News / NorthLink delays, Carers rights day, Hoswick funding, Redd-Up success and rugby joy
NorthLink’s ferry timetable continues to be affected by the windy weather.
Following Wednesday night’s cancellations, the southbound Hrossey is due to depart from Lerwick two hours ahead of schedule at 5pm and is also expected to arrive in Aberdeen two hours late.
Meanwhile, her sister vessel Hjaltland, sailing from Aberdeen, to Kirwall and Lerwick is expected to arrive in Shetland up to an hour late on Friday morning.
The cargo vessels Hildasay and Helliar will both operate but are due to depart ahead of the scheduled timetable.
Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS) is marking carers rights day on Friday by inviting unpaid carers to its Market House offices between 11am and 1pm for an information event to help carers.
An advisor from Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will be available for anyone wanting to find out more about the financial help they are entitled to; including benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance.
There will also be a reflexologist available to give people relaxing hand massages.
VAS executive officer Catherine Hughson said: “Unpaid carers have many rights they are not aware of. Carers rights day highlights this and shows that the services provided by VAS with other partners are vital to ensure that unpaid carers are able to support those they care for, and take care of themselves.”
THE SANDWICK Social and Economic Development group has received £38,000 to buy land opposite Hoswick Visitor Centre to improve its parking facilities.
The money has come from the Scottish Land Fund and it is the next step in plans for a ‘parking hub’ in the south mainland village.
The proposal also includes an electric vehicle charging point, cycle space and outdoor seating.
Group spokesperson Rosemary Inkster said: “The boundary walls will be built using local stone and earth, in common with the drystone walls which are a feature in Hoswick. The development will include interpretive boards, covering topics such as geology and points of local interest.
“There will be scenic photo posts and outdoor seating for our community and for visitors to enjoy the views of the sea, wildlife and natural heritage.
“The new parking and hub will provide designated disabled parking and a safer and more accessible space for visitors’ parking, which will ease disruption for local people and the problems for visitors which occur during the tourism season.”
THE ORGANISERS of Da Voar Redd Up say more remote areas of Shetland were cleaned this year then ever before.
This was helped through assistance from members of industry group Seafood Shetland, who tackled hard to reach areas and cleared marine bruck.
Shetland Mussels staff also covered “quite a few kilometres” of coastline, collecting around eight tonnes of rubbish.
Over 30 volunteers also helped clean up 640 kilograms of bruck at the hard to access Woodwick area in Unst as part of UnstFest.
Environmental improvement officer from organisers Shetland Amenity Trust Sita Goudie said: “Even with the advancements made in equipment to reduce loss, such as new mussel lines without pegs, there is no getting away from the fact that a good proportion of what is gathered by our Redd Up groups annually originates from marine industries.
“However, by working with members of these industries we can increase the impact of both what they and the community of Shetland achieve clearing our landscapes of litter.
“Also, by engaging with the aquaculture and fishing industries in this way we can help them to change attitudes, helping reduce litter and increase involvement in these community activities.”
THE SHETLAND women’s rugby team has won the Tennent’s Women’s North League for the second season in a row.
The team won the title after defeating Orkney Dragons 31-27 at the weekend.
The players paid tribute to their “brilliant coaches” after the win on the Shetland Rugby Club Facebook page.
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