Foula beacon, coastguard anniversary, space progress

A NEW architectural installation designed to inspire visitors to seek solitude and reconnect with the natural world has been commissioned for Foula.

It follows a nationwide design competition named the Beacon Project.

The winner was a piece called The Pilgrim Stones by architect Kevin Kelly.

The installation, commissioned by leading outdoor footwear Merrell brand to promote the restorative effects of the great outdoors, is set to be unveiled in early autumn.

The design draws inspiration from early visitors to Foula and its rich heritage.

Simon Sweeney, marketing manager at Merrell who commissioned the project, said: “The Pilgrim Stones offer the perfect antidote by providing a sanctuary where people can be immersed in nature and spend time appreciating and benefiting from it.”

AN EVENT was held at the weekend to mark the 200th anniversary of the coastguard.

A reception took place on board the Hrossey ferry while she was berthed in Lerwick on Saturday.

Emergency services and guests were invited.

“GREAT progress is being made in the countdown to the UK’s first vertical orbital satellite launch from Unst, according to aerospace giant Lockheed Martin.

The company is involved in the government’s Pathfinder project to carry out the first vertical space launch from UK soil.

Launch partner ABL Space Systems is preparing for its first test launch out of Alaska of the RS1 rocket, which will be used in the Shetland operation.

Another critical element of the UK Pathfinder Launch is the development of the Orbital Manoeuvring Vehicle by Moog, a free-flying vehicle that will be used to deploy up to six 6u CubeSats into Low Earth Orbit.

Lockheed Martin’s UK and Europe regional director Nik Smith said: “We are proud to be working with our partners to reach these key milestones.

“We are making great progress towards the UK’s first vertical, orbital satellite launch.

“This is an exciting time for the team as we see all the different elements coming together, and we’re delighted to be supporting the UK Space Agency to achieve their goal of creating a world-leading commercial launch market and stimulating the UK space supply chain.”