9th: North Ness Hall, Ulsta – Quiz, 7.30pm (tbc)

10th: Tingwall Public Hall – AGM in the hall at 7pm

10th: Baltasound Hall – Music, Dance & Teas, 7.30-10pm

11th: Cruise Ship Serenissima in Lerwick Harbour

12th: Shetland Arts – The Edrom String Quarter in Mareel, 7pm, tickets £18 Shetland Box Office

12th: Shetland ForWirds – AGM in Shetland Amenity Trust Office, Garthspool at 7pm

13th to 23rd: 1000-Mile Doublehanded Race 2013 (yachts in Lerwick c. 23rd)

13th: Cruise Ship FTI Berlin in Lerwick Harbour

14th: Mareel Café Bar – Mixology@Mareel, 9pm-1am

15th: Cruise Ship Costa Pacifica in Lerwick Harbour

15th: Mid Yell Regatta

15th: Unst Angling Club Sea Competition, 6-9.30pm

15th: Launch of Unst’s new yoal at Baltasound Marina

15th: Mid Yell Hall – Steak Night, in aid of Yell Youth Café

15th: Shetland Arts – Peatbog Faeries in Mareel, 8pm, tickets £18 Shetland Box Office

16th: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Uyea Isle, Unst, book at Tourist Office

16th: Mareel Café Bar – Singers & Songwriters’ Night from 7pm

17th: Cruise Ship Seven Seas Voyager in Lerwick Harbour

19th to 24th: FjordSailing Shetland Bergen Race 2013 (yachts in Lerwick c. 21st)

19th: Cruise Ship Island Sky in Lerwick Harbour

19th: Shetland Abattoir Co-operative Ltd (SACL) – AGM in Shetland Rural Centre, Staneyhill at 7pm

20th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

22nd: Singing Saturdays / Islands Songs 2013 – ‘Along Came Man’ by Lin Marsh in Mareel at 1pm

22nd: Midsummer Carnival in Lerwick

22nd: Mid Yell Hall – Fashion Show, in aid of Yell Youth Café

22nd: Unst Angling Club ‘Simmer Dim’ Trout Competition, 8pm-8am

22nd: Live Music with Quicksilver in Royal British Legion, Lerwick

24th to 28th: Centre for Nordic Studies – Viking Culture Summer Course (www.nordic.uhi.ac.uk)

24th: Cruise Ship Nautica in Lerwick Harbour

24th: Unst Heritage Centre courses – Spinning (suitable for beginners); Knit a Shell or Cockleshell Scarf (experienced knitters); Introduction to Lace Knitting (experienced knitters); bookings/info 01957 755244; info@unstheritage.com

25th: Cruise Ship Costa Voyager in Lerwick Harbour

26th: Baltasound Hall – Music, Dance & Teas, 7.30-10pm

28th: Burravoe Eela Competition

28th: Klub Revolution presents John Power with Jay Lewis + North Country Fair in Royal British Legion, Lerwick, tickets £13 Shetland Box Office

29th until 7th July: Shetland Nature Festival 2013 + European Geoparks Week

29th: Cruise Ship Marco Polo in Lerwick Harbour

29th: Bastavoe Regatta

29th: Lerwick Gala Day at Gilbertson Park, 12noon-4pm

29th: Haroldswick Hall – Soup & Sweet

29th: Unst Angling Club Species Competition, 1-5pm

30th: Cruise Ship Gann in Lerwick Harbour

30th: Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 12noon-2pm

30th: Cullivoe Hall – Soup & Sweets, 12noon-4pm, in aid of Yell Show

30th: Singing Saturdays / Islands Songs 2013 – ‘Along Came Man’ by Lin Marsh in Haroldswick Hall, Unstt at 1pm

all month: Films and events at Mareel (www.shetlandboxoffice.org | www.mareel.org)

all month: Shetland Craft Trail – Shetland Arts & Crafts members open to visitors (http://shetlandartsandcrafts.co.uk)

all month: Shetland Museum & Archives events and activities (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

all month: Bonhoga Gallery Touring Art Exhibitions at Yell Leisure Centre; Unst Leisure Centre; Sumburgh Airport; Whalsay Leisure Centre; Peerie Shop Café

all month: Da Gadderie (at Shetland Museum) Art Exhibitions (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

until end year: Shetland Museum exhibiting ‘Recent Acquisitions’ in the galleries

daily (except Thu): Lea Gardens at Tresta open 2-5pm, or by appointment (01595 810454)

Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat: CLAN Cancer Support Centre – Drop-In at 39 Commercial Road (access from St Magnus St), Mon, Thu, Fri 10am-4pm; Sat 10am-1pm (01595 720320)

2nd Mon of month: Burra History Group meet in Easthouse at 7.30pm (www.burrahistory.info)

Mon: Drop-In Craft Day at Centre for Creative Industries, Sellafirth, Yell, 10am-12.30pm

Mon: Weisdale Kirk – Teas served 2-4pm

Mon: Royal British Legion, Lerwick – Bingo, 8pm

Tue, Thu & Sat: Changing Arts Exhibitions at Vaila Fine Art, open 11am-5pm

Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun: The Cabin Museum, Vidlin open 1-5pm

1st Tue of month (not Jan or Aug): CLAN Shetland Support Group meet in CLAN Support Centre, 39 Commercial Road (access from St Magnus St), at 7pm (01595 720320)

Tue: Shetland Gone to Pieces Quilters meet in Islesburgh Community Centre, 6-9pm

2nd Wed of month: Forget-Me-Not Self Help Group meet in Islesburgh Community Centre, 6.30-8.30pm

Wed & (occasional) Thu: Traditional Music Sessions in Lounge Bar, Lerwick

Wed: Cycharters Boat Trips to Foula (01595 810887/ 07887 945480)

Wed: Tai Chi Chuan (Dynamic Balance Boxing) in Room 12, Islesburgh Community Centre, 6.15pm

Wed: Royal British Legion, Lerwick – 500 cards, 8pm

Thu & Sat: ‘Yell for Cancer Support’ Shop open at Aywick, 1-5pm

Tues to Sat (until 13/11): Shetland Textile Working Museum open at Bod of Gremista, 12noon-4pm, Exhibition: ‘from the Croft… to the Palace’

last Thu of month: Alzheimer Scotland/Shetland Arts – ‘Knitting for Dementia Awareness’ drop-in knitting group in Mareel Café Bar, 2-4.30pm

Thu: Sewing Group meets at Centre for Creative Industries, Sellafirth, Yell, 6.30pm

Thu (until 12/9): Yoga in Islesburgh Community Centre, 7.15-8.45pm

Thu: South Mainland Community History Group meet in Quendale Mill, 7.30pm (www.quendalemill.co.uk)

Thu: Recreational Skating at Clickimin, 8-9pm, over 18s, £4

Fri & Sat: Posers Nightclub open in Grand Hotel

Fri: Royal British Legion, Lerwick – Bingo, 7.30pm

Fri: Cullivoe Hall – Club Room open from 8pm

last Sat of month (exc. Jul & Dec): Shetland Scrapbookers meet in Methodist Schoolroom, 10am-1pm

Sat: Good as New Shop in Brae Youth Centre open 2-4pm

Sat: Fetlar Hall – Social from 9pm

Sat: Douglas Arms – Karaoke

Sat: Burravoe (Peerie) Hall open from 8.30pm

3rd Sun of month: CLAN North Support Group meets in North Haven Care Centre at 2.30pm

Sun, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat: Noss National Nature Reserve open (info line 0800 107 7818)

daily (until 13th Oct): Quendale Water Mill open 10am-5pm

daily (until 30th Sept): Tangwick Haa Museum open 11am-5pm

daily: Hoswick Visitor Centre, Sandwick open

daily: Unst Heritage Centre open (www.unstheritage.com)

daily: Unst Boat Haven open (www.unstheritage.com)

daily: Fetlar Interpretive Centre open (www.fetlar.com)

daily: Old Haa, Burravoe open

daily: Crofthouse Museum, Dunrossness open (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

daily: Scalloway Museum open (Mon-Sat 11am-4pm; Sun 2-4pm) (www.scallowaymuseum.org)

daily: Seabirds-and-Seals Boat Trips (07595 540224 | www.seabirds-and-seals.com)

daily: Thule Charters Boat Trips (07796 912237 or 07876 522292 | www.thule-charters.co.uk)

daily: Shetland Sea Charters Boat Trips (01595 692577 or 07759 668969)

various: Whalsay History Group – Heritage Centre open (www.whalsayhistorygroup-phase2.co.uk)

various: Bressay Heritage Centre open (www.bressay-history-group.org)

various: Up-Helly-A’ Exhibition open in Galley Shed, St Sunniva Street

various: Shetland Small Group Tours (01595 692080 | www.shetlandtours.co.uk)

various: Island Trails Tours (07880 950228 | www.island-trails.co.uk)

various: Shetland Walking & Wildlife Tours (07720 169191 | www.shetlandwalkingandwildlife.co.uk)

various: Unseen Shetland Tours (07554 344914 | www.unseenshetland.com)

various: Shetland Geotours Tours (01595 859218 | www.shetlandgeotours.com)

various: Shetland Nature Tours (01957 710000 | www.shetlandnature.net)

various: Old Scatness Broch & Iron Age Village open (01950 461869 | www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/scatness)

various: RSPB events and activities (01950 460800 | www.rspb.org.uk/reserves)

various: Mousa Boat Trips (07901 872339 | www.mousa.co.uk)

various: St Magnus Bay Charters Boat Trips (07799 610025 or 01595 810378 | www.stmagnusbay.shetland.co.uk)

various: Shetland Marine Charters Boat Trips (01806 522429 or 07880 950246 | www.shetlandmarinecharters.com)

various: Sailing Trips on the Swan (01595 695193 | www.swantrust.com)

various: Sailing Trips on Dim Riv longship

JULY 2013

Sailing/Rowing Regattas and Sheepdog Trials (dates tbc)

until 7th: Shetland Nature Festival 2013 + European Geoparks Week

3rd: Cruise Ship Ocean Princess in Lerwick Harbour

4th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

5th: Cruise Ship Serenissima in Lerwick Harbour

5th: Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

6th & 7th: Party at the Pier at Cullivoe

6th: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Skellister, Nesting, book at Tourist Office

6th: Cruise Ship Azamara Quest in Lerwick Harbour

6th: Uyeasound Regatta

7th to 14th: UnstFest 2013 – a week of events, entertainment and activities in Unst

10th: Baltasound Hall – Music, Dance & Teas, 7.30-10pm

13th & 14th: North Mainland Gardening Club – Gardens Open weekend, more details later

13th: Baltasound Regatta

13th: Burravoe Fishing Competition

14th: Unst Angling Club Trout Competition, 4-10pm

15th: Unst Heritage Centre course – Introduction to Lace Knitting (experienced knitters); bookings/info 01957 755244; info@unstheritage.com

18th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

20th & 21st July: Glusstonberry

20th: Sailing & Rowing Regatta at Burravoe

20th: Sandwick Family Fun Day – various events and entertainments

20th: Unst Angling Club Sea Competition, 6-9.30pm

21st: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Basta Voe to Gloup, Yell, book at Tourist Office

21st: Cruise Ship Silver Cloud in Lerwick Harbour

21st: Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

22nd: Cruise Ship Corinthian in Lerwick Harbour

23rd: Cruise Ships Hebridean Princess and Columbus 2 in Lerwick Harbour

24th: Baltasound Hall – Music, Dance & Teas, 7.30-10pm

25th: Cruise Ship Thomson Spirit in Lerwick Harbour

26th: Cruise Ships Eurodam and Corinthian in Lerwick Harbour

27th: Whalsay Gala at the Pelagic Pier, Symbister, 11am-1am, with live music, BBQ, tea room, stalls etc

27th: Yell Sheepdog Trials at Westsandwick from 8.30am

27th: Herra Eela Competition, Yell

28th: Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 12noon-2pm

31st: Cruise Ship Brilliance of the Seas in Lerwick Harbour

AUGUST  2013

Walls Agricultural Show (date tbc)

Sailing/Rowing Regattas and Sheepdog Trials (dates tbc)

1st: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

2nd: Cruise Ship Marina in Lerwick Harbour

2nd: Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

3rd: Voe Agricultural Show (tbc)

3rd: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Fetlar, book at Tourist Office

3rd: Cruise Ship Hamburg in Lerwick Harbour

3rd: Unst Angling Club Trout (boat/bank) Competition, 3-9pm

3rd: Shetland Arts presents Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham in Cullivoe Hall, tickets Shetland Box Office

4th to 10th: Shetland Arts – Fiddle Frenzy (www.shetlandarts.org)

4th: North Ness Hall, Ulsta – Sunday Buffet, 12.30-6pm

6th: Unst Angling Club Sea Competition, 6-9pm

6th: Fetlar Hall – Fiddle Frenzy Concert

7th: Baltasound Hall – Music, Dance & Teas, 7.30-10pm

9th & 10th: Mid Yell Fishing Competitions (Skate day on 9th)

10th: Cruise Ship Voyager in Lerwick Harbour

10th: Yoal Rowing Championships at Baltasound

12th: Unst Heritage Centre course – Introduction to designing a fine lace scarf (for very experienced); bookings/info 01957 755244; info@unstheritage.com

13th: Cruise Ship Discovery in Lerwick Harbour

14th: Cunningsburgh Agricultural Show

14th: Cruise Ships FTI Berlin and Marco Polo in Lerwick Harbour

15th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

18th: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Stromness, Whiteness, book at Tourist Office

19th: Cruise Ship Nautica in Lerwick Harbour

23rd: Ragged Wood Promotions presents Devon Sproule at Mareel, 7pm, tickets £14 / £12

24th: Unst Angling Club Olick & Tusk Competition, 2-6pm

24th: Ragged Wood promotions presents Devon Sproule at Fair Isle Hall

25th: Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 12noon-2pm

25th: Unst Angling Club Trout Competition, 3-9pm

29th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

31st until 7th September: Shetland Arts – Screenplay Festival (www.shetlandarts.org)

31st: Cruise Ship Caribbean Princess in Lerwick Harbour

31st: Unst Show (tbc)

SEPTEMBER 2013

Shetland Arts – Wordplay Festival (date tbc)

1st: Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

5th: Cruise Ship Crystal Symphony in Lerwick Harbour

6th: Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

7th: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Skelladale, book at Tourist Office

7th: Yell Show + entertainments at East Yell Hall

12th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

13th to 15th: 10th Shetland Blues Festival

13th: Visit of Statsraad Lehmkuhl to Lerwick Harbour

14th: Farmers’ Market in Tingwall Public Hall, 10am-2pm

14th: Unst Angling Club Trout Competition, 2-8pm

14th: Burravoe Hall – Music Night with Alan Tulloch & Friends, in aid of Old Haa

18th: Visit of Statsraad Lehmkuhl to Lerwick Harbour

21st: Cullivoe Hall – Irish Country Concert (tbc)

22nd: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Scatness, book at Tourist Office

22nd: Cruise Ship Fram in Lerwick Harbour

23rd: Cruise Ship Norwegian Star in Lerwick Harbour

23rd: Centre for Nordic Studies – Talk: ‘Archipelago Poems and Paintings: Islands, Nations, Position and Power’ by Alan Riach, in NAFC Marine Centre

26th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

29th: Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall

OCTOBER 2013

4th: Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

5th: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Uyea, Northmavine, book at Tourist Office

5th: Farmers’ Market in Tingwall Public Hall, 10am-2pm

5th: Yell Show Prizegiving & Trophy Presentations in Mid Yell Hall

7th to 13th: Shetland Wool Week

8th: Centre for Nordic Studies – Talk: ‘Ecclesiastical architecture in early medieval Scotland: Orkney and Shetland in context’ by Sally Foster, in NAFC Marine Centre

9th: Unst Heritage Centre courses – Knit a cockleshell scarf (experienced); Introduction to designing fine lace scarf (very experienced); bookings/info 01957 755244; info@unstheritage.com

10th to 14th: Shetland Fiddle and Accordion Festival

20th: Shetland Field Studies Group Guided Walk – Mangaster to Nibon, book at Tourist Office

27th: Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

27th: Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall

NOVEMBER  2013

2nd: Farmers’ Market in Tingwall Public Hall, 10am-2pm

DECEMBER 2013

1st: Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

7th: Farmers’ Market in Tingwall Public Hall, 10am-2pm

===================================================

Every care is taken in the compilation of this list. If you are aware of any errors or need details amended or added, please contact our office or send an email to info@shetland-times.co.uk

These details are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Check with organisers if unsure.

Useful numbers:

Islesburgh Community Centre – 01595 745100; Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) – 01595 694688; Shetland Arts – 01595 743843; Shetland Box Office – (www.shetlandboxoffice.org) or 01595 745555; Shetland Museum & Archives – 01595 695057.

MAY 2013

all month (until 9th June): Bonhoga Gallery Main Exhibition: ‘Four Journeys from Blue’ by Ria Moncrieff, Rachel Ross Smith, Diane Garrick and Gail Harvey – winners of Shetland Open 2012; Lower Gallery: Bairns’ Open Drawing Awards 2013; Craft Cabinet: UK Craft

until 30th June: Da Gadderie Exhibition (at Shetland Museum) – ‘Of Time and Water’ by Peter Davis

THURSDAY 23rd

to 25th: Shetland Country Music Club presents Shawn Cuddy in Garrison Theatre, 23rd, 7.30pm; in Brae Hall, 24th, 9pm; in Lerwick British Legion, 25th at 9pm, tickets Shetland Box office

Alzheimer Scotland – Dementia Café open in Lerwick Baptist Church, Quoys, 10am-12noon

Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

Reawick & District Boating Club – AGM in Skeld Sail Laft at 7.30pm

Baltasound JH School – International Family Evening

Shetland Museum – Talk: “‘Right will conquer might, my boys!’ The Hoswick Whale Case 1888-1890” by Brian Smith in the Museum at 7.30pm

FRIDAY 24th

& 31st: Mareel Café Bar – Mixology@Mareel, 9pm-1am

Royal British Legion, Lerwick – Live Music with Overdrive from 9.30pm

Mid Brae Inn – Bubblerock Disco from 9.30pm

SATURDAY 25th

CANCELLED – Coffee Morning & Indoor Car Boot Sale + Car Wash at Walls Hall, 10am-12.30pm, in aid of Walls Swimming Pool Association

Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation – Meeting of SSMO Licence Holders in NAFC Marine Centre at 10am

Multiple Sclerosis Society (Shetland Branch) – AGM in Lerwick Town Hall at 11am

Sumburgh Airport Memorial Opening, 11.30am

Mid Brae Inn – BGD Efternoon Karaoke, 2.30-6pm

Bigton Hall – Supper Night, 5-8pm

Ollaberry Hall – Fish & Chip Night, 5-8pm, followed by Games Night

Shetland Arts presents Vamm in Fetlar Hall, 7.30pm, tickets £12 / £10 Shetland Box Office

Renemal Productions/Shetland Arts – Wind Up Projectiles’ EP Launch in Mareel, 8pm, £8

Whitedale Snooker Club – Quiz Night, 8 for 8.30pm

Gulberwick Hall – Live Music with Quicksilver + The Dirty Lemons from 9pm, over 18s only, tickets £10 from High Level Music or at door

Royal British Legion, Scalloway – Disco from 9pm

Burravoe Hall – ‘Crazy’ Quiz, in aid of Burravoe & District Development Group

Cunningsburgh Hall – Games Night, 8pm

St Magnus Bay Hotel – GTL Disco

SUNDAY 26th

Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 12noon-2pm

Sellafirth Hall, Yell – Yell Arts Group Exhibition + Craft Stalls, Teas etc, 12noon-4pm

Shetland Bereavement Support Services – Car Boot + Soup & Sweet at Aith Hall, 12noon-4pm

North Mainland Gardening Club – Plant Sale & Sunday Teas in Voe Hall, 2-5pm, proceeds to Voe Show Tent Fund

CANCELLED – Sound Community Association – Table Top Sale, Teas & Homebakes, 2-4pm

Tingwall Hall – Sunday Teas, Stalls etc, 2-5pm, in aid of Mary’s Meals

Whiteness & Weisdale Hall – Teas + Flowers, Plants etc, 2.30-5pm

Cunningsburgh Hall – Car Boot Sale + Sunday Teas, 2.30-5.30pm, in aid of hall funds

Ebenezer Hall – Family Service & Buffet Tea, 5.30pm

Shetland Arts presents Vamm in Mareel, 7pm, tickets £16

Royal British Legion, Scalloway Branch – AGM at 8pm

MONDAY 27th

Alzheimer Scotland – Football/Sports Reminiscence Group meet in Lighthouse Suite, Lerwick Hotel, 3-5pm; Carers’ Group meet in Lerwick Hotel, 3-5pm

TUESDAY 28th

Cruise Ship Fram in Lerwick Harbour

SSE Power Distribution – Public Exhibition on Proposed Replacement Power Station in Shetland Museum and Archives, 3-7.30pm

Shetland Construction Training Group – AGM at Train Shetland, Gremista at 6pm

Unst Angling Club Sea Competition, 6-9pm

Bridge End Hall – AGM in the hall at 7pm

Shetland Inter-Faith – ‘A Marriage of East and West?’ by Hilde & Pete Bardell in Room 10, Islesburgh Community Centre

Sandwick Carnegie Hall – Public Meeting in the hall at 8pm

WEDNESDAY 29th

Alistair Carmichael MP – Constituency Surgery in Parliamentary Office, 171 Commercial Street, 1-2pm

Spring Fling Concert in Lerwick Town Hall, 6-8.30pm

Scalloway Youth Centre Management Committee – AGM in the Youth Centre at 7.30pm

THURSDAY 30th

Cruise Ships Sea Explorer/Corinthia and Braemar in Lerwick Harbour

Alzheimer Scotland/Shetland Arts – Knitting for Dementia Awareness in Mareel Upper Café Bar, 2-4.30pm

Shetland Branch Scottish Pensions Association – Meeting in Masonic Hall Function Room, 2.30pm

Relationship Scotland Couple Counselling Shetland – AGM in Conference Room, Market House at 5.30pm

NSHCA – AGM in Staney Hill Hall at 7pm

FRIDAY 31st

Shetland Livestock Marketing Group (SLMG) – AGM in Shetland Rural Centre, Staneyhill, at 7.30pm, speaker: Mr Bob Yuill, SAOS

Haroldswick Hall – Auction Sale

United Worship & Prayer for Shetland in Lerwick Methodist Church at 7.30pm

Callum Younger Reach Fund – Midsummer Carnival Public Meeting for floats, foot collectors & stewards in Shetland Museum at 7pm

REGULAR EVENTS:

all month: Films and events at Mareel (www.shetlandboxoffice.org | www.mareel.org)

all month: Shetland Craft Trail – various Shetland Arts & Crafts members open to visitors (http://shetlandartsandcrafts.co.uk)

all month: Shetland Museum & Archives events and activities (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

all month: Bonhoga Gallery Touring Art Exhibitions at Yell Leisure Centre; Unst Leisure Centre; Sumburgh Airport; Whalsay Leisure Centre; Peerie Shop Café

all month: Da Gadderie (at Shetland Museum) Art Exhibitions (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

until end year: Shetland Museum exhibiting ‘Recent Acquisitions’ in the galleries

daily (except Thu): Lea Gardens at Tresta open 2-5pm, or by appointment (01595 810454)

Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat: CLAN Cancer Support Centre – Drop-In at 39 Commercial Road (access from St Magnus St), Mon, Thu, Fri 10am-4pm; Sat 10am-1pm (01595 720320)

2nd Mon of month: Burra History Group meet in Easthouse at 7.30pm (www.burrahistory.info)

Mon: Drop-In Craft Day at Centre for Creative Industries, Sellafirth, Yell, 10am-12.30pm

Mon: Royal British Legion, Lerwick – Bingo, 8pm

Tue, Thu & Sat: Changing Arts Exhibitions at Vaila Fine Art, open 11am-5pm

Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun: The Cabin Museum, Vidlin open 1-5pm

Tues to Sat (until 13/11): Shetland Textile Working Museum open at Bod of Gremista, 12noon-4pm, Exhibition: ‘from the Croft… to the Palace’

1st Tue of month (not Jan or Aug): CLAN Shetland Support Group meet in CLAN Support Centre, 39 Commercial Road (access from St Magnus St), at 7pm (01595 720320)

Tue: Shetland Gone to Pieces Quilters meet in Islesburgh Community Centre, 6-9pm

Tue: Douglas Arms – Traditional Music Session

2nd Wed of month: Forget-Me-Not Self Help Group meet in Islesburgh Community Centre, 6.30-8.30pm

Wed & (occasional) Thu: Traditional Music Sessions in Lounge Bar, Lerwick

Wed: Cycharters Boat Trips to Foula (01595 810887/ 07887 945480)

Wed: Tai Chi Chuan (Dynamic Balance Boxing) in Room 12, Islesburgh Community Centre, 6.15pm

Wed: Royal British Legion, Lerwick – 500 cards, 8pm

Thu & Sat: ‘Yell for Cancer Support’ Shop open at Aywick, 1-5pm

last Thu of month: Alzheimer Scotland/Shetland Arts – ‘Knitting for Dementia Awareness’ drop-in knitting group in Mareel Café Bar, 2-4.30pm

Thu: Sewing Group meets at Centre for Creative Industries, Sellafirth, Yell, 6.30pm

Thu (until 12/9): Yoga in Islesburgh Community Centre, 7.15-8.45pm

Thu: South Mainland Community History Group meet in Quendale Mill, 7.30pm (www.quendalemill.co.uk)

Thu: Recreational Skating at Clickimin, 8-9pm, over 18s, £4

Fri & Sat: Posers Nightclub open in Grand Hotel

Fri: Royal British Legion, Lerwick – Bingo, 7.30pm

Fri: Cullivoe Hall – Club Room open from 8pm

last Sat of month (exc. Jul & Dec): Shetland Scrapbookers meet in Methodist Schoolroom, 10am-1pm

Sat: Good as New Shop in Brae Youth Centre open 2-4pm

Sat: Fetlar Hall – Social from 9pm

Sat: Douglas Arms – Karaoke

Sat: Burravoe (Peerie) Hall open from 8.30pm

3rd Sun of month: CLAN North Support Group meets in North Haven Care Centre at 2.30pm

Sun, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat: Noss National Nature Reserve open (info line 0800 107 7818)

daily (until 13th Oct): Quendale Water Mill open 10am-5pm

daily (until 30th Sept): Tangwick Haa Museum open 11am-5pm

daily: Hoswick Visitor Centre, Sandwick open

daily: Unst Heritage Centre open (www.unstheritage.com)

daily: Unst Boat Haven open (www.unstheritage.com)

daily: Fetlar Interpretive Centre open (www.fetlar.com)

daily: Old Haa, Burravoe open

daily: Crofthouse Museum, Dunrossness open (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

daily: Scalloway Museum open (Mon-Sat 11am-4pm; Sun 2-4pm) (www.scallowaymuseum.org)

daily: Seabirds-and-Seals Boat Trips (07595 540224 | www.seabirds-and-seals.com)

daily: Thule Charters Boat Trips (07796 912237 or 07876 522292 | www.thule-charters.co.uk)

daily: Shetland Sea Charters Boat Trips (01595 692577 or 07759 668969)

various: Whalsay History Group – Heritage Centre open (www.whalsayhistorygroup-phase2.co.uk)

various: Bressay Heritage Centre open (www.bressay-history-group.org)

various: Bod of Gremista and Shetland Textile Working Museum open (http://shetlandtextilemuseum.wordpress.com)

various: Up-Helly-A’ Exhibition open in Galley Shed, St Sunniva Street

various: Shetland Small Group Tours (01595 692080 | www.shetlandtours.co.uk)

various: Island Trails Tours (07880 950228 | www.island-trails.co.uk)

various: Shetland Walking & Wildlife Tours (07720 169191 | www.shetlandwalkingandwildlife.co.uk)

various: Unseen Shetland Tours (07554 344914 | www.unseenshetland.com)

various: Shetland Geotours Tours (01595 859218 | www.shetlandgeotours.com)

various: Shetland Nature Tours (01957 710000 | www.shetlandnature.net)

various: Old Scatness Broch & Iron Age Village open (01950 461869 | www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/scatness)

various: RSPB events and activities (01950 460800 | www.rspb.org.uk/reserves)

various: Mousa Boat Trips (07901 872339 | www.mousa.co.uk)

various: St Magnus Bay Charters Boat Trips (07799 610025 or 01595 810378 | www.stmagnusbay.shetland.co.uk)

various: Shetland Marine Charters Boat Trips (01806 522429 or 07880 950246 | www.shetlandmarinecharters.com)

various: Sailing Trips on the Swan (01595 695193 | www.swantrust.com)

various: Sailing Trips on Dim Riv longship

===================================================

Every care is taken in the compilation of this list. If you are aware of any errors or need details amended or added, please contact our office or send an email to info@shetland-times.co.uk

1600 Zetec petrol, MoT Jan 14, 14,000 miles, one owner from new, very good condition. £6,500 o.n.o.

Tel. 01595 695865 or mobile 07810 013000.…

Health Care Support Worker (Ref: D23/ST)

Lerwick Health Centre – Fixed term for 12 months

Band 3 – Salary Range £16,271- £19,268 per annum (pro rata)

Part Time – 22.5 hours per week

If you don’t have access to the internet or would prefer to receive a job pack by post, please contact the Human Resources Department, Brevik House, South Road, Lerwick, Shetland or telephone: (01595) 743067 (24 hour answerphone), quoting the appropriate reference number.  All applications must be on our standard application form – CVs will not be accepted.

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

JOIN US AT MAREEL

An exciting opportunity to be involved in an innovative and entrepreneurial creative organisation; Shetland Arts based in Mareel.

EVENTS ASSISTANT

(Front of House)£7.50 per hour

You will work as part of the Box Office and Customer Service team to deliver a professional, customer focused service representing Shetland Arts in Mareel, the Garrison Theatre, Bonhoga Gallery and at external events.

CLEANER

£7.15 per hour inclusive of Islands Allowance

Cleaner required for Mareel & the Garrison Theatre, to work as and when required. Immediate start preferable. Duties will include: vacuuming, mopping floors and cleaning toilets.

APPLY

Application by email only to:jobs@shetlandarts.org Deadline: Mon 3 June 2013 @ 10am For more information & downloads: www.shetlandarts.org/opportunities

2010, silver/blue 2.0 TDi, 59 plate, FSH, 6-speed manual, 1st MoT, recent new tyres, 27,000 miles, one owner, in immaculate condition inside and out.

Tel. 07818 876892.…

ORKNEY & SHETLAND VALUATION JOINT BOARD, 20 Commercial Road, Lerwick, ZE1 0LX

ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

(Job Share)

Salary £19,209 to £20,001 inclusive of Distant Island Allowance (pro rata)

An Administration Assistant is required to support the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer in the compilation of the Electoral Register, Valuation Roll and Council Tax List.  Experience in the use of computer systems and Microsoft Office is essential. Applicants should also be accustomed to dealing with the public as well as undertaking general administrative and reception duties.

The job share pattern is structured on a five days per fortnight basis. Hours of work are 37 hours per fortnight.

For an application form or further details, please contact Ian Leslie, tel. 01595 745705 or email ian.leslie@shetland.gov.uk.

Closing date for applications is: 5pm on Tuesday, 4th June 2013.

A double helping of good news has brought cheer to two rural communities thanks to separate business deals involving the long-running crab factory in Mid Yell.

Shellfish operation Blueshell Mussels is poised to relocate the processing outfit to the Ronas fish factory in Northmavine.

The news follows this week’s announcement by Meridian Salmon Group that it will breathe new life into the North Isles plant, which has been run by the Shetland Norse Preserving Company since the 1960s.

Eight new jobs will be created in Yell when Meridian expands its operation into the building.

A new business, Shetland Crab Ltd, is meanwhile set to emerge from the deal and operate in Heylor as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blueshell.

The former Ronas Fish Factory is to re-open as a new processing unit. Photo: Dave Donaldson

Significantly, most of the “ experienced” and “highly-skilled” workers at the old Shetland Norse Preserving Company (SNPC) have secured their jobs and will work from the new plant.

Blueshell’s managing director, Michael Laurenson, said he was delighted a way had been found to protect the crab business and that Shetland’s crab-processing sector had been safeguarded.

His company aims to produce a “wider portfolio” of shellfish products, all of which will be recognised by the Marine Stewardship Council as having been caught using sustainable practices.

“We will be creating a number of efficiencies to develop the business – the most significant of which is moving to smaller, yet more efficient premises, at Heylor.

“The premises are currently being refurbished to a very high standard to allow high-care crab processing to meet the stringent quality stand­ards expected by our customers.

“It was vital to us that SNPC’s very experienced and highly-skilled crab processing staff moved to the new facility, so we are delighted that the majority of the current workforce will re-locate to the new premises.

“We are confident that we can develop the business through Blue­shell’s existing customer base by providing a wider portfolio of MSC accredited shellfish products.”

On Monday it emerged Meridian plans to fit out the Yell factory, which lies close to its existing base, with “ultra modern” and “highly-efficient equipment”, in time for a September opening.

North Isles councillor Robert Hen­der­son welcomed the news.

“Any job in the outlying communities, especially a place like Yell, is always welcome,” he said.

The good news marks a positive turn of events for Yell in recent weeks.

Earlier this month it emerged the island would be granted a grid connection by SSE which will pave the way for a community-owned windfarm gen-erating up to £1.3 million of electricity every year.

Mr Henderson added: “It’s basically too good to be true. We just hope that it continues. It is two very important plus stories for the outlying areas of Shetland.”

SNPC dates back to 1968 when it was established by businessman Henry Krantz, who sought to leave a legacy to the isles in light of the Shetland Bus war-time operation.

He wanted to provide a livelihood to as many local people as he could.

Anders Offerdal of SNPC said: “When Michael Laurenson approached the owners over a year ago, Blueshell Mussels was considered a tentative good fit as a potential pur­chaser.

“Blueshell already enjoys a good rep­utation, gained over 15 years of oper­ation, for fairness, consistency, strong local employ­ment values and with a proven track-record in shellfish catching, growing and processing. Michael also had a passion and a vision for the future of the industry.”

Mr Laurenson added: “We look forward to building on the legacy and foresight of Henry Krantz and the SNPC crab processing business, where product is value-added in Shet­land, and this allows the maximum returns possible to remain within the wider local economy.”

More in today’s Shetland Times.

Shetland should become a European “island of culture” to unite the population and showcase its assets.

That is the vision of Busta House Hotel proprietor Veronica Rocks, who spoke about the idea at Shetland Museum and Archives last night.

The possibility of Shetland being highlighted in this way stemmmed from the concept of cities being named capitals of culture, and Mrs Rocks said Shetland, with so much to offer and a “never-ending feast” of events, was already “halfway there”.

At present, she said, the isles were in a period of uncertainty, poised somewhere between hope and fear – hope from oil and gas developments, and fear with council cutbacks.

But Shetland has so much going for it, she said, with the biggest oil terminal in Europe on the doorstep and 2013 seeing the biggest growth ever in the oil and gas industries.

In a different area, she said that Shetland had recently been named as the European Community of Sport, but “we didn’t know” about it as not enough fanfare had been made. Events such as the island games already gave Shetland a platform to be an island of culture, but all aspects of culture would have to be brought together.

And the concept would need a “hook”, such as inviting Olympic medallists Chris Hoy and Andy Murray as ambassadors to Shetland. “They should come up here”, Mrs Rocks said. “That’s their job.” She named other ambassadors as naturalist Simon King, novelist Ann Cleeves and film critic Mark Kermode, and mentioned the more quirky areas in which Shetland had benefited recently. 

She said 3 Mobile, which made the advert with the dancing pony, could be approached for sponsorship of the island of culture idea and ideas such as the pony in the Shetland jumper should be tacked onto a campaign.

But it was important, indeed vital, that any idea of a campaign for an island of culture should come from the grass roots, and cited Living Lerwick, as a good example. This has united the business people of the town centre to promote the area, with considerable success.

Mrs Rocks was speaking at the occasion of a return visit to Shetland of Dr Michael Kelly, the man behind the Glasgow’s Miles Better campaign.

His slogan had been vital in that campaign and Mrs Rocks had devised her own, as a suggestion: <i>Shetland’s For Sharing</i> – referring to the links to be made within the isles and externally.

The Shetland’s for Sharing logo suggested by Veronica Rocks

The year of culture Glasgow had enjoyed had created civic pride and vastly improved Glasgow’s image, Dr Kelly said. The same could happen in Shetland, but the initiative must come from the private sector and the community.

Joe Rocks of the Busta House Hotel said that council imposition had often been the “death knell” of projects, and councillor Alastair Cooper said that this had been the biggest failure of the council over the last 30 years.

However Dr Kelly said the council, with its expertise, could provide leadership for a project, and he had already been impressed with Shetland’s private sector on his previous visit. He also remarked on the fact that Sullom Voe Terminal had “wanted to be involved in a community campaign”.

Leadership and funding were vital for a campaign, but it must be based on facts, itemising Shetland’s selling points – these could be the “happiness index”, in which the isles fared well, and areas such as the amount of leisure or life expectancy.

Long-term, he said, in a idea that has often been aired by the council, the isles need more people of working age. This number is at present “dangerously low”, and the isles need help in this area from the Scottish and UK governments to create infrastructure, including housing.

It is a “big jump” from civic pride to sustainable population growth, he said, but it could be achieved.

Interim director of community care Sally Shaw is to leave her joint post with the SIC and NHS Shetland in just over a month’s time.

Sally Shaw

A statement from SIC chief executive Mark Boden and NHS Shetland chief executive Ralph Roberts said Ms Shaw had “been offered a new post which she expects to take up over the summer”.

NHS Shetland and SIC were working on the assumption that, with annual leave, she would be leaving her current post around the end of June/early July.

Mr Boden and Mr Roberts stated: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sally for all the work she has put in over her time in Shetland, and we want to wish her well in her new post.

“We recognise this is a very busy time for both NHS Shetland and Shetland Islands Council’s community care services, and we are actively reviewing the options to provide leadership and management to these services.”

Among other issues Ms Shaw was involved in the decision to close the Freefield Centre lunch club in Lerwick. Her description of it as a “waitress service” came in for much criticism, including a strongly-worded letter from Unison representative Brian Smith.