News / In brief – 3 March 2010
Teachers thanked
SCOTTISH education secretary Michael Russell has written a personal letter to every head teacher in Shetland thanking them for their hard work in getting the islands schools open again after the recent bad weather.
Mr Russell said: “The Shetland Islands has been one of the areas worst affected by the weather this winter. This has had a knock on impact with inevitable widespread closure of schools, in the interests of everyone’s safety.
“I appreciate that many school and council staff have put in a great deal of work and gone above and beyond the call of duty to reopen their schools and keep them open if possible.”
Mr Russell spoke directly to North Roe primary school head teacher Hazel Cranie thanking her for her efforts.
SIC head of schools Helen Budge said: “The cabinet secretary’s interest and letter of thanks will be well received and much appreciated.”
Rare fish
SCALLOWAY’S NAFC Marine Centre is displaying unusual marine species caught by local folk and commercial fishermen on its website at www.nafc.ac.uk
The “discovery zone” will plot where species were found, photos of the creature in question and further information about who found it.
Shellfish scientist Richard Shelmerdine, who has been co-ordinating the new addition to the website, said: “Fishermen and members of the public often drop along with a find they have discovered in their nets, or while walking along the shore, and we’re more than happy to try to identify the species.
“I think this new section on the website will prove a great point of interest and people will find it fascinating to see the wealth of sea life that often goes unnoticed around our shores.”
Rings
AN EXHIBITION of rings designed by Shetland children aged from five to 14 has been extended by a month to make up for the gallery being closed last month due to recent bad weather.
More than 70 children entered a competition to design and create a ring, with 11 year old Alfred Holt, from Uyeasound primary school, and 13 year old Aidan Sim, from Anderson High School, winning the contest. A further prize went to 12 year old Ross Johnson, of Mid Yell junior high school, who was highly commended.
Jane Matthews, of Shetland Arts, said: “I have been bowled over by the fantastic array of entries. There is humour, beauty, creativity and inspiration in spades and it really makes a fantastic show that should inspire us all. I am grateful to the teachers who embraced the project in the classroom.”
The exhibition in the lower gallery at the Weisdale Mill will now run until 11 April. Later this month the gallery will be running an egg decorating competition in the run up to Easter
New VisitScotland chair
NATIONAL tourism agency VisitScotland has appointed a new chairman. Dr Michael Cantlay runs William Glen Ltd, which has tourism, leisure and retail interests in Scotland, Canada and the US. He previously ran Highland dress specialist Hector Russell and the retail chain The Whisky Shop.
Dr Cantlay was brought up in Callander where he still lives and his business is headquartered, and holds several public appointments including chair of Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley; chair of Forth Valley College and an advisory member of Scottish Enterprise.
Last year Shetland Islands Council withdrew its funding from VisitScotland because it felt it was not marketing Shetland’s distinct identity, and set up a new organisation Promote Shetland to attract more people to the isles.
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