News / In brief for 26 July 2011
Letter of condolence
SHETLAND Islands Council convener Sandy Cluness has written a letter of condolence to the Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, following the weekend’s tragic events.
He wrote: “I wish to express the heartfelt sorrow of all Shetlanders at the recent tragic events in Norway.
“We have a common heritage and have shared the best and worst of experiences during and since the last war. But nothing could have prepared us for the sheer horror and great sadness experienced as we watched the events in Oslo and Utøya unfold on television.
“By chance this weekend eleven ships manned by young Norwegians were in Lerwick for the Tall Ships Race and we were glad to be able to extend what friendship and practical help we could to the crews during this awful time – they are now on their way to Stavanger and home.
“Please extend our sympathies to all those families who have so cruelly lost loved ones, and to the Norwegian people.”
Child protection
SEVENTEEN children were on the child protection register in 2010/11, according to the latest annual report from the Shetland Child Protection Committee.
In addition, concern about a further 121 children in Shetland have been raised by authorities such as the police or health boards.
The CPC also expressed its worry about children’s exposure to excessive misuse of alcohol by parents.
The report states: “Childcare and alcohol do not mix. If parents are not fit to be in charge of a car they are hardly fit to be in charge of such a complex organism as a dependent child.”
The report is available for anyone to read in the Shetland Library and published on the internet on the new CPC website www.childprotectionshetland.com
Skoitaboot
AN EXHIBITION of new paintings by Shetland artist Bert Simpson opens in Da Gadderie, in the Shetland Museum and Archives, on Saturday.
Born in the early 40s, Bert Simpson started as an apprentice painter and decorator before being accepted at Edinburgh College of Art from where he graduated in 1968.
Painting was always the common thread in all his art works. He has participated in many individual, group and national exhibitions, with the highlight being the award of a Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts prize in 2005.
Now at 70 years old, Bert is still busy painting in his studio in Orkney from where he flits between family on the mainland and in Shetland.
The museum’s exhibition officer John Hunter said: “This enthralling exhibition includes reflections of Shetlands past, still life compositions, seascapes and boatbuilding scenes to name a few.”
Football results
G&S Flooring premier league results from Monday night
Celtic 8-1 Thistle
Celtic took another stride towards the league with this big win over their town rivals. Roy Wood (3), James Aitken, Dominic Mann, Connor Regan and Jordan Webb (2) keep them within just a few wins to success. Calvin Leask got a consolation for the Jags.
Delting 7-2 Scalloway
Scalloway continue to baffle the predictions, this time suffering a heavy loss in Brae. Ross Jamieson (2), Stuart Lavender, Peter Peterson, Leighton Flaws (2) and an own goal brought the Delts a good win. Grant Gilfillan and Rideon Reynolds got Scalloway’s efforts.
Spurs 5-1 Ness United
On a cold night at the Clickimin, Spurs got a fine win over the Southend side. James Johnston (2), Joe Leask, Josie Kay and Connel Gresham were their scorers while James Farmer got a fine individual effort for Ness.
Whalsay 4-1 Whitedale
Whalsay all but end Whitedale’s chances of a title challenge with a convincing win at Harbison Park. An Erik Thomson hatrick and Stuart Shearer goal did the damage as the Boannie Isle side aim to usurp the Hoops. Paul Molloy got Whitedale’s goal.
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