Monday marked one month since four people perished in the 23rd August accident involving one of our aircraft.

The incident continues to deeply affect a great number of people, especially the families and friends of those who died. Along with those who survived the incident, they remain in our thoughts and prayers every day.

I write on this occasion to share the immense gratitude we at CHC feel for those people and agencies who mounted – rapid and, in some cases, risky – search-and-rescue aircraft-recovery efforts following the accident.

They include volunteers who staffed the operations room at the Shetland Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and served as MCA rescue officers, NorthLink Ferries, which immediately diverted from their normal route to be among first responders on the scene, the Maritime Coastguard Agency’s Rescue Helicopter 102, scrambling from its Shetland base to act along with Royal Air Force helicopter Rescue 137 and BP’s Jigsaw helicopter, RNLI people, who searched for dozens of hours over several days, recovering victims and playing a key role in securing aircraft wreckage, and MRCC, working with Police Scotland, which recovered key parts of the aircraft.

These organisations and others, including our own emergency-response team in the UK, have our deepest appreciation for responding in extremely difficult circumstances.

We are determined to learn what went wrong that day, and to share and use this knowledge to prevent future tragedies. To that end, we continue to work closely with investigating agencies to identify what caused the accident.

At the same time we are redoubling efforts, in partnership with fellow operators and industry safety groups, to provide information to earn the confidence of the offshore industry.

Mark Abbey

Regional director

West North Sea

CHC Helicopter.

A judge has ruled that the Scottish government failed to take proper account of its obligations under a European bird directive in granting consent for Viking Energy’s 103-turbine windfarm.

In a lengthy judgement issued on Tuesday, Lady Clark of Calton stated that ministers had not “meaningfully engaged” with the EU directive. That is because of the project’s expected impact on the whimbrel, a protected migratory wading bird.

A statement from Sustainable Shetland, which lodged the petition at the Court of Session, said the protest group was “pleased” with the ruling and will be “discussing the implications of this decision with our legal team”.

Lady Clark’s judgement stated: “This case involves a very large, multimillion pound development with important consequences.

“It is plain that this is a case in which it appears not to be disputed by anyone that whimbrel are a declining species in the UK with approximately 95 per cent of 290 breeding pairs in Shetland.

“I am not satisfied that the respondents [Scottish government  ministers]… have complied with their obligations under the Wild Birds Directive 2009.”

She also ruled that ministers should not have granted consent to Viking Energy Partnership because the applicant does not have a licence to generate electricity.

Lady Clark stated that “all parties accepted that this development could not be ‘operated’ without a generation licence”.

The decision will come as a blow to Viking Energy, but it is not yet clear precisely how the ruling will impact on the controversial project. The judge said she would have the case continued to allow parties to address her on the terms of the court minute to be prepared.

Viking Energy said it needed to consider the 130-page judgement and was awaiting the Scottish Government’s reaction, as it is the party against which the petition was lodged.

A spokesman for the developers said: “We will continue taking appropriate steps on this project to maintain our positive momentum and we remain committed to what we believe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the many economic and environmental benefits of a renewable energy industry to Shetland.

“Indeed, both the UK and Scottish governments have recently demonstrated that they are keen to make the Viking windfarm happen with their proposed financial uplift to support Scottish island projects.”

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) took the view that reducing the scale of the development was still likely to result in a significant impact on the conservation status of the UK whimbrel population.

The Scottish Government contended that its decision letter had paid careful regard to the potential impact on the environment, particularly wild birds. It claimed that ministers were “not satisfied that the estimated impact of the development on whimbrel demonstrates such a level of significance”.

A Sustainable Shetland spokeswoman said: “We would like to thank our legal team for all their hard work, and all our members and supporters for their unfailing encouragement and financial generosity throughout this challenging process.”

The Shetland Times  is awaiting a response from the Scottish Government to Lady Clark’s 133-page ruling.

More to follow.

The full judgement is available here.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a review of helicopter operations in the North Sea following the fatal accident of Sumburgh.

The body will make recommendations aimed at improving the safety of offshore flying.

Four people died a month ago when a Super Puma helicopter crashed suddenly off Sumburgh.

Five accidents involving Super Pumas have taken place in the North Sea in the past four years – two of which tresulted in fatalities.

As part of the study an examination will be carried out of current operations, previous incidents and accidents and offshore helicopter flying in other countries.

Undertaken jointly with the Norwegian CAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the study will pay particular attention to:

• Operators’ decision making and internal management;

• The protection of passengers and crew;

• Pilot training and performance;

• Helicopter airworthiness.

A panel of independent experts will act as advisers for the review.

The review will be led by the CAA’s head of Flight Operations, Captain Bob Jones who will work closely with Geir Hamre, head of helicopter safety for the Norwegian CAA.

The CAA says the review will also be subject to scrutiny by independent specialists, and will include a comparison study of UK Operations with those in Norway. Its findings are expected to be published in early 2014.

Mark Swan, director of the CAA’s Safety and Airspace Regulation group, said: “The recent accidents have understandably given rise to concerns, particularly with offshore workers who rely so heavily on these helicopter flights.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring that operations are as safe as possible. The review we are announcing today [Tuesday] will thoroughly examine the risks and hazards of operating in the North Sea and how these can be managed most effectively.

“We are extremely grateful to Geir Hamre from the Norwegian CAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency for joining the review team. They bring additional expertise and experience which will be invaluable to the review.”

The announcement came after plans were announced to change the seating set-up in Super Pumas, following fears over the seating configuration which currently operates in the aircraft.

The 88-cabin accommodation barge Sans Vitesse has arrived in Lerwick Harbour this evening.

The black and white striped vessel will be berthed at Mair’s Quay for up to nine months to house workers involved in the construction of the Shetland Gas Plant at Sullom Voe.

Lerwick Port Authority harbourmaster, Captain Calum Grains, said: “With planning for development of the new white fish market at Mair’s Quay continuing through 2014, the aim is to make good use of the facility in the meantime to accommodate port users’ requirements as a temporary measure before going ahead with the market, with this activity supporting the delivery of future port infrastructure.”

The 75-metre barge Sans Vitesse is on charter to Petrofac which has two other accommodation barges already berthed at Lerwick Harbour. The port is also being used for delivery and storage of modules and other equipment for onward transport by sea and road to the plant, next to the Sullom Voe oil terminal.

I was interested to read in the article “ASN service could absorb big cuts …” (Shetland Times, 20th September), that the Bridges project and the Bruce Hostel behaviour support base should be merged to eliminate duplication, according to the comprehensive, independent review produced by Donnie McLeod.

The Bridges project was included in the recent “Review: Provision of Youth Services in Shetland” which was carried out by staff of the children’s services section of the council, and accepted for adoption by the full council at its meeting in August.

This review led us to believe that the major part of the Bridges project was funded from the same pot of money as the islands’ youth service (ie youth clubs, part-time youth workers, etc) and also stated there were to be no changes to the Bridges project.

Therefore, in order to find the necessary £150,000 budget cuts, Shetland’s successful “youth club” network is to be severely cut back from April next year, with a reduction in staff numbers from 123 part-time youth workers to around 48, and a reduction in youth club sessions from, in the case of Lerwick’s Islesburgh, 104 junior sessions to just 24 per year.

As Bridges has also now been included in Professor McLeod’s review, and if, as suggested, the project is combined with part of the SIC education service, will the funding for the combined service now come from the “education” pot? Or will the “youth service” pot be further reduced by the cost of the Bridges project, say £130,000, meaning a total reduction of around £280,000?

Can someone enlighten me?

Jenny Henry

126 Sandveien,

Lerwick.

The number of social care staff employed by the SIC is to fall by around 10 per cent.

Letters went out last week to 69 staff whose applications for either early retirement or voluntary redundancy were accepted. In addition, around 50 unoccupied posts are to be deleted – taking the total number of social care employees below 900.

It follows what Unison representative Brian Smith described as a “kerfuffle” between the local authority and trade unions over changes to care workers’ rotas earlier this year.

Mr Smith said there were “bound to be implications for the people that are left, and that’s why there was all that kerfuffle about rotas – because the way [the council] dealt with that exacerbated the problem”.

Trade unions have now agreed that there will be a review of the situation in five months’ time to see if any “really intractable problems have arisen” as a result of the job cuts and rota changes.

“We’ve worked that through with them,” Mr Smith said, “but there’s no doubt at all that the council failed in the requirement that it negotiate properly with individuals about that, and certainly the way that it was done was not a good advertisement for the way the council is dealing with the change project in general.”

He added: “Hopefully some lessons will have been learned from all that.”

Delays to making job cuts is one of the chief causes of the £1.1 million spending gap that has sprung up in community care this year.

Interim director Simon Bokor-Ingram, who took on managerial responsibility for the council’s care services in addition to his role as an NHS director, said that from day one SIC managers had been “really working tirelessly” to find savings.

But he admitted it would be “extremely difficult” to make up the budget shortfall in 2013/14. In addition to slow progress on reducing staff numbers, which roughly trebled over the past decade, income from the introduction of new care charges has fallen well short of expectations.

Meanwhile, in line with the inevitable drift towards more sharing of services between the NHS and SIC, the social services committee on Monday backed plans to recruit a joint permanent director of community health and social care.

But councillors remain divided over the need to tie the two organisations together. In June members resisted plans to set up a joint “shadow board” for health and social care, instead asking for more research to be conducted.

With parties at Holyrood all favouring health boards and local authorities pooling their resources where possible, new Scotland-wide legislation is likely to be passed by 2015.

“We’re going to be integrated whether we like it or not,” said councillor Allison Duncan. “Let’s accept that as an island community and see what we can progress. Otherwise, the Edinburgh parliament is going to try and impose… [something that] may not be right for Shetland.”

No councillors seem to object outright to the policy, which could save up to 10 per cent in affected areas thanks to eliminating duplication and sharing premises.

But councillor Billy Fox feels there are “different cultures at play” between local government and the health service, and again urged caution this week.

“I don’t think we need to move forward in a very swift fashion here at all,” Mr Fox said. “We’re looking at a bill that’s still in enactment and is only going to be implemented in two years’ time.

“I actually take issue with this constant barrage that we get, that if we don’t move forward swiftly the government will tell us what to do. We need to measure twice and cut once, and that will get us to a better position.”

Corporate services director Christine Ferguson said it was expected that there would be “much more clarity” on what the legislation might require of local authorities in the spring.

He’s soft and cuddly and made of Shetland wool – and he belongs to a future king.

Burra Bear “George Alexander Louis” – named after the prince who was born in July – was sent to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in July to congratulate them on the birth of their son.

And convener Malcolm Bell has received a letter from Kensington Palace, giving the Duke and Duchess’ thanks and best wishes.

The Burra Bear with royal connections.

Mr Bell said: “The birth of a future king is such a special event and I thought it important that, as the most northerly part of his future kingdom, Shetland should mark Prince George’s safe arrival.

“I was delighted to commission a ‘Burra Bear’, named after Prince George himself and am pleased and honoured to hear their Royal Highnesses have accepted this small gift. In time I look forward to Prince George visiting Shetland himself.”

The bear was handmade by Wendy Inkster from Burra using Shetland wool.

She said: “It really was such an honour to be asked to make a Burra Bear to be gifted to the royal baby on behalf of the people of Shetland, especially considering the vast amount of talent there is in our islands, producing such a wide range of innovative and unique products. I was so proud to think that one of my peerie bears was chosen to be sent to the future king.”

She said a great deal of time and effort went in to choosing the right Fair Isle pattern for the bear before it was decided that a traditional pattern in soft Shetland colours would be the most fitting. This was knitted locally from pure Shetland wool, before his name tag was attached and he was went to London.

Ms Inkster added: “As I often receive postcards from my bears I am now just waiting for the postie to deliver one from a very special address in London!”

Shetland’s status as one 100 geoparks has been renewed – in the same week that figures were published suggesting the geopark brings in a six-figure sum in tourism revenue every year.

It follows a visit from European Geoparks Network representatives from Germany and Norway. Timo Kluttig and Ingeborg Klepp experienced Shetland’s geopark at first hand in August, and their “revalidation” report stated that the isles had undertaken a “process of enormous development” in the past four years.

The Geopark app welcome screen.

Shetland’s continued presence within the international network was unanimously approved at a meeting in Italy earlier this month.

Geopark Shetland worker Robina Barton said she was “thrilled” that the “hard-won membership” of the European and global networks had been retained.

“We will be doing our best to capitalise on this membership in the coming years with support from the Scottish government, so that we can really benefit the people of Shetland – particularly through tourism and lifelong learning.

“The report from the Unesco National Commission makes clear that geoparks are making a difference both in terms of community opportunities and direct financial benefit and that is only going to increase as the global network expands and develops.”

 Figures in a report from the UK national commission to Unesco estimates that the global network of geoparks is worth nearly £19 million a year to the UK.

The report states: “Geopark Shetland has secured over £200,000 in funding since joining the European Geopark Network in 2009, 30 per cent of which came from EU Leader funding.

“The geopark has seen year-on-year increases in awareness of geopark status: in 2012, 76 per cent of those surveyed knew that Shetland was a geopark and 11 per cent of respondents from outside Shetland said the geopark was part of their reason for visiting the islands.

“Assuming average visitor spend of £20, this indicates that geopark status brings an additional £110,000 per year in tourism revenue to Shetland from 11 per cent of the 50,000 visitors to the geopark.

Full story in Friday’s Shetland Times.

Mussel harvesting remains prohibited in the majority of production sites around the isles.

The Shetland Times has learned only one of 20 designated areas has been given the all clear to resume farming after a lengthy hold-up this summer.

Early last month the council’s environmental health department ordered harvesting of mussels from all 80 sites be halted.

The order came after high levels of the naturally-occurring phytoplankton were detected during routine tests.

The organism was the cause in July of an outbreak of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, which brought unpleasant consequences to 70 people who ate infected Shetland mussels in the south east of England.

Routine testing has been continuing at all of Shetland’s production areas since the order was imposed. Two consecutive samples below the regulatory limit must be recorded in each site before they can resume production.

Producers have been left frustrated by the tediously high levels of phytoplankton which have remained. Earlier this month one site was allowed to open but was later closed again when the organism was detected.

The area, or “pod”, that has opened is in the Cliffsound near Quarff and Trondra, which includes seven sites.

Blueshell Mussels, and a number of other producers, operate from there.

Three new 50-seat planes will be added to the Loganair fleet early next year in response to passenger demand.

The Saab 2000 aircraft, which are larger than the planes already in operation, will be based in Aberdeen but will fly primarily on the Shetland route.

With 50 seats, the new aircraft will offer 51 per cent more capacity than the 33-seat Saab 340s. Loganair says they will also be more comfortable, with greater seat width, greater noise suppression and increased crosswinds limits.

Chief operating officer Phil Preston said the Shetland route had showed particular growth, with 13,000 scheduled passengers in August last year and 15,000 in the same period this year, some of this due to oil and gas work.

He said that acquiring the new planes, which will work alongside the Saab 340s, was a “big decision”. The added capacity would add reliablity to the route, he said, and possibly could even mean cheaper fares.

The Saab 2000 had been chosen for its excellent performance on smaller airfields. Mr Preston said: “It is the ideal aircraft and is extremely capable in terms of operation in the challenging conditions often encountered in areas such as Shetland.”

Loganair chief executive Stewart Adams said: “It’s a huge commitment of cash and logistically to add these new aircraft to the fleet.” The three planes would be permanent additions, and several months would be needed to prepare for their arrival, with pilot and engineer training and organising spare parts. No definite date has been given, but the planes will start flying in the first half of the year.

In other developments, flights to Glasgow on Monday and Friday which will offer good connections to London will start in November, and the fifth weekday rotation between Aberdeen and Sumburgh will continue beyond January.

To add flexibility to the service, a bus service from Edinburgh Airport to the bus station in Glasgow will be introduced.

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.

OCTOBER 2013

until 3rd: Shetland Arts – Travelling Gallery Exhibition: 1st Baltasound Hall 11am-5pm; 2nd Sellafirth, Yell 11am-5pm; 3rd Mareel 11am-4pm

until 8th: Faith Mission – Autumn Meetings with Noel McClintock: 1st Scalloway Methodist 7.30pm; 2nd Cunningsburgh CofS 7.30pm; 3rd Sandwick UF 7.30pm; 4th Sand Baptist 7.30pm; 5th Bookstall, Teas etc at Garthspool 2-4pm; 8th Ulsta Hall, Yell 7.15pm

all month (until 3/11): Bonhoga Gallery Exhibitions – Main Gallery: ‘Variorum’ by Wilma and Barbara Cluness; Lower Gallery: Linocuts by Sarah Young; Craft Cabinet: Shetland & UK Craft

TUESDAY 1st

Shetland Museum – pre-school ‘Book Bugs’ sessions, 10.30am & 2pm

Baltasound Hall – Travelling Gallery + Local Crafts Showcase, 11am-5pm + Teas 2-4pm

NHS Shetland – Annual Review in Brevik House at 6pm

Shetland Higher Education Convention in Clickimin Centre, 6-9pm

Arthritis Care Shetland – October Meeting inc. Beetle Drive in Lerwick Methodist Church Hall, 7pm

WEDNESDAY 2nd

Sellafirth Hall, Yell – Whist, 7.30pm

THURSDAY 3rd

& 4th: Mareel – Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

to 5th: Shetland Youth Theatre presents ‘Sweeney Todd’ by John Haswell, in Garrison Theatre, tickets Shetland Box Office

also 17th & 31st: Alzheimer Scotland – Dementia Café at Lerwick Baptist Church, 10am-12noon

FRIDAY 4th

Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

Burra Public Hall – AGM in the hall at 7pm

Dunrossness Public Hall – AGM in the hall at 7pm

Westsandwick Hall – Bar Night from 7.30pm

Shetland Aid Trust – Concert in Lerwick Baptist Church at 7.30pm

SATURDAY 5th

until 10th Nov: Shetland Museum – Da Gadderie Exhibition: ‘Surface and Light’ by Brian Henderso

& 6th: Smile Train Pop-Up Charity Shop in Royal British Legion, Lerwick: 5th from 12noon; 6th from 11am; in aid of Cleft Repair Surgery

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

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

Coffee Morning in Lerwick Town Hall, 10.30am-12noon, in aid of CLIC Sargent

Bell’s Brae Primary School – School Fair, 10.30am-12.30pm

Soup & Sweet Lunch in St Magnus Church Hall, 12noon-2pm

Bixter Hall – Family Bingo Night, 7.30pm

Yell Show Prizegiving & Trophy Presentations in Mid Yell Hall

Shetland Community Orchestra – Autumn Concert with Halloween Theme in St Columba’s Church, 7.30pm, tickets Shetland Box Office

Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Supper Dance in the Shetland Hotel, music by Da Fustra, 8pm

Mareel – Rod Clements of Lindisfarne

Baroc – Deep House Vocal Night with DJ Nickdar, 11pm-2am

SUNDAY 6th

Shetland Museum – Dinosaur Family Fun Day, drop-in 2-4pm

Shetland & Orkney MS Research Fund – Sunday Teas & Car Boot Sale in Voe Hall, 2-5.30pm

SACSC – Sunday Teas & Car Boot Sale in Gulberwick Hall, 2-4.30pm

MONDAY 7th

to 13th: Shetland Wool Week

to 13th: Shetland Museum – ‘Can Ewe Find wir Peerie Sheep?’ children’s drop-in Scavenger Hunt (Wool Week event)

Shetland Museum – ‘Textile Treasures’ Tour (adults), 2.30-3pm (Wool Week event)

Sandveien & Nederdale Tenants & Residents Association – AGM in Sandveien Neighbourhood Centre at 7pm

Alzheimer Scotland – Daughters’ Group meet in Mareel, 7.30-9pm

Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Club Night in Islesburgh Community Centre, 8pm

Walls & District Toddlers Group – AGM in Walls Hall, 8pm

TUESDAY 8th

Shetland Museum – ‘Sheeksin – Taatit Rugs’ with Dr Carol Christiansen, 2.30pm (Wool Week event)

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

WEDNESDAY 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

Community Alcohol & Drugs Services (CADSS) – AGM in Market House at 2pm

THURSDAY 10th

to 14th: Shetland Fiddle and Accordion Festival

Sound Community Association – Monthly Quiz in Sound Hall

Mareel – Seth Lakeman & Band

FRIDAY 11th

Bixter Hall – Family Fun Quiz, 7.30pm

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra – ‘Gershwin Ellington’ in Mareel, 7.45pm, tickets Shetland Box Office

Klub Revolution – DJ Vertigo in Lerwick British Legion

SATURDAY 12th

Disability Shetland – AGM in Market House at 2pm

Oceana presents Big Country + support The Revellers in Mareel, 7.30pm, tickets £25 Shetland Box Office

SUNDAY 13th

Mareel Café Bar – Sunday Afternoon Jazz

MONDAY 14th

Alzheimer Scotland – Dementia Café at Moorfield Hotel, Brae, 10am-12noon

WEDNESDAY 16th

Shetland Museum – ‘Exploding Volcano’ Workshop, ages P1-P3, 10.30am-12noon; ages P4-P7 1.30-4pm, booking essential

Sellafirth Hall, Yell – Whist, 7.30pm

THURSDAY 17th

to 19th: Shetland Country Music Club presents Johnny Marks & George Malcolm

Shetland Museum – ‘Fantastic Fossils’ Workshop, ages P1-P3, 10.30am-12noon; ‘Fossils Rock’ Workshop, ages P4-P7, 1.30-3.30pm, booking essential

FRIDAY 18th

Shetland Museum – ‘Dinosaur Masks & Door Hangers’ Workshop, pre-school ages, 10-10.45am; ages P1-P3, 11.15am-12noon, booking essential

Alzheimer Scotland – Dementia Café in Overtonlea Day Care, Levenwick, 11am-2pm

Mareel – Karine Polwart & Band

SATURDAY 19th

Shetland Museum – ‘Dino Disco’ in the Auditorium, ages P1-P7, 2-4pm, booking essential

SUNDAY 20th

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

Mareel Café Bar – Singers & Songwriters Night, 7pm

MONDAY 21st

Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – AGM in Room 16, Islesburgh Community Centre at 7.15pm, followed by Club Night with live music at 8pm

TUESDAY 22nd

Shetland Museum – ‘Wooden Dinosaur Models’ Workshop, ages P4-P7, 10.30am-12noon, booking essential

Mareel Café Bar – Monthly Film Quiz, 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY 23rd

Shetland Museum/Alzheimer Scotland – ‘Does Du Mind?’ Reminiscence Session in Museum Learning Room, 2pm

North Ness Hall, Ulsta – Whist, 7.30pm

THURSDAY 24th

Shetland Museum – ‘3D Dinosaurs’ Workshops, ages P1-P3, 10.30am-12noon; ages P4-P7, 1.30-4pm, booking essential

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

FRIDAY 25th

Mid Yell Hall – Chip Suppers

Westsandwick Hall – Whist, 7pm

Sound Community Association – AGM in Sound Hall at 7pm

SATURDAY 26th

Oxjam Music Festival – Oxjam Shetland Takeover in Mareel

Charity Darts Night at Mid Yell Boating Club, 7pm

SUNDAY 27th

Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 11am-1.30pm

Mareel café Bar – Sunday Afternoon Jazz

North Ness Hall, Ulsta – Quiz, 7.30pm

MONDAY 28th

Alzheimer Scotland – Sports Reminiscence Group meet in Lighthouse Suite, Lerwick Hotel, 2-4.30pm; Carers’ Group meet in Lerwick Hotel 2-4.30pm

THURSDAY 31st

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

University of Edinburgh/Shetland Museum – Talk on Stem Cells & Stem Cell Research in Museum Auditorium, 2-4pm & 7-9pm

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 – Lower Gallery Exhibition: The Skaill Hoard (until 2/2/14); Foyer Exhibition: Gentle Giant (until 8/12/13)

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

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

various: Seabirds-and-Seals Boat Trips (www.seabirds-and-seals.com)

various: Underwater Shetland Boat Trips (www.underwatershetland.com)

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

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

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

various: Unseen Shetland Tours (www.unseenshetland.com)

various: Shetland Geotours Tours (www.shetlandgeotours.com)

various: Shetland Nature Tours (www.shetlandnature.net)

various: St Magnus Bay Charters Boat Trips (www.stmagnusbay.shetland.co.uk)

various: Shetland Marine Charters Boat Trips (www.shetlandmarinecharters.com)

Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat: CLAN Cancer Support Centre – Drop-In at 39 Commercial Road open 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: Scalloway Dance Club (Modern & Latin American) meet in Scalloway Boating Club from 7pm (tuition), Dance from 8pm

Mon: Lerwick Bridge Club meets in Room 10, Islesburgh Community Centre at 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’

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

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

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

Wed: Lerwick Dance Club (Modern & Latin American) meet in Islesburgh Community Centre from 6.30pm (tuition), Dance from 7.30pm

Wed: Lerwick Drop-In Bridge Sessions in Islesburgh Community Centre at 7pm

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

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

Thu: Roller Skating for over 16s at Clickimin, 7.30-8.30pm

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

NOVEMBER  2013

until 3rd: Bonhoga Gallery Exhibitions – Main Gallery: ‘Variorum’ by Wilma and Barbara Cluness; Lower Gallery: Linocuts by Sarah Young; Craft Cabinet: Shetland & UK Craft

until 10th: Shetland Museum – Da Gadderie Exhibition: ‘Surface and Light’ by Brian Henderson

1st: Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

1st: Westsandwick Hall – Bar Night from 7.30pm

2nd: Edinburgh University/Shetland Museum – Drop-In Information Event on Stem Cells & Stem Cell Research in Museum Learning Room, 10am-4pm

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

2nd: Mid Yell Hall – Bairns Halloween Party & Bonfire

2nd: Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Supper Dance in the Shetland Hotel,  music by the Cullivoe Band, 8pm

2nd: Unst Angling Club – Presentation ‘Do’

2nd: Burravoe Hall – Fancy Dress Hallowe’en Disco

2nd: K.R. Promotions – Sharon Shannon in Concert + support by Maggie & Brian, in Clickimin Centre, tickets Shetland Box Office

3rd: Mareel – Aly Bain, Ale Moller & Bruce Molsky

4th: Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Club Night in Islesburgh Community Centre, 8pm

5th: Westsandwick Bonfire, 7pm

6th: Sellafirth Hall, Yell – Whist, 7.30pm

7th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

8th: Bixter Hall – Family Fun Quiz, 7.30pm

9th: Mid Yell Hall – Concert (tbc)

14th: Sound Community Association – Monthly Quiz in Sound Hall

15th: North Ness Hall, Ulsta – Chip Suppers, 4.30-7.30pm

16th: Yell Show – Concert

17th: North Ness Hall, Ulsta – Quiz, 7.30pm

18th: Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Club Night with live music in Islesburgh Community Centre, 8pm

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

20th: Sellafirth Hall, Yell – Whist, 7.30pm

21st: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

23rd: MS Society Shetland (Minnie Wilson) Branch – Craft Tables & Coffee Morning in Lerwick Town Hall, 10am-12noon

23rd: Sound Community Association – Home Shopping Experience in Sound Hall

24th: Westsandwick Hall – Christmas Fayre, 2.30-4.30pm

27th: North Ness Hall, Ulsta – Whist, 7.30pm

29th: Westsandwick Hall – Whist, 7pm

30th: Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Christmas Supper Dance in the Shetland Hotel, music by Jim Halcrow’s Band, 8pm

30th: Burravoe Hall – Christmas Dinner Dance

DECEMBER 2013

1st: Vidlin Hall – Sunday Market & Teas

1st: Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 11am-1.30pm

2nd: Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Club Night in Islesburgh Community Centre, 8pm

4th: Sellafirth Hall, Yell – Whist, 7.30pm

5th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

6th: Mid Yell Boating Club – Chinese Night

6th: Westsandwick Hall – Bar Night from 7.30pm

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

7th: Mid Yell Hall – Restaurant Night in aid of Yell Youth Café

10th: Sound Community Association – Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party

13th: Bixter Hall – Family Fun Quiz, 7.30pm

13th: Sound Community Association – Christmas Do

14th: Westsandwick Hall – Bairns Christmas Party, 7pm

15th: Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 11am-1.30pm

16th: Lerwick Old Time Dance Club – Club Night Christmas Party with live music, in Islesburgh Community Centre, 8pm

18th: Sellafirth Hall, Yell – Whist, 7.30pm

19th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

19th: Sound Community Association – Monthly Quiz in Sound Hall

20th: Westsandwick Hall – Whist, 7pm

20th: Oceana/Unison present Amphetameanies + The Revellers & various local artists in Mareel, tickets Shetland Box Office

22nd: Mid Yell Hall – Bairns Christmas Party

26th: Mid Yell Hall – Boxing Night Disco

28th: Mid Yell Boating Club – Duck Race

2014

JANUARY 2014

2nd: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

10th: Scalloway Fire Festival (tbc)

16th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

28th: Lerwick Up-Helly-A’

30th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

FEBRUARY 2014

7th: Nesting & Girlsta Up-Helly-A’ (tbc)

13th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

14th: Uyeasound Up-Helly-A’ and Northmavine Up-Helly-A’ (tbc)

21st: Cullivoe Up-Helly-A’ (tbc)

27th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

28th: Bressay Up-Helly-A’ (tbc)

MARCH  2014

1st: Norwick Up-Helly-A’ (tbc)

7th: South Mainland Up-Helly-A’ (tbc)

13th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

14th: Delting Up-Helly-A’ (tbc)

27th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

APRIL 2014

10th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

20th: Old Haa, Burravoe, Yell opens for the season

24th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

MAY 2014

1st to 4th: Shetland Folk Festival

8th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

22nd: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

23rd to 26th: Shetland Parkour Experience Weekend

JUNE 2014

5th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

13th to 15th: European Sailing Championships in Yell

14th: Burravoe Carnival + BBQ

19th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

JULY 2014

3rd: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

17th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

26th: Fetlar Fun Day (www.fetlar.org)

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

31st: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

AUGUST 2014

2nd: Voe Show

9th/10th: Walls Show (tbc)

13th: Cunningsburgh Show

14th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

28th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

SEPTEMBER 2014

6th: Yell Show

11th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

25th: Asta Golf Clubhouse – Traditional Music Evening (very informal, join in or just listen)

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

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.

SEPTEMBER 2013

until 28th: ‘Shetland Sewn Up’ – Exhibition of Shetland Maps by Diane Garrick in Shetland Textile Museum at Böd of Gremista, open Tue to Sat, 12noon-4pm

until 30th: Da Gadderie at Shetland Museum – Exhibition: ‘Here and There’ by James Thomason

until 3rd Nov: Bonhoga Gallery Exhibitions – Main Gallery: ‘Variorum’ by Wilma and Barbara Cluness; Lower Gallery: Linocuts by Sarah Young; Craft Cabinet: Shetland & UK Craft

THURSDAY 26th

Shetland Branch Scottish Pensioners Association – Meeting in Masonic Hall Function Room at 2.30pm

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

Lerwick Congregational Church – Variety Concert, 7.30pm

FRIDAY 27th

also 25/10 & 22/11: Shetland Museum – Mootie Moose Pre-School Sessions, booking essential

until 8/10: Faith Mission – Autumn Meetings with Noel McClintock: 27th Girlsta Methodist 7.30pm; 28th Garthspool Mission 7.30pm; 1st Scalloway Methodist 7.30pm; 2nd Cunningsburgh CofS 7.30pm; 3rd Sandwick UF 7.30pm; 4th Sand Baptist 7.30pm; 5th Bookstall, Teas etc at Garthspool 2-4pm; 8th Ulsta Hall, Yell 7.15pm

Westsandwick Hall – Whist, 7pm

Sound Community Association – Muckle Quiz in Sound Hall, 7 for 7.30pm start

Nesting & Lunnasting Church of Scotland – Kirk Sale in North Nesting Hall at 7.30pm

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

DF Concerts & Events presents Tim Burgess in Mareel

Lerwick British Legion – Live Music with Axis of Nomadia and Christ Alive, all ages

Mid Brae Inn – Turbo Tunes Disco with Muzz ‘n’ Spall from 9.30pm

SATURDAY 28th

until 3rd Oct: Shetland Arts – Travelling Gallery Exhibition at Braewick Café, Eshaness, 28th, 11am-5pm; Sumburgh Head, 29th, 11am-5pm; Baltasound Hall, 1st Oct, 11am-5pm; Sellafirth, Yell, 2nd, 11am-5pm; Mareel, 3rd, 11am-4pm

Coffee Morning, Indoor Car Boot Sale + Car Wash at Walls Hall, 10am-12.30pm

Shetland Ladies Hockey Association – Coffee Morning in Lerwick Town Hall, 10.30am-1.30pm

Burra Public Hall – Fish & Chips, 4-7pm, in aid of Prostate Cancer

Burravoe Hall – Chip Suppers & Music Night

Cunningsburgh Hall – Supper Night, 5-7.30pm; followed by Games Night at 8pm

Scalloway British Legion – Family Prize Bingo, 7.30pm

Althing Debate – ‘We have lost the art of polite argument’ in Tingwall School, 7.30pm

Mid Brae Inn – BGD Efternoon Karaoke, 2.30-6pm; Live Music with Axis Of, Nomadia and Christ Alive, from 9.30pm, over 18s

Oceana presents Big Hand + support from Dirty Lemons in Lerwick British Legion, 9pm-1am

Uyeasound Hall – Live Music with Rack ‘n’ Ruin

Scalloway Hall Committee – Music with The Revellers, Steven Robertson & DJ Lyall from 9pm in Scalloway Hall

Aith Hall – GTL Disco from 9.30pm, over 16s

Voe & District Agricultural Society – Dance in the Voe Hall from 10pm, music by Brian Morrison Band,

SUNDAY 29th

Weisdale Kirk 150th Anniversary – Special Service at 10.45am

AHS S4 Club XL – Indoor Car Boot + Soup, Sandwiches etc at Tingwall Hall, 11am-3pm

Unst Farmers’ Market in Baltasound Hall, 11am-1.30pm

Vidlin Hall – Sunday Teas, Music & Car Boot Sale, 2-5pm

Bixter Hall – Teddy Bears Picnic & Sunday Teas, 2-5pm

Burra Public Hall – Sunday Teas & Sales Tables, 2-5pm in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support Shetland

Nesting & Lunnasting Church of Scotland – Sunday Teas & Sales Tables in North Nesting Hall, 3-5pm

Hillswick Hall – Sunday Teas & Home Produce Stalls, 3-5pm

Mareel Café Bar – Sunday Afternoon Jazz

Ebenezer Hall – Family Service & Buffet Tea, 5.30pm

St Magnus Church – Harvest Choral Evensong with St Magnus Choir at 6.30pm, followed by Harvest Supper & Grand Raffle in the Church Hall

The Fishermen’s Mission – Nightcap Service in Hamnavoe Baptist Church Hall, 8pm

MONDAY 30th

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

Sail Training Shetland – AGM in Albert Building, Lerwick at 5.30pm

Weisdale Kirk 150th Anniversary – Anniversary Social in the Kirk at 7.30pm

REGULAR EVENTS (note: some Tourism Services and Visitor Attractions may finish mid-month)

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)

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: 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)

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

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)

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

Mon: Scalloway Dance Club (Modern & Latin American) meet in Scalloway Boating Club from 7pm (tuition), dance from 8pm

Mon: Lerwick Bridge Club meet in Room 10, Islesburgh Community Centre at 7pm

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

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

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 (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 & Sun: The Cabin Museum, Vidlin open 1-5pm

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

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

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

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)

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

Wed: Lerwick Dance Club (Modern & Latin American) meet in Islesburgh Community Centre from 6.30pm (tuition), dance from 7.30pm

Wed: Lerwick Drop-In Bridge Sessions in Islesburgh Community Centre at 7pm

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

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

Thu & Sat: ‘Yell for Cancer Support’ Shop open at Aywick, 1-5pm; Sun 2.30-4pm

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

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

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

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 lighthearted video showcasing an A-Z guide to Shetland has proved to be an internet hit on YouTube.

The 11-minute production offers a humorous but factual guide to life in the isles.

It has already been viewed by almost 15,200 people across – in the space of just two days.

The production went live on the YouTube channel run by 60 North TV on Tuesday.

Commissioned by Promote Shetland – which owns and operates 60 North TV – and produced by local company DJ Film and Sound, the film stars musician and arts worker Bryan Peterson, who acts as an unconventional guide to his native islands.

The film starts off with A for Airport and concludes with Z for Zetland. Highlights include K for knitwear, P for ponies and U for Unst – which, the film says, plays host to Britain’s “most northerly dog”.

Culinary delights such as reestit mutton and Da Lounge feature, along with Mareel.

“It is aimed primarily at people who might be thinking of moving to Shetland,” said Andy Steven of Promote Shetland.

“The idea was to both provide factual information and a real flavour of what Shetland is like, communicated with some of the islands’ native humour.”

An 88-year-old widower has been barred from the pensioners’ lunch club at Islesburgh for allegedly swearing at a teenager, a charge which he strongly denies.

Roy Whitehead

Roy Whitehead, from Bressay, has been unable to go to lunches for more than six weeks. He has tried to get the ban rescinded but the council, which runs Islesburgh, is adamant that it should stand, citing “aggressive behaviour”.

Mr Whitehead lives alone and says the lunch club is one of his “few contacts” with other people. He is one of its older members, has been a regular since his wife died six years ago, and would like to get back there.

But his six-month ban could be extended indefinitely if he refuses to meet  Islesburgh staff and agree to “standards of behaviour”.

Mr Whitehead is reluctant to do this. He said: “I most certainly would be unwilling to meet them, I’ve been humiliated enough.”

He described the situation as “stalemate” and said he is disappointed with the stance taken by the Royal Voluntary Service, the charity that runs the lunch club since it moved to the community centre from Freefield.

He said: “What saddens me is that RVS [seem to have] completely ignored it. I thought their main aim was to help elderly people.”

However his real problem is with the council’s sports and leisure department. After the ban for using “inappropriate language” was imposed by Islesburgh manager Dale Smith, initially for an indef­inite period, following an incident on 9th August, Mr Whitehead wrote to sports and leisure manager Neil Watt.

Five weeks later he received a reply, reiterating the ban but this time limiting it to six months from August. He plans to ask his councillor to look into the situation and is considering community mediation.

Mr Whitehead believes he has been unjustly treated since the incident, which happened when he was eating lunch.

According to him, a boy, “who looked about 14”, was playing pool alone on the pool table in the corner of the general purpose room, where the lunch club is held – and was hitting the balls so hard with his cue that one came off the table.

Mr Watt declined to comment about Mr Whitehead’s ban. The Royal Voluntary Service did not wish to comment.

There has never been a better time for bargains, i.e. repossession from all major HP companies plus all our usual disposable vehicles from leasing companies: BT, Post Office, Hydro and Gas Board etc, etc. 

We arrange delivery and our prices are inclusive of delivered to Lerwick.

Tel. Willie Ross on 07767 428130

16V Expression, 5-door automatic hatchback, 1783cc, with MoT and road tax.

Thule Bar Full & Part-Time bar staff

Must be able to work Fridays and Saturdays.

Experience preferable.

Application forms can be collected from David Logan, Bar Manager, Thule Bar. Tel. 01595 692508.

Businesses in Lerwick town centre have pooled their resources and worked together through Living Lerwick to create a winter festival for the Shetland community.

The town centre is looking very festive with 50 Christmas trees decorated by the businesses, 24 advent boxes in windows and the Christmas lights which will be switched on by the Peerie Foxes nursery with their magic wands during the parade.

The Winter Festival will run from 23rd November to 24th December. On the launch day, there will be an exciting line-up of local bands playing in Harrison Square and a family parade with in excess of 260 youngsters taking part.

The day will start at 11am with Haltadans which is Maurice Henderson of Fiddlers Bid and Fullsceilidh’s new band, followed by Arthur Nicolson at noon, Hom Bru at 1pm and South Mainland Fiddle Group with Eunice Henderson at 2pm.

This will be followed by the family parade starting at 3.30pm at Bains Beach. Two Shetland ponies in Fair Isle jumpers, Santa, Peerie Foxes Nursery, Peerie Jewels toddler group, Staneyhill toddler group, Gulberwick toddler group, Hame Fae Hame, Scalloway toddler group, Burra playgroup, Little Tykes, Tingwall under fives, Lerwick Beavers, Girl Guides, Lerwick Scouts, Lerwick Cubs, the 1st Lerwick Boys Brigade, the Brass Band and the Jarl’s Squad are all taking part.

South Commercial Street will be closed for a short time until the parade crosses Church Road. The parade will then go through Commercial Street, turn right at the bottom of Harbour Street and continue along the Esplanade until Harrison Square. Road closures in Commercial Street and along the Esplanade to beyond Harrison Square will be in place until 5.30pm. Access to Victoria pier will be available from Church Road. The Esplanade will be closed for the duration of the parade from Baroc restaurant to Victoria Pier until 5.30pm.  

Marshals will be present to help control the parade as well as allow buses to pass through at 5pm.
When the lights are on and the parade has ended, there is more entertainment at Harrison Square with performances from The Revellers at 4.30pm followed by Aestaewast at 5.30pm.

Many of Shetland’s top musicians will be appearing over the coming weeks together with local up and coming acts. Living Lerwick’s events team has employed Davie Gardner of Atlantic Edge Music Services to co-ordinate the music in Harrison Square every Saturday until the 21st of December from 11am to 5pm and on Thursday 12th and 19th December from 6pm to 8pm.

Inferno dance group will also be performing in Harrison Square on Thursday, 5th December at 7pm. Details of the line-ups for each day will be announced on the Living Lerwick website www.livinglerwick.co.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/livinglerwick

Santa has also booked a space in the town centre. His grotto will be in South Commercial Street from noon till 4pm on Saturdays 30th November, 7th and 21st December. Messages from Santa will be available on the Living Lerwick Facebook page and website prior to his appearances in the grotto.

Ben Mullay will be taking photos for families who’d like a memento of their visit from noon until 2pm each day.
The town centre businesses will be opening until 9pm every Thursday until Christmas and on Sundays from noon till 5pm to give plenty of extra time for Christmas shopping. Boots, Monty’s and other businesses also have their own events running during the Winter Festival, details of these can be found at www.livinglerwick.co.uk

The festival has a certain element of mystery to it but one thing is sure, this will be a cut above any past winter event.
Watch the Living Lerwick Facebook page for band line-ups and other exciting updates until the 21st December.
Come along and have some festive fun in your town centre.

Nortech Marine Ltd. is a metal fabrication and painting company serving all sectors of local industry

A vacancy has arisen for a full-time store person to assist in setting up a store in our busy workshop.Applicants will need to be experienced with com-puterised stock control systems, have a full driver’s licence, be physically fit and be able to serve customers. Occasional overtime may be required.Preference will be given to applicants with a back-ground in engineering/welding.Please send C.V. to:

NORTECH MARINE Ltd.,Harbourview Workshop,Gremista, Lerwick,Shetland, ZE1 0QG.

Tel. 01595 696118   |   Mobile 07990 785097   |   email: info@nortechmarine.co.uk

www.nortechmarine.co.uk

We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland.

Jobs on offer this week include…

Clerical Assistant – Foula

Instructor – Foula

Early Years Assistant – Foula

Social Worker – Lerwick

Cooking Instructor – Yell

Technical Officer – Lerwick

Teacher of Additional Support Needs – Lerwick

Relief Social Care Workers – Brae

Our list of jobs is updated daily online. For information on these jobs and more or to sign up for Job Alert e-mails go to shetland.myjobscotland.gov.uk

If you don’t have access to the internet or have a disability which prevents you from applying online, please call 01595 744032.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and encourage remote and flexible working. For more information about living and working in Shetland visit www.shetland.org