Saturday 14 December 2024
 2.9°C   SSW Light Breeze
SCT - 2025/26 Small Grant SchemeSCT - 2025/26 Small Grant Scheme
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Gales cancel ferries and block roads

The A968 on Unst will be closed as of 5pm (today, Saturday) due to drifting snow. Photo: SIC

THE FIRST southerly-easterly gales in quite some time are disrupting the NorthLink lifeline ferry service this weekend.

Both of tonight’s sailings are now cancelled, as are all NorthLink services across the Pentland Firth.

Sunday night’s sailings are currently still under review but there is a high possibility of further cancellations, the ferry operator said on Saturday. An update will be given on Sunday morning.

For a detailed weather forecast go to https://www.shetnews.co.uk/weather/sumburgh/ and chose your location from the drop down menu.

Meanwhile, Shetland Islands Council said that the last ferry across Bluemull Sound is due to leave from Gutcher at 3.50pm this afternoon, after a decision was made to close all roads on Unst as of 5pm due to snow blocking the roads in the high winds.

A council statement said: “Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the main A968 road through Unst will close to all through traffic at 5pm today.

“Strong winds are causing significant drifting snow, making driving conditions extremely difficult, particularly around the highest point at Cauldback Hill.

“Council staff will soon cease any snow clearing and gritting operations, except to support any ‘blue light’ emergencies where needed.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.