In brief for 20 August 2010

Speed concerns

POLICE in Shetland have expressed concern after six drivers were caught breaking the 20mph speed limit outside the Sound primary school in Lerwick on Thursday.

The local force carried out high profile traffic patrols during the day including speed checks outside the Lerwick school and reported they had also stopped two people who were not wearing seatbelts.

A police spokesman said: “It is concerning that such a high number of speeding offences have been detected in one day outside schools when 20 mph speed restriction zones have been specifically implemented to ensure they safety of our children.”

An ‘oscar’ for Briggs

SHETLAND sheep breeder Richard Briggs has been awarded a Gold One Star Award
at this year’s Great Taste Awards 2010, the ‘oscars’ of the food world which features more than 6,000 different products.

A panel of industry experts, including fine food retailers, chefs, restaurant critics and food writers, tried a sample of Mr Briggs’ seasonal lamb and confirmed it worthy of a gold prize.

Mr Briggs, who crofts at Cuckron, Stromfirth, said he was delighted at winning the award. “As a producer, it is always really useful to have feedback comparative with other products that are supplied to the speciality food market.  

“This award is a third party endorsement of great taste and helps reinforce the positive comments that food writers have made about Shetland lamb.”

Long commute

A GROUP of 16 are taking the scenic route to work this Friday, travelling from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Lerwick by yacht.

The Big Commute is a 775 mile yacht race with two adult crews taking each other on in their identical 72ft Challenge yachts to raise funds for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, which works with under privileged young people.

Lerwick’s Tall Ships Race co-ordinator Fiona Dally said: “We are delighted to welcome the Big Commute crew to Shetland during their important fundraising campaign. We wish all the sailors the best of luck and look forward to meeting them in Lerwick.”

The race starts at Leith at 8pm on Friday and they will leave Lerwick on Tuesday for the Clyde Estuary.