News / In brief for 7 October 2011
Loganair sale includes Bergen
A SNAP sale cutting 25 per cent off all Shetland flights between now and 31 August next year runs until midnight on Sunday.
The 72 hour sale includes flights between Shetland and Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Kirkwall.
They also include flights to Bergen, which Loganair say are now eligible for the 40 per cent air discount scheme.
Loganair’s chief operating officer Jonathan Hinkles said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to enjoy discounted travel, whether they’re planning to book a trip to see friends in Aberdeen, go Christmas shopping in Glasgow, or plan their Summer break in Bergen.
“Registered air discount scheme members can secure bargains on all of our Shetland services, with sale fares to Bergen starting at £45.68.”
Fish grants
FISHING secretary Richard Lochhead has announced grants worth £12.3 million for the Scottish fishing industry will be announced shortly.
He said the European Fisheries Fund grants would help to ensure the infrastructure which supports the fishing fleet is fit for purpose, aid safety training, gear trials to reduce discards and add value to the fisheries supply chain through improved processing, training and marketing.
Mr Lochhead said 2012 would prove a pivotal year for the industry with negotiations over Common Fisheries Policy reform, a review of the cod recovery plan and the World Fisheries Congress coming to Edinburgh in May.
Missing ornament
SHETLAND police are searching for a rusty piece of metal from a North Sea oil rig which has gone missing from a garden in Lerwick’s North Lochside.
They say the chunk of “very corroded” metal measures about 28cm by 14cm and was being used as a garden ornament.
“Whilst the item had no monetary value, it was of sentimental value to the owner, who would very much like to have it returned to her,” the police said.
Lerwick BID ballot
LIVING Lerwick have announced they will be holding a ballot on 28 June next year on their plans for the town centre.
LL is behind plans to develop the town centre as a business improvement district (BID), and wants more time to consult with local companies about its ideas.
Chairman Harry Jamieson said: “We need to be absolutely sure we have the backing of all the businesses before we finalise this business plan and put it to the vote.
“Steering group members would like to discuss it with all the businesses in the area. The BID will be legislation for five years, so we need to put a lot of effort into making sure the business plan is exactly what the business owners want it to be.”
A yes vote will lead to a BID company being formed to develop the plan to increase business, reduce costs and improve the environment.
More information is available at www.livinglerwick.co.uk.
Chopper contract
FOUR companies are vying for the five year coastguard search and rescue helicopter contract, for which bids had to be submitted on Wednesday.
Bids have come in from current contract holders CHC, Bond, Bristow and a consortium including British International Helicopters.
The next contract starts in June 2013 and the successful bid is due to be announced before the end of this year.
Lunna award
SHETLAND-based consultant Helen Erwood has been shortlisted for an award from The Organisation of Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA).
Mrs Erwood’s business ESPL Regulatory Consulting, based at Lunna, has been nominated for the “inspiration” award for her 25 years work helping the pharmaceutical industry deal with regulations. Last year the company won the “support” category.
Shortly after returning from a business trip to Mumbai, Mrs Erwood said: “This demonstrates that companies with the right scientific and regulatory expertise can readily operate globally from within Shetland. Most of the company’s competitors are based in and around London and other European capitals.”
An awards ceremony will be held on 24 November.
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