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Also in the news / Tanker resolution, charity donations, produce scheme for tenants, inter-island ferry updates, tall ship returns

Oil tanker Hovden Spirit lying off Quarff in February this year. Photo: SIC

Also in the News is our regular round-up of news snippets that didn’t quite make the ‘frontpage’.

  • Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell has again thanked the oil industry for helping to reach a resolution to the issue of oil tankers loitering off the coast after leaving Sullom Voe Terminal. There was recent confirmation that in future, fully-laden oil tankers will leave Shetland’s waters after loading at Sullom Voe, or from West of Shetland, and will not lie at anchor inshore unnecessarily. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the council’s harbour board earlier this year, with Bell saying in February that he was satisfied the issue had been resolved following talks with the industry.

  • Local company DH Marine has donated £2,000 towards charity Dogs Against Drugs. The business and Lerwick Port Authority have also donated £500 each towards defibrillator charity Lucky2BHere. A public defibrillator has been installed at the DH Marine offices next to the Lerwick marina.

  • Hjaltland Housing Association tenants will be offered help in growing their own produce thanks to a new collaboration with Transition Turriefield as part of its Grow Shetland project. Any tenant wishing to be involved should register their interest by Friday 7 May. Tenants can register for a starter pack, or sign up to receive advice and input on existing projects. The association can be contacted on 01595 69 4986 or mail@hjaltland.org.

  • Shetland Islands Council is now seeking bids from organisations who wish to deliver activity as part of the UK Community Renewal Fund, which aims to support investment in skills, local business, communities, as well as help people into employment. Further information on the fund can be found on the council’s website here.

  • Cash will be accepted for fare payments on all Shetland Islands Council ferries from Monday, when non-essential travel is allowed again. Cash will be taken on an “exact fare-no change” basis. Passengers who wish to pay by cash are asked to have the correct fare, as no change will be given. Account cards will remain as an alternative method of payment for regular travellers. Passengers are reminded that face coverings must be worn in enclosed spaces on ferries, including in passenger lounges and when interacting with ferry crew. Passengers are also encouraged to stay in their vehicles wherever possible.

  • The ferry linkspan at Fetlar has been fixed following a fault. The issue came to light on Monday and it was back in service later that day.

  • The Bergen based tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl (pictured below) made an appearance in Lerwick at the weekend. It is a regular visitor to Shetland.

    The Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Photo: Katarina Duernberger

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