Shetland News reshuffle

SHETLAND News is back to full strength again this week as established local journalist Peter Johnson joins the reporting team on a part-time basis.

The change was triggered by Neil Riddell’s decision earlier this spring to leave journalism altogether and focus on other projects, including a new café and music venue, which is soon to open in Lerwick’s Commercial Street.

Neil’s departure led to Chris Cope being appointed our new local democracy reporter, a UK-wide scheme funded by the BBC to provide coverage of councils and other public bodies.

The website’s managing editor Hans J Marter said he was delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced and versatile journalist as Peter Johnson.

“I am confident that Peter will further strengthen our news coverage as a reporter, photographer and videographer,” he said.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Neil for more than four years of sterling service, and wish him and his young family all the best for the future.”

Early October, meanwhile, has been agreed as the provisional date for the launch of our new website.

“Everybody here is really excited as we follow the development of the new website. As always, our webmaster Clement Duncan is doing a fantastic job,” Hans said.

“I am very conscious that all this would hardly be possible without the help of our advertisers and, increasingly so, the many people who are supporting us with a voluntary subscription.”

Details of the Shetland News supporters’ scheme can be found at https://supporters.shetnews.co.uk

Peter can be contacted at peter@shetnews.co.uk