Friday 9 October 2026
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New mural, more cruise ships, community spirit awards, new Lib Dem leader, SNP and Greens team up

The artwork was created by Glasgow based Cobolt Collective. Photo: Jim Mullay

THE SECOND mural in the LOCUS public art trail in Lerwick is now adorning the wall opposite the Peerie Shop Cafe.

The artwork was created by Glasgow based Cobolt Collective.

It takes the sea as its subject, connecting local references and narratives, making a strong visual link between the busy street and Bressay Sound.

The collective picked a line from a poem by Shetland born poet Christine De Luca for the artwork.


LERWICK Harbour will reach the mid-point of a shortened cruise season next week with the arrival of three of the largest vessels yet since the lifting of the pandemic-related ban on visits to Scottish ports last month.

The next to anchor in the inner harbour will be TUI UK-operated Marella Explorer 2, on 24 August, in her second visit of the season.

On Thursday (26 August), the 238-metre, 62,735 gross tonne Bolette, new to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, will anchor in the inner harbour.

On the same day, Saga’s 236-metre, 58,119 gross tonne Spirit of Adventure, will berth at Mair’s Pier East on a maiden call.

The industry requirement for shore excursion “bubbles”, initially in place since the restart, has now also been relaxed.

Some cruise lines visiting Lerwick, including Marella Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Noble Caledonia, will be allowing passengers and crew members to disembark for free time ashore.


NOMINATIONS are being sought for the second Shetland Community Spirit Awards.

The awards, overseen Voluntary Action Shetland, aim to celebrate people who have gone above and beyond for the community.

The nominations open on Monday (23 August) for two weeks.

Folk are asked to email vasvolunteering@shetland.org with the nomination.

People are asked to give as much information as possible about the recipient with a contact name and email or postal address of the person, organisation or local shop they are nominating.

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ALEX Cole-Hamilton has been appointed as the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ new leader.

The Edinburgh Western MSP said on Friday that “Scotland needs new hope right now”.

Shetland’s Beatrice Wishart is one of only four Lib Dem MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.


MEANWHILE the SNP and the Scottish Greens have announced a new power sharing arrangement.

It will see two Green MSPs join first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s government.

The deal also includes a commitment to hold a referendum on Scottish independence within the next five years, and preferably by the end of 2023.

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