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News / Drink driving numbers down, Loganair’s new hygiene and distancing measures, MP says ‘legal limbo’ for EU citizens unacceptable

THE NUMBER of drink or drug driving offences recorded in Shetland in 2019/20 was down by nearly a half compared to the previous year.

New figures released by Police Scotland showed that there were 16 offences recorded during the year compared to 27 in 2018/19.

There were 68 drug possession offences recorded in 2019/20 – a vast decrease on the 120 recorded the previous year.

There was also a large increase in the number of recorded thefts, while there were 24 housebreaking offences recorded compared to 14 the year before.

The number of domestic abuse incidents recorded rose from 120 to 124.


LOGANAIR has offered more details on how it will implement social distancing and hygiene measures on its flights and in airport terminals.

People will be required to wear face masks on flights, with Loganair able to provide masks before boarding if passengers do not already have one.

The airline will also be able to provide hand sanitiser.

A new auto seat allocation system has been introduced to ensure middle seats remain empty where possible.

There will be enhanced airplane cleaning and Loganair also plans to board aircraft by row.

More details on the new measures can be found online.


NORTHERN Isles MP Alistair Carmichael says it is “unacceptable” that around 200 EU citizens in Shetland remain in “legal limbo” over their settled status.

Figures revealed by the Liberal Democrats also confirm that around 60 EU citizens in Orkney are in the same position.

Carmichael said they are in this situation through either having only been granted pre-settled status or having had no response to their application.

“The ongoing legal limbo for over two hundred EU citizens in the isles is unacceptable,” he said.

“Continued confusion and delay caused by administrative problems must be put right.

“Failing to do so puts people’s futures and lives clouded in uncertainty. They deserve better from a government that promised their right to remain.”

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