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Also in the news / Town hall turns blue, fishing agreement, pension fund value up, college open days and more…

LERWICK Town Hall was lit up blue earlier this week to mark World Diabetes Day, which was held on Sunday.

This year marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin, which is the only lifesaving treatment for type one diabetes.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.


FIRST minister Nicola Sturgeon says the proposed Cambo oil development to the west of Shetland “should not get the green light”.

She told the Scottish Parliament the presumption would be that Cambo “could not and should not pass any rigorous climate assessment”.

However, the decision on whether to allow extraction sits with the UK Government.


THE SCOTTISH Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) and Shetland UHI have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership agreement that will enhance co-operation between the fishing industry and scientists.

The new agreement will build upon the strong relationship previously forged between SPFA and NAFC Marine Centre.

Dr Steven Mackinson, chief scientific officer for SPFA, said: “The MoU provides a way to demonstrate our commitment to building a strong working relationship between the pelagic industry and an established science institute, by clarifying why and how we intend to collaborate.”


THE VALUE of Shetland Islands Council’s pension fund investments rose by £43 million over the first six months of the financial year, new figures show.

This means that by the end of September the value had risen to £633 million.

But a warning has been made that performance of investments could “quickly and unpredictably increase or decrease depending on economic and investment circumstances”.


THE NEWLY formed Shetland UHI will host two open days in Lerwick and Scalloway this month.

Prospective students are invited to visit Shetland UHI on Tuesday 23 November at the Lerwick Campus, Gremista between 4pm-7pm, and the Scalloway Campus, Port Arthur, on Thursday 25 November between 4pm-7pm.

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Teaching and vocational training staff will be on hand to discuss the courses and options for prospective students.

In addition the Shetland UHI learning centres around the isles will be open for visitors. People can meet with staff to discuss their learning aspirations and what skills they would like to gain at:

  • Unst (Baltasound Junior High) – Tuesday 23 November, 4pm-7pm
  • Whalsay (Whalsay School) – Tuesday 23 November, 4pm-7pm
  • North Mainland (Delting Boating Club) – Thursday 25 November, 4pm-6.30pm

THE UNIVERSITY of the Highlands and Islands has launched a new project to develop an online resource for wild swimmers.

SwimWild, a company which offers open water coaching, adventures and events, is working with Moray College UHI’s computing and digital media department to create a portal where people can find information about wild swimming locations around Scotland.

The resource will feature reviews of swimming locations, including advice on accessibility and difficulty.

Wild swimming – taking a dip in the sea – remains popular in Shetland.


FOR MANY the John Lewis Christmas TV advert is a big part of the festive season – and now Loganair is getting in on the act too.

It has released its first Christmas advert, starring the airline’s very own married pilot and in-flight trainer who first met at work 14 years ago – as well as a lost teddy bear.

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