Monday 12 January 2026
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Letters / Ray of sunshine

Looking at your website on Sunday morning, I found two news items that brought a ray of sunshine into a grey day.

Seeing the rainbow flag flying for LBGT month above the town hall was an uplifting sight.

In the 21st Century individuals that didn’t fit the heterosexual stereotype have to hide their sexual orientation or have to leave Shetland to escape prejudice, discrimination and bullying. Hopefully, this will now become a thing of the past.

Also heartening were the laughing faces of women lighting up their Up-Helly-Aa torches in Cullivoe. Good for them to take the ‘Aa’ literally and joining in the fun.

They’re miles ahead of their sisters in town, who have to stick to their traditional and stereotypical role of making tea and baking fancies.

Here’s hoping the age of enlightenment and gender equality is going to reach the Lerwick fire festival one of these days.

Rosa Steppanova
Tresta

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