Chopper crash tribute

SHETLAND Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell opened Wednesday morning’s meeting with condolences for the victims of Friday’s helicopter crash.

Bell said his heart sank when news of the tragedy started coming through on Friday evening and that his thoughts went out to the families affected.

He also paid tribute to the professionals in the emergency services, the council’s own staff and the many volunteers, such as those from the RNLI, who responded so quickly to the accident.

He said: Our thoughts are with the families of those who grieve this morning and in time we know many questions will have to be answered. 

“May I also pay tribute to those members of the emergency services, our own staff, businesses and volunteers who turned out so readily on Friday and worked throughout the weekend.”