Also in the news / Tinkler for Shetland West, transport strategy, Earth Hour this weekend, reminder to register to vote, P&O concern and more …

23 March 2022 17:00

Ian Tinkler

IAN Tinkler has confirmed that he will be standing in the Shetland West ward rather than Lerwick North as initially announced on his Facebook page.

The retired dentist who lives in Clousta, said he would have relished to oppose former Westside councillor Gary Robinson who has announced that he will be standing in the Lerwick North & Bressay ward.

However, he said he has been retired from Lerwick for too long to represent a ward in the town.

So far, there are three known candidates for the three seats in Lerwick North ward (Stephen Leask, Gary Robinson and Arwed Wenger), and two for the two-seat ward of Shetland West (Debra Nicolson and Ian Tinkler).

The council elections take place on 5 May.

TRANSPORT partnership ZetTrans is seeking the help of local people to shape the future of transport and traveling the isles.

ZetTrans has commissioned Stantec UK to prepare a healthier, greener, more inclusive transport system for the next 20 years until 2042.

The organisation is now seeking views and feedback on the draft Case for Change prior to progressing further.

The consultation can be found here. The deadline for responses is 5pm on Monday 2 May

PEOPLE across the isles are being invited to come together and mark Earth Hour 2022 this weekend by switching off non-essential lights.

The event takes place at 8.30pm on Saturday (26 March.

By supporting the event, and switching off all non-essential lights, the Shetland Islands Council hopes to “encourage conversation on the effects of climate change and the need to make a positive impact on our environment”.

On Saturday evening, lights will be turned off between 8.30pm and 9.30pm at Lerwick Town Hall, and in other council premises, as well as Mareel and the Charitable Trust office.

SHETLAND residents are reminded to register to vote ahead of the council elections Thursday 5 May.

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Residents must be on the electoral register if they wish to vote on polling day.

Poll cards have been delivered throughout Shetland in the last few days and with the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, anyone not registered at their current address is urged to make sure they are registered in time.

Anyone living in Scotland and who will be 16 or over on 5 May can register to vote in these elections.

Due to recent changes in the law this also gives foreign nationals who have been resident in Scotland, in some cases for many years, a first opportunity to have a say on who they want to represent them on the council.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 18 April. People can register online here. www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

ORKNEY and Shetland’s three political representatives have written to the chief executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping calling on the industry body to stand up for the working conditions of UK seafarers.

The letter comes in response to last week’s mass sackings of UK workers by P&O Ferries which have led to fears of a wider attack on pay and conditions for seafarers.

The letter was sent by Alistair Carmichael MP, Liam McArthur MSP and Beatrice Wishart MSP today (Wednesday).

Carmichael said: “The behaviour of P&O Ferries, in casting aside its seafaring workers at a stroke, demands a robust response from industry bodies.

“The Chamber of Shipping must make it clear that they do not support P&O’s unreasonable behaviour which risks critically undermining the reputation of UK shipping.”

In prime minister’s questions today Boris Johnson indicated said he believed P&O Ferries broke the law in firing 800 seafaring workers, and that the government would be “taking action”.

LOCAL comedian and storyteller Marjolein Robertson will perform at this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest event.

She will perform Hillsook Weddeen at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 3 May.

Robertson will also take to the stage at Mareel in Lerwick this coming Friday (25 March) with the comedy group the Imposters as they host an improved pantomime.

Tickets are still on sale and they can be bought online.

It marks a busy period for local creative talent and Shetland Arts, with folk group Herkja performing at the Vidlin Hall this Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon young musicians will play in the Mareel cafe bar, including traditional talent Skelburn and Kirmirren, whilst the student night will return to Mareel on 31 March.

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