Council house tenants have reacted angrily to the prospect of a 10 per cent rent rise if the government does not write off the SIC’s £40 million housing debt.

Nearly 300 householders completed a Shetland Tenants’ Forum survey relating to the housing debt. The overwhelming majority did not see why they should pay for the failed promises of national politicians to write off the debt, which was chalked up building houses during the 1970s oil boom.

The UK government’s coffers have swelled to the tune of over £300 billion thanks to North Sea oil and gas. In her article in this week’s Shetland Times, independent Highlands and Islands list MSP Jean Urquhart describes it as “nothing short of a scandal” that none of the money has “found its way to cancelling the debt incurred by Shetland to facilitate the industry in the first place”.

This newspaper’s petition calling for government to write off the debt is gaining momentum, with more than 1,300 signatures (1,097 online and over 200 coupons) now gathered.

It is nearly six months since an SIC delegation visited Downing Street to plead its case. Three-way talks between Westminster, Holyrood and Lerwick Town Hall were promised but have yet to materialise, much to the council’s frustration.

Tenants’ forum worker Joann Johnson thanked everyone who had taken the time to fill out this month’s survey. She said the comments received “varied because some knew about the debt and some didn’t”.

Of those who responded, 63 per cent were aware of how the debt was incurred. Some wrongly thought it related to rent arrears, while others linked it to years of financial mismanagement by the local authority.

But virtually every respondent said they did not see why today’s 1,800 tenants should suffer because successive governments failed to keep their word.

Some said rents – among the highest for social housing anywhere in Scotland – had risen by more than a quarter since 2009 while their salaries were frozen.

Tenants were asked who they felt was responsible for paying the debt. Of 232 to answer that question, the majority (150) said it should be the UK government, while 46 said the Scottish government and 36 the SIC or tenants. A few suggested BP should be asked to help pay a portion given many of the homes were built for its workers.

Two weeks ago Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael said the SNP government was still receiving money to service the debt but “choosing to spend it elsewhere’. He said First Minister Alex Salmond should not think of coming to Shetland “empty handed” for next month’s cabinet meeting.

Jean Urquhart describes debt as ‘nothing short of a scandal’.

Ms Urquhart hit back yesterday, saying Mr Carmichael and chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander had yet to take “visible action” to help get the debt dropped.

She pointed out that Mr Alexander had vocally campaigned for Highland Council’s housing debt to be written off before joining the coalition in 2010.

But she recognised SIC convener Malcolm Bell’s call for both governments to “play their part in righting this historic wrong”.

Many local authorities in Scotland are burdened with housing debt, albeit not built up in the same fashion. However, at £22,958 for every council house, Shetland’s is the highest, with Midlothian the second highest at £20,470 and Falkirk lowest with just £4,428 per house. 

You can sign the Shetland Times’ petition here.

TENANTS’ VIEWS:

“The government should have sorted it out years ago. After all they have got the profit from the oil!”

“As an OAP the thought that my rent could increase by at least 10% is frightening. What if I can’t pay it?”

“BP wanted the houses. They or the government should pay it.”

“I am already squeezed to the point where all my pennies are prisoners.”

“Why oh why do the tenants have to suffer?”

Ryder Architects’ outline of where the new AHS and hostel will go.

The SIC has kicked off a three-month consultation on plans for the new Anderson High School.

Design team Ryder Architects has lodged papers with the local planning department pinpointing the location of the four-storey 1,180-pupil secondary school building.

It is to go on a 21-hectare site slightly to the north-west of the Clickimin. Shetland Recreational Trust’s leisure centre is to get a new gym, fitness suite and changing rooms as part of the development.

An additional support needs department and a three-tier hostel accommodating up to 100 pupils, next to the rugby pitch, also form part of the £36 million project. New access roads and a roundabout also form part of the plans.

The formal consultation will run for 12 weeks, with letters being sent to all of the area’s residents. A public presentation will happen in the “near future”, a council spokeswoman said, though a date has not been set as yet.

Children’s services director Helen Budge last month estimated that the Clickimin extension, which will avert the need for a more costly new PE department, will cost roughly £1.5 million from within the overall budget.

SRT has agreed in principle to sell the land housing its campsite to make way for the school. Talks with the SIC are continuing on the fine detail.

Two-thirds of the project’s funding is coming from the Scottish Government, whose quick-fire timetable envisages construction work beginning in March 2014.

Should that happen it will finally lay to rest a saga which has rumbled on for quarter of a century, as successive councils chopped and changed their minds about the project at a cost of more than £5 million.

Education and families committee chairwoman Vaila Wishart said it was a “significant and welcome step” towards completion of the new AHS and hostel for pupils. “I’d encourage everyone to view the plans, and we’d obviously welcome any feedback.”

You can read the papers in full here.

I was very interested to read in last week’s Shetland Times that West Side councillor, or should I say political leader, Gary Robinson’s expenses claim of £11,324 is equal to more than an eighth of the total expenses of all 22 councillors. 

This figure is also not far from the average spend on education per secondary school pupil of £12,826. The council are looking for savings in secondary education by closing junior high schools; we hope we will see a similar saving in his expenses claim next year.

Stephanie Goudie

Leabrek, Walls

Control of fisheries management should be wrestled away from EU bureaucrats and put in the hands of local fishermen, MSP Tavish Scott has argued.

He said the fine words and soaring rhetoric of Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform must be turned into real local management.

Speaking before fisheries minister Richard Lochhead made a statement on regionalisation of the CFP today Mr Scott said: “Fish stocks are recovering. Cod is plentiful in the North Sea and other species are in better health based on the independent science of the Marine Centre in Shetland and other reputable sources.

“Fisheries policy must follow these encouraging signs. Instead of the disastrous centralised Brussels controlled CFP there is a great opportunity to create real local fisheries management around the coast. Management that involves local fishermen and scientists talking real action to help both stocks and the financial viability of fishing vessels and their crews.

“Today in Parliament I want to ensure that instead of yet more rhetoric we understand what our government is actually going to do for the industry and fish stocks.

“With real power of policy and practical management in the hands of the Scottish government the days of blaming everyone else are over. It is time to act decisively on behalf of the industry.”

Environmental health experts have confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in freshwater lochs in Northmavine.

SEPA today verified that samples showed the water at Lochend was contaminated with algal growth. The substance poses human health risks and has been known to kill animals.

It can cause skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints if humans come into contact with the scum. The substance, which looks like blue-green paint, either forms on the water or collects on the shoreline.

As a precautionary measure, notices are being posted in local shops and next to the lochs in question warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided.

SIC environmental health officer Patti Dinsdale said adjacent landowners and the local anglers’ association had been informed, along with NHS Shetland and SEPA. At this stage there is no adverse effect on water supplies.

An algal bloom outbreak around a decade ago resulted in the deaths of thousands of farmed salmon in waters off the west coast of Shetland. Livestock and dogs have died as a result of drinking water contaminated with algae.

“At high levels it can actually kill animals and pets,” Mrs Dinsdale said. “It can cause skin irritation if you swim in the loch. A lot of it is alongside a croft. They’re aware as well and won’t graze their animals in the area.

“These types of things exist in water all over the place, and they bloom if they have the right condition. They will bloom, move to the surface, photosynthesise and use up the nutrients, and end up coming into large numbers that can cause toxic events.”

Its toxicity can fluctuate, appearing one day then being dispersed by the wind, then accumulating again at any time.  

Mrs Dinsdale appealed for people to keep a lookout for occurrences of blue-green algae in other lochs.

Lerwick’s first continental market was in full swing shortly after the stalls were set up under the Fort this morning, with customers browsing through colourful goods from far-flung places.

Market traders from all over the world showed their wares, with organiser Ali Yaich saying it was bringing “something different” to Shetland. Thailand carvings, dream catchers from Mexico, Italian biscuits, Moroccan and Italian leather handbags and Greek and Turkish sweets were all on sale, with customers buying briskly.

Mr Yaich said: “There are 20 nationalities from all over the world here, and more are coming tomorrow. They couldn’t all get on the ferry last night.” Tomorrow’s arrivals will include plants from Holland, Finnish crafts, German food and Kenyan carvings.

Food is a big part of any market, and besides olives and feta cheese this one had a stall selling exotics such as kangaroo and zebra burgers. The smells were enticing and the colours on neighbouring stalls brilliant, with green and orange fudge, Turkish delight in all hues, some coated in pistachio, and nuts coated in honey or chilli. “They’re beautiful, delicious, gorgeous”, said stall-holder Are Rahim, who is Kurdish and based in Manchester.

The Italian stall had nougat cakes in rainbow hues and delightful biscuits, some like tiny crescents, others like mini sausage rolls. Giovanni Zampieri, who is based in London and travels to markets throughout the UK said: “We go travelling to give people a taste of Italy, sometimes we achieve it.”

Giovanni Zampieri on the Italian sweet stall. Photo: Dave Donaldson

More Italian goods were on offer with leather handbags from £10 up to £80, with a one-off of red snakeskin and red and black feathers selling for £20. North African stall-holder Omar Samy travels to markets all over Scotland, and said: “I’m sure people will like this, it’s good stuff.”

First-time visitor Ravi Singh, who has a shop in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, was selling colourful fleeces which attracted a lot of attention, as did the Thai stall of Emma Thomson and Sanan Kalawong. The couple live in Thailand and everything on the stall, from cotton bags to incense, is made there. Very special are the buffalo-horn carved items, made by a village family which the couple support.

Ronald Olerte from Peru was showing colourful knitwear, jewellery and music, sourced from North and South America, and, in complete contrast, Tayce Lee was selling the “Amaze” brush for getting bobbles from knitwear.

Customers were clearly enjoying the market, which is in Shetland for a week. North Mainland shopper Ann Cairns said: “It would be great if we could have this all the time, other places have markets on Saturday and Sunday, it wouldn’t need to be continental stuff.” It would be especially good for cruise passengers, she said.

Shopper Damian Ristori said: “It’s a lovely thing to have here, hopefully they’ll do well and come back.”

Whalsay drew first blood in the Manson Cup semi-final first-leg matches on Monday evening, winning 2-0 over Thistle at home, while Celtic left Strom Park with what could be a vital away point against Whitedale.

Meanwhile in Friday’s first match in this season’s G&S Flooring Premier League, champions Spurs gained all three points against Celtic.

Manson Cup
(semi-finals, first legs)

Whitedale 3, Celtic 3
The Wastsiders scored through Duncan Anderson and a Jamie Wilson double.
James Aitken hit two though for the Hoops along with a Roy Wood goal.

Whalsay 2, Thistle 0
James Shearer and Martyn Stevenson got the goals that give the men from the
Bonnie Isle a big advantage in the tie.

G&S Flooring
Premier League

Celtic 1, Spurs 3
A Jordan Web (penalty), Shane Jamieson and Connel Gresham got the champions off
to a winning start in the league this year. Robert Smith got the Hoops’ consolation.

Petrofac managers have moved to calm the situation at the Total Gas Plant following a dispute about accommodation at the Sella Ness facility erupted today.

Around 150 engineers working on the  project walked off site after seeking parity with their supervisors over their accommodation in the isles.

The GMB union claims Petrofac construction engineers walked out at 11.30am. It follows calls by the workers for equal treatment to supervising staff, who receive £50 a night accommodation allowance for room-sharing, according to the GMB. Lower-grade workers do not receive the same allowance.

The union says the workers who made the request work seven days a week for 21 out of every 28 days from 7am to 5pm on the new on-shore gas terminal on Total’s behalf. It claims that, when the request was denied, the engineers agreed to work a “normal week” from Monday to Friday. They were asked to leave the site as a result.

However, the situation softened this afternoon when workers agreed to return to work after learning that representatives from the GMB and Unite unions would head north this week to try to find a resolution and Petrofac said it was keen to resolve “any workplace issues”.

A new accommodation barge Kalmar will arrive in Lerwick, under charter to Petrofac, and is expected to berth at Albert Dock, providing accommodation for up to 22o workers.

A Petrofac spokesman said: “Petrofac is committed to running a successful project in Shetland whilst ensuring that suitable accommodation is available for our workforce and doesn’t place undue strain on the local infrastructure.

“Petrofac is very keen that all parties continue to work together effectively, including to resolve any workplace issues that may arise.”

A sailor who is single-handedly circumnavigating the UK and Ireland has made his latest stop in Lerwick.

Alan Rankin is making the 2,300-mile voyage to raise money for various charities.

He arrived in Lerwick on yesterday after leaving Ullapool on Saturday and sailing north around Muckle Flugga. At 6pm today he will be doing a 10km run around the town when members of Shetland Athletics Club will be joining him.

Alan Rankin with Muckle Flugga behind him.

The runners will be setting off from Victoria Pier and heading via the Knab, Sound, Cunningham Way, Ladies Drive, Holmsgarth, Hays Dock and back to Victoria Pier.

He is using the run as part of the fund-raising campaign and will also be meeting Sandra Laurenson and the Lerwick Port Authority to collect a donation from the board.

As well as the fund-raising element Alan’s trip has an environmental theme. His trimaran sailing yacht has been fitted with a wind turbine and solar panels to generate electrical energy to supply power required for the navigation instruments, communication radios, satellite phone, automatic steering gear, navigation and on board lights.

He said. “My ambition is not just to sail around the UK and Ireland but in doing so leave little or no trace or impact of my voyage. Unfortunately many use the sea as a ‘tip’ and what is out of sight is out of mind.

“I would like to think my low carbon, low impact ambition is a positive statement to those who enjoy and make a living from the sea. I am passionate about how look after our seas and aim to complete the voyage with not one scrap being thrown overboard and having used only renewable energy. I have also based my food provisioning around suppliers who have strong sustainability values.”

After leaving Lerwick Alan’s next stop will be Blyth. For more on the charities Alan is supporting visit: www.soloroundbritain.com

Follow his progress on Twitter @soloroundbrit

After a marathon debate in the Town Hall on Wednesday, councillors decided by a significant majority to throw out a recommendation to form a ‘shadow’ health and social care partnership board between the SIC and NHS.

As reported in last week’s Shetland Times, several councillors had already expressed serious concerns about the proposal, highlighting the threat to democratic accountability and the risks of making the change before the relevant legislation is discussed by the Scottish parliament.

The intention was to form a shadow committee, comprising seven councillors and seven members of the health board. This would replace both the social services committee and the community health and social care partnership committee.

The question and answer session between councillors and the director of corporate services Christine Ferguson over the matter was lengthy, and at times seemed to raise more queries than it resolved. Though Jonathan Wills later praised Mrs Ferguson for her “comprehensible” responses, there were more than a few baffled faces around the chamber as she attempted to clarify some of the many points of uncertainty.

Those concerns previously rehearsed in this paper were aired again at the meeting, including the “democracy deficit”, in Dr Wills’ words, and the potential incompatibility of the two organisations. Billy Fox foresaw a potential “bunfight” between the council and NHS over the responsibility for any failures experienced under the new committee, and several members were worried about pre-empting the legislation, which will not be enacted until 1st April 2015.

Gary Robinson argued that the recommendation should be passed. “I recognise that there are concerns among members” he said. “There is a perception that we’re moving too fast.”

However, he went on, “It’s important to recognise that nothing we’re looking at today can’t be changed … I think we have an opportunity to get on with this and hopefully influence the legislation”. The partnership may even “help to bring the health board kicking and screaming into a more democratic place than it is today” he said.

North Isles member Gary Cleaver introduced an amendment, however, proposing that “we refrain from setting up a shadow board”, and also that housing issues be removed from the plan to continue integrating health and social care services.

“Nobody could sensibly say that integrating health care and social care is not a good idea”, he said. But he could not accept the proposal in its current form.

After a debate lasting almost two hours, councillors voted 10–6 in favour of Mr Cleaver’s amendment.

Mareel’s future as a cinema and music venue is safe after the SIC agreed to purchase a 99-year “long lease” on the building for £1.1 million.

Councillors unanimously agreed the package following a private meeting lasting more than an hour on Wednesday afternoon. It follows months of behind-the-scenes talks and no little frustration, and takes the council’s contribution to the project up to £7.25 million since 2006.

In effect, the council has leased the building from Shetland Arts for a year shy of a century, then leased it straight back to the arts agency. Shetland Arts will remain responsible for the building’s maintenance.

Mareel is up for an architectural award on the same day SIC councillors agreed new funding to safeguarded its future.

SIC members had previously agreed a “bridging facility” of up to £600,000 to protect its investment in Mareel. That rescued Shetland Arts from a perilous situation after the building opened 18 months late and over budget.

Council political leader Gary Robinson said the deal “rules out any ongoing subsidy from the SIC” towards Mareel’s running costs. Every penny Shetland Arts had accessed from the council since December has been repaid in full, with interest, he added.

Mr Robinson said Shetland Arts now had “no outstanding debts to the council”. It is “a sub-tenant of the council and can continue to operate the flagship cultural centre on the Lerwick waterfront”, an SIC statement read.

On Friday the council will meet with Shetland Arts and Mareel’s other funders, including Creative Scotland and HIE, to discuss “affordable ways to provide artistic and cultural events for the Shetland community in the future”.

Shetland Arts chairman Danus Skene said trustees were “entirely happy” with the decision, adding he hoped ongoing legal wrangles with contractors DITT could be resolved shortly.

“I would hope certain realities dawn so that lawyers don’t make too much money,” he said.

SIC political leader Gary Robinson: it would have been “mad” to have walked away having invested £6 million.

Mr Robinson accepted public criticism was all but inevitable given the council is in the thick of making huge spending cuts. But he said not a single councillor had sought to block the £1.1 million deal.

While he and others would “much rather not have to contribute any more” to the project, “it would be absolutely mad to think about turning our back” when such a large public investment was at stake.

“I’m pleased and relieved that our capital investment in Mareel is now secure,” Mr Robinson said, “as well as all the public money we and our partners have put into the project, a total of almost £14 million.

“Councillors are still under unprecedented pressure to cut budgets, and I know many folk were uneasy about the possible outcome of negotiations… and maybe feared there’d be an open-ended council subsidy.

“There won’t be, but I’m hopeful that we and the other funders can now find a way to achieve long-term security for Mareel, into which so much public money has been invested.”

Mr Robinson added that, having been an outspoken Mareel critic, he was happy to “hold my hand up and say I got it completely wrong, for example, on the cinema, which has far outperformed anybody’s expectations”.

He said the two-screen cinema was selling twice the number of tickets Orkney’s Phoenix Cinema was, demonstrating “underlying public support” for Mareel.

Mr Skene spoke of his relief that councillors, who “going back to December and February were really quite wobbly about support for the project”, had now “forked out in effect their share of the last leg of the capital project and secured a heritable asset in return”.

Speaking from Edinburgh, where Mareel is up for an award at architecture body RIAS’s 2013 ceremony, Mr Skene paid tribute to the work of council officials Jan Riise and Christine Ferguson. They have devised a “complex solution that satisfies the political reservations of the council”.

Mr Skene said the agreement ensured Mareel would be used for its intended purpose for at least 25 years and “probably indefinitely”.

An independent valuer set the lease value at £1.1 million, and in 2038 the council will have the option of buying the building outright “for a small sum”, he explained.

The agreed sum covers the cost of a “due diligence” review carried out at the end of 2012. It was followed by a series of private negotiations, and today’s announcement puts an end to months of speculation and uncertainty.

Mr Skene said Shetland Arts’ financial situation had been complicated by the delays. That resulted in a “conflation” of capital and revenue spending which have since had to be disentangled.

Until now Shetland Arts paid the SIC to do its payroll, and last summer’s problems meant it ended up owing the council money for staff wages.

“All those items are taken account of in this arithmetic,” Mr Skene said. “[Mareel’s capital cost] has been confused in recent months by this settling of the wages situation, and by the fact that, last summer, to get the building open we used revenue money to buy things which were in effect capital [such as] furnishings and equipment in the building.”

The organisation’s provisional figures suggest that, excluding one-off construction issues, Mareel should not require any subsidy over and above its annual grants from the charitable trust and Creative Scotland.

“It will certainly be a profit on operations,” Mr Skene said. “But there have been so many unusual factors concerned with the capital project… that I wouldn’t like to guarantee a declared profit by the business in the first year.”

He admitted aspects of how the building was run had been “a bit harem scarem” in the last few months.

Does he envisage significant changes? “There won’t be a revolution tomorrow morning. You have to bear in mind that a small organisation that sat in an office at the Toll Clock and was 70 per cent dependent on grants is now a social enterprise only 40 per cent dependent on grants.

“My concern as chairman is to get a normalisation of that, to get systems to settle down, budgeting to work, and start generating new income streams.”

A former salmon farm manager who disputed an allegation that he had gesticulated at a former work colleague walked free from Lerwick Sheriff Court today after the case was not proven.

Graham McNally, 52, of Fogralea, Lerwick, was charged with behaving in a threatening and abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person fear and alarm in Commercial Street on 4th October.

The court heard that McNally had been walking down the street into town with another former work colleague when he saw the complainer and his wife leaving a parking place under Fort Charlotte.

At a separate hearing two weeks ago McNally admitted setting nets to trap seals at Hoganess salmon farm in 2011 and was fined £800. The complainer in today’s case had been a witness in that prosecution, and the court was told there was no “love lost” between the two.

McNally was said to have sworn at the couple and stuck his middle finger at them as they drove off. The complainer’s wife said this was intimidating “in the circumstances”, due to the impending trial, and, according to the complainer, she would not now come into town unless he was with her.

The allegation could not be corroborated, as McNally could have been speaking to his companion, the court was told.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan questioned whether the gesture could have caused fear and alarm, especially as the car was driving away, but procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the case could not be separated from its context.

Normally such a gesture would not be called intimidation, but: “The prevailing circumstances elevated this behaviour.”

McNally insisted he could not recall the incident, and said he thought that the complainer and his wife were lying and “other people”, which he implied were the SSPCA, were conspiring against him.

Mr MacKenzie said he was “amazed” by this “bizarre” belief, and found McNally’s lack of memory “incredible”.

After a lengthy trial Sheriff Philip Mann said he accepted the gesture had been made and accepted that in the circumstances it had caused fear and alarm. But the critical element was whether McNally had intended it to do so. The sheriff said that McNally had been venting frustration, or anger, and as the gesture had been made towards a departing vehicle it was possible he had not intended the complainer to see it.

The sheriff said he was not satisfied “beyond reasonable doubt” of the intention to cause distress and the case was not proven.

Cinema and music venue Mareel has become one of only five Scottish projects to receive a national award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

It has also been nominated for RIBA’s top award, the Stirling Prize. The building also won a gong from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), announced at RIAS’ awards ceremony in Edinburgh on Wednesday night.

The news came just hours after Shetland Islands Council agreed to spend £1.1 million on a 99-year lease which secures the North Ness building’s future as an arts venue.

Mareel was designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, and houses a music auditorium, two cinemas, rehearsal rooms, recording studio, education spaces and a cafe-bar.

RIBA president Angela Brady said: “Risk-taking is not for the faint-hearted in recessionary times, but amongst this year’s crop of truly exceptional buildings I am delighted to see such a variety of projects doing just that.”

Shetland Arts’ marketing officer Lisa Ward said: “Mareel is an exceptional building and we are proud to see it acknowledged by these national institutes for architectural excellence.”

The winner of the Stirling Prize will be announced in London on 26th September.

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.

REGULAR EVENTS

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

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

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

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 (until 13/10): Quendale Water Mill open 10am-5pm

daily (until 30/09): Tangwick Haa Museum open 11am-5pm

daily (until 30/09): Hoswick Visitor Centre, Sandwick open 10am-5pm (Sun11am-5pm)

daily (until 30/09): Unst Heritage Centre open 11am-5pm (www.unstheritage.com)

daily (until 30/09): Unst Boat Haven open 11am-5pm (www.unstheritage.com)

daily (until 30/09): Fetlar Interpretive Centre open 11am-3pm (Sat & Sun 1-4pm) (www.fetlar.com)

daily (until 30/09): Crofthouse Museum, Dunrossness open 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

daily (until 30/09): Scalloway Museum open 11am-4pm (Sun 2-4pm) (www.scallowaymuseum.org)

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

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)

daily (Apr-Oct inc.): Underwater Shetland Boat Trips (01595 747 015 or 07788 665 565 | www.underwatershetland.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)

Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat: CLAN Cancer Support Centre – Drop-In at 39 Commercial Road open 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 – Afternoon Teas served 2-4pm

Mon (until 12/8): Shetland Showcase of Live Music and local Crafts at Islesburgh Community Centre from 7pm

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

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

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

Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun (until 30/09): Bressay Heritage Centre open 11am-5pm (Sun 10am-4pm) (www.bressay-history-group.org)

Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun: Old Haa, Burravoe open 10am-4pm (Sun 2-5pm)

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, 7pm (01595 720320)

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

Tue: Douglas Arms (The Marlex) – Live Traditional Music Sessions

Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun (until 30/09): Whalsay History Group – Heritage Centre open 2-5pm (www.whalsayhistorygroup-phase2.co.uk)

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

Wed & Sun: Sailing Trips on Dim Riv longship from Victoria Pier: Wed 7pm; Sun 3pm (07901 588168 or 07753 959536)

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

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

Wed (Jun & Jul): Shetland Textile Museum – ‘Knit at the Böd’ evenings, 7-9pm

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

Thu & Sat (also Sun 7/7-25/8): ‘Yell for Cancer Support’ Shop open at Aywick, 1-5pm; Sun 2.30-4pm

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)

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 (The Marlex) – 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 (Jun, Jul & Aug): Sunday Café in Walls Regatta Club, 12noon-4pm

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: Inter-County Bowling Match at King George V Flower Park from 10.30am

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 Weekend at Gluss, Ollaberry

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

23rd: Spor-Tea in the Park, 4-7pm at Gilbertson Park

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: Yell Sheepdog Trials at Westsandwick from 8.30am

27th: Inter-County Football Fun Day, 10am-5pm at Clickimin Muckabouts & Rugby Area

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

27th: Herra Eela Competition, Yell

27th: Senior Inter-County Football, 6pm at Gilbertson Park

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

31st until 5th Aug: International Textile Festival

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

AUGUST  2013

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

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

3rd: Cruise Ship Hamburg in Lerwick Harbour

3rd: Champion of Champions Bowling Final, 2.30pm at King Gorge V Flower Park

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

4th: Trondra Rowing Regatta

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 & 11th: Lerwick Regatta in Lerwick Harbour

10th & 11th: Lerwick v Buchan Junior Bowling Tournament in Clickimin Bowls Hall

10th: Cruise Ship Voyager in Lerwick Harbour

10th: Walls Agricultural Show

10th: Yoal Rowing Championships at Baltasound

11th: Sprint Triathlon, 11.30am at Brae

11th: Walls Agricultural Show Vintage Vehicle Day

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 to 17th: Annual Inter-Club Sailing Regatta 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)

17th: Big Bannock 2013 (ticket holders only, tickets on sale at North Roe & Lochend Hall on 29th July, 7pm)

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 + support from Arthur Nicholson, 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: Hairst Trophy Dinghy Regatta in 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)

27th: DF Concerts & Events presents Tim Burgess in Mareel

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

12th: Klub Revolution /Oceana Promotions present Big Country + support The Revellers in Mareel, 7.30pm, tickets £25 Shetland Box Office

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

25th: Shetland Country Music Club presents Hal Ketchum in Clickimin Centre, 8pm, tickets £23.50 / £21.50 / £13.00 from Shetland Box 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

19th: DF Concerts & Events presents Ricky Ross in Mareel

DECEMBER 2013

1st: Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

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

2014

JANUARY 2014

10th: Scalloway Fire Festival (tbc)

28th: Lerwick Up-Helly-A’

MAY 2014

1st to 4th: Shetland Folk Festival

JULY 2014

27th to 1st August: European Fireball Sailing Championships in Lerwick Harbour

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

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.

JUNE 2013

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

until 14th: Art & Textiles Exhibition of work by Creative Industries students at Shetland College, Gremista, open 9am-4pm

until 15th: National Carers’ Week – local events and activities inc. Scalloway boat trips & museum visit on 13th; Nordalea Unst and Yell Leisure Centre drop ins on 14th; Islesburgh Information Session  on 15th

THURSDAY 13th

Cruise Ship FTI Berlin in Lerwick Harbour

Whitedale Youth Club – EGM in the Club at 6.30pm

FRIDAY 14th

Scalloway Boating Club – Eela (Ian Umphray Trophy), 6pm

Bonhoga Gallery – Public Opening of Exhibition: ‘Made Unmade’ by Julie Brook, 6-8pm

Walls & District Agricultural Centenary – Fashion Show + Teas, Music etc in Aith Hall, 7pm

Team Malawi Volunteer Project – Inferno to Malawi in Mareel, 7 for 7.30pm, £8

Shetland Library – Criminal Capers with Marsali Taylor + Crime Writers Mini Quiz, 7.30-9pm

Musical ‘Thrash’ by the friends of Robbie Leith, to celebrate his life, in Da Noost, in aid of RNLI

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

SATURDAY 15th

until 28th July: Bonhoga Gallery Exhibition: ‘Made Unmade’ by Julie Brook; Lower Gallery: Howard Towll; Craft Cabinet: Cecil Tait; Stairwell: SNH Four Corners Photo Project

Cruise Ship Costa Pacifica in Lerwick Harbour

Lerwick Thistle FC – Coffee Morning in Clickimin Centre (Multi-Use), 10am-12.30pm

Mid Yell Regatta

Junior Rugby 7s Tournament, Fun Day, Tug of War etc at Clickimin Rugby Pitches, 11am-5pm

Scalloway Rainbows & Brownies – Summer Fete & Car Wash at Scalloway Youth Centre, 11am-3pm

Bonhoga Gallery – Outdoor Drawing Workshop with Julie Brook, for ages 7+, 11am-1pm, details and bookings Shetland Box Office

South Nesting Hall – Fish & Chips, 5-7.30pm

Radio Racers Association – 2013 Grand Prix in Gilbertson Park Games Hall, 5-8pm

Simmer Dim Cycling Sportive, 2pm at Clickimin & Midsummer Family Cycle Event, 7pm, Lerwick Up-Helly-A’ route

Unst Angling Club Sea Competition, 6-9.30pm

Launch of Unst’s new yoal at Baltasound Marina

POSTPONED – Mid Yell Hall Steak Night, in aid of Yell Youth Café

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

Cunningsburgh Hall – Games Night, 8pm

Pierhead Bar, Voe – BGD Disco & Karaoke from 9pm

SUNDAY 16th

& 17th: Shetland v Orkney Junior Inter-County Sports – 16th: Athletics 10.30am Clickimin Track; Netball 4pm Clickimin Centre; Football 6.30pm Gilbertson Park; 17th: Hockey 10.30am Brae; Swimming 2pm Clickimin Pool

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

Walls Public Hall – Afternoon teas, 2-5pm, in aid of Germatwatt Centre

Aquabike Competition, 9am, Clickimin

Cunningsburgh Hall – Sunday Teas, 2.30-5.30pm in aid of CYC; also Car Boot

Quarff Hall – Sunday Teas, 2.30-5pm, in aid of Friends of the Special Nursery, Aberdeen Neonatal Unit

Ollaberry Hall – Sunday teas, 3-6pm

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

MONDAY 17th

Cruise Ship Seven Seas Voyager in Lerwick Harbour

Northmavine Under 5s Group – AGM in Urafirth School at 9.45am

Tavish Scott MSP – Constituency Surgery in Parliamentary Office, 171 Commercial Street, 5-6pm

Gulberwick & Quarff Yoal Club – AGM in Quarff Hall at 7pm

Shetland Showcase of Live Music (Bryan & Violet) & local Crafts in Islesburgh Community Centre from 7pm

TUESDAY 18th

to 23rd: Visiting Yachts in Lerwick Harbour from North Sea Triangle Yacht Race, 1000-mile Double Handed Race and Bergen-Shetland Race

Crossroads (Shetland) Care Attendant Scheme – AGM in Market House at 12noon

WEDNESDAY 19th

Cruise Ship Island Sky in Lerwick Harbour

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

Shetland Fiddlers Society/Shetland Folkdance/Shetland Arts – The Reel Thing in Mareel, 7 for 7.30pm, £6 / £3

THURSDAY 20th

Alzheimer Scotland – Dementia Café at Baptist Church, Quoys, 10am-12noon

Eid Community Co-operative – Wine Tasting Evening, 5.30-7.30pm

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

Callum Younger Reach Fund – Isle Love Talent in Mareel

FRIDAY 21st

‘Unpacking Apology’ seminar in Sound Hall, 9.30am-4.30pm, booking (essential) to Community Mediation Team (smteam@shetland.org / 01595 743934)

Callum Younger Reach Fund – Shetland Take Me Out in Mareel

Epilepsy Support Group (Shetland) – Midsummer Dance with Loveshack in Royal British Legion, Lerwick, 8pm, tickets £5 High Level Music

SATURDAY 22nd

to 24th: Reawick Congregational Church 150th Anniversary – Photo and Flower Display in Church 10.30-8.30pm on 22nd; 10.30-5pm on 23rd; 2-8.30pm on 24th; Teas in Skeld Hall on 23rd, 1-5pm, followed by Songs of Praise in the Church at 7.30pm

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

Lerwick Lifeboat Open Day at Victoria Pier

Midsummer Carnival in Lerwick

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

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

Live Music with Quicksilver + Wind-Up Projectiles in Royal British Legion, Lerwick

Callum Younger Reach Fund – Summer Carnival Family Disco in Mareel

Shetland Astronomical Society/Royal Astronomical Society – ‘Exploring the Dark Side of the Universe’ with Prof. Martin Hendry, at Shetland Museum & Archives, 7.30pm

SUNDAY 23rd

Celebrate Shetland Walk at Nesting Primary School, 2pm

Northern Focus – AGM in Islesburgh at 2pm

Callum Younger Reach Fund – The Big Quiz in Mareel

MONDAY 24th

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

Cruise Ship Nautica in Lerwick Harbour

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

Shetland Showcase of Live Music (Heritage Fiddlers) & local Crafts in Islesburgh Community Centre from 7pm

Equestrian Association of Shetland – AGM in Herrislea House Hotel at 7.30pm

TUESDAY 25th

to 27th: Old Gaffers (gaff-rig) Sailing Boats in Lerwick Harbour

Cruise Ship Costa Voyager in Lerwick Harbour

Voluntary Action Shetland – AGM in Market House at 7pm

WEDNESDAY 26th

Shetland Arts – Rachel Sermanni + support by Keirynn Topp in Mareel, £14

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

Scalloway Parent & Toddler – AGM in Scalloway Hall at 8pm

FRIDAY 28th

Burravoe Eela Competition

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

SATURDAY 29th

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

& 30th: Midsummer Swimming Meet, 10am in Clickimin Pool

Cruise Ship Marco Polo in Lerwick Harbour

Senior Rugby 7s Tournament at Clickimin Pitch from 12noon

Bastavoe Regatta

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

Haroldswick Hall – Soup & Sweet

Unst Angling Club Species Competition, 1-5pm

Mid Yell Boating Club – Kaleidoscope Disco

Pierhead Bar, Voe – BGD Disco & Karaoke from 9pm

SUNDAY 30th

Cruise Ship Gann in Lerwick Harbour

BP SVT Junior Golf Open, 11am at Dale golf course

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

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

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

Mavis Grind Foy from 1pm, with Daft Raft Race, Teas, BBQ, Music etc

REGULAR EVENTS

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

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

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

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 (until 13/10): Quendale Water Mill open 10am-5pm

daily (until 30/09): Tangwick Haa Museum open 11am-5pm

daily (until 30/09): Hoswick Visitor Centre, Sandwick open 10am-5pm (Sun11am-5pm)

daily (until 30/09): Unst Heritage Centre open 11am-5pm (www.unstheritage.com)

daily (until 30/09): Unst Boat Haven open 11am-5pm (www.unstheritage.com)

daily (until 30/09): Fetlar Interpretive Centre open 11am-3pm (Sat & Sun 1-4pm) (www.fetlar.com)

daily (until 30/09): Crofthouse Museum, Dunrossness open 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm (www.shetland-museum.org.uk)

daily (until 30/09): Scalloway Museum open 11am-4pm (Sun 2-4pm) (www.scallowaymuseum.org)

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

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)

daily: Underwater Shetland Boat Trips (01595 747 015 or 07788 665 565 | www.underwatershetland.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)

Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat: CLAN Cancer Support Centre – Drop-In at 39 Commercial Road open 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 – Afternoon Teas served 2-4pm

Mon (until 12/8): Shetland Showcase of Live Music and local Crafts at Islesburgh Community Centre from 7pm

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

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

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

Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun (until 30/09): Bressay Heritage Centre open 11am-5pm (Sun 10am-4pm) (www.bressay-history-group.org)

Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun: Old Haa, Burravoe open 10am-4pm (Sun 2-5pm)

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, 7pm (01595 720320)

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

Tue: Douglas Arms (The Marlex) – Live Traditional Music Sessions

Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun (until 30/09): Whalsay History Group – Heritage Centre open 2-5pm (www.whalsayhistorygroup-phase2.co.uk/)

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

Wed & Sun: Sailing Trips on Dim Riv longship from Victoria Pier: Wed 7pm; Sun 3pm (07901 588168 or 07753 959536)

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

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

Wed (Jun & Jul): Shetland Textile Museum – ‘Knit at the Böd’ evenings, 7-9pm

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

Thu & Sat (also Sun 7/7-25/8): ‘Yell for Cancer Support’ Shop open at Aywick, 1-5pm; Sun 2.30-4pm

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)

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 (The Marlex) – 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 (Jun, Jul & Aug): Sunday Café in Walls Regatta Club, 12noon-4pm

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

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

A sex offender who assaulted a woman indecently as she slept has been ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

Iain Charlton, 36, from Tripwell, Brough, Whalsay, was placed on a community payback order with a supervision requirement for 18 months when he appeared for sentence at Lerwick Sheriff Court yesterday.

He will remain on the sex offenders list for the duration of the order.

Charlton previously admitted rubbing his hands up his victim’s back and unhooking her bra as she slept at an address in the town’s St Magnus Street.

He had been at a party and was keen on the woman, although that interest was not reciprocated.

The woman, on becoming aware of him in the room, felt unable to say anything. She rolled out of the bed and landed on the floor, before running out of the room for help.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Charlton had struggled to come to terms with the incident, although he accepted he had committed the offence.

He said the incident was not prolonged, adding Charlton had left the woman alone once she had made clear his actions had not been consented.

Sheriff Marion MacDonald warned Charlton: “This must have been a very upsetting incident for the woman in this case.”

A Yell man who rendered his assault victim unconscious with a single blow to the head is beginning a 12-month prison term.

Euan Henderson, 34, of Gloup, Cullivoe was handed the year-long sentence at Lerwick Sheriff Court yesterday.

Henderson had pulled the man from a van as he tried to drive away from a social function in the isle.

The two had been at the gathering, where a “needling” had brewed between them.

Sentence on Henderson was due to be passed two weeks ago, after he admitted causing the man permanent injury in the assault.

However, the outcome of the case had to be delayed after an attempt was made to influence the sheriff Philip Mann’s ruling.

That meant Henderson was yes­terday sentenced by sheriff Marion MacDonald, who has no previous involvement in the case.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mac­Kenzie said there had been a long history between the two.

The incident reached a climax when the man failed to get away after stalling the vehicle’s engine.

Henderson pulled him out of the van and punched him once.

“The consequences of that were quite simply devastating for the complainer. Witnesses describe him as being unconscious before he hit the ground. He was unable to do anything to break his fall.”

The court heard the witness went home after waking up around 10 minutes later. He took to his bed but was taken to hospital in the morning – first to Lerwick and then by air ambulance to Aberdeen for specialist treatment.

Mr MacKenzie said the victim had a long stay in hospital where he went through “complex surgery”.

He had since experienced mem­ory loss, and there was a “significant potential” for him to suffer from epilepsy.

“This is truly a life-changing experience for the complainer. The quality of his life is not, and never will be, what it was prior to this incident.”

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Henderson was remorseful for what he had done, and wished he could “turn the clock back”.

He insisted Henderson had no significant history of offending, adding the social enquiry report considered him to be of no risk to the public.

“I mean in no way to compare his suffering to that of the victim, but clearly this has been devastating for Mr Henderson, and life-changing for him as well.

“I have to testify that he’s done nothing but treat this with the utmost concern and seriousness. He’s done everything asked by me to do and beyond.”

Mr Allan said Henderson har­boured no ill feeling to his victim, adding there was no “underlying hatred”.

He added Henderson wanted to be forgiven by his community as well as by the victim.

Mr Allan said Henderson had abided by bail conditions, during which time he had “kept himself to himself” and had, to some extent, already been serving a sentence.

“He’d like his punishment to allow him to continue to be in the community that’s still his home.”

Sheriff Macdonald told Hender­son: “This is a very serious offence you have pled guilty to. This is a tragedy for your victim, but also for you and your family.”

She said she had taken into account the remorse he had shown as well as the offence being out of character for Henderson.

But she warned there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.

“You went to his car and pulled him out of the car. It must have been a very heavy punch to have made him unconscious before he hit the ground.”

She reduced his sentence from 18 months to reflect his early plea.

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