News / In brief for 2 June 2011
No ADS review planned
THE SCOTTISH government has no plans to investigate the impact on the voluntary sector of the removal of business travel from the popular Air Discount Scheme.
Responding to a question from Orkney MSP Liam McArthur, transport minister Keith Brown said they had received no representation from any voluntary organisation on the exclusion of business related claims.
“The ADS is designed to facilitate social support for individual scheme members. Although the scheme does not extend to providing voluntary organisations with help in participating in national events on the Scottish mainland, it is available to support individual members attending social type events on the mainland,” the minister said.
Mr McArthur responded: “The minister may be congratulating himself on having heard no complaints from the voluntary sector, but I suspect that will change very soon.
“There was absolutely no prior consultation on this ill-considered and damaging cut to ADS. All the more important, therefore, that the minister is made aware of the risks posed to a wide range of businesses and organisations in the islands, as well as to the lifeline air routes on which they rely.”
Sites up for development
SHETLAND folk are being asked to comment on 190 sites across the isles that could be developed for housing, employment or retail over the next 20 years.
The council’s planning service is looking for more information on these sites as it prepares the Shetland local development plan.
From 6 June a folder containing maps and information sheets on all of the sites will be available for the public to view and comment on in all leisure centres, Shetland library and at the council’s infrastructure services reception, at Grantfield, in Lerwick. They will also be available online at www.planshetland.org
Head of planning Iain McDiarmid said: “For the first time ever we have asked developers and landowners to submit details of land that is available for development over the next 20 years.
“We haven’t made any decisions about the suitability of these sites yet. However, we are keen to let everybody see where the sites are, and to get feedback from local communities. If a site is shown to be suitable it will be included in the next round of consultation for the Shetland local development plan.”
Brae girls join Trawlermen
TWO young fish fryers from Frankie’s Fish & Chips, in Brae, are on their way to London board the Peterhead whitefish trawler Amity II of ‘Trawlermen’ fame.
Carlyn Johnson (21) and Sara MacGregor (19) won the trip as part of a ‘money can’t buy’ auction to celebrate the publication skipper Jimmy Buchan’s autobiography, in London this weekend.
Carlyn and Sara will attend the book launch of Trawlermen and be part of the celebrations and industry promotion of Scottish Seafood whilst the Amity II is docked at HMS Belfast, in the heart of London.
Madrid Cup final
One of the most important fixtures in the Shetland football calendar is to take place Saturday afternoon when Spurs take on Whalsay in the final of the Madrid Cup.
Kick off is at 3pm at the Gilbertson Park, in Lerwick.
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