Also in the news / Aurora show, rural housing call and more…
PHOTOGRAPHERS managed to snap some fine photos of the Mirrie Dancers on Friday night.
Thanks to Austin Taylor for sending in this photo taken above Spiggie Loch at about 11pm.
THE INDUSTRY body representing Scotland’s vital salmon sector has called for greater investment in rural housing in this week’s Programme for Government.
Salmon Scotland is urging ministers to overhaul the current system so that the millions sent to Crown Estate Scotland by salmon farmers in charges are instead ringfenced for investment in coastal areas.
It is not the first time the organisation has raised the idea, but it is keen for it to feature in the Scottish Government’s programme for the year ahead.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “The shortage of available, affordable housing in island and Highland communities is pricing people out of the housing market, and businesses are experiencing problems recruiting and retaining staff – leading to hard-to-fill vacancies, skills shortages and depopulation.”
But a spokesperson for Crown Estate Scotland said: “The seabed is a shared, public space and, like many multi-national businesses, salmon farmers pay to use it for their commercial purposes.
“Crown Estate Scotland then passes profits to the Scottish Government and Ministers decide how that money is used.
“From 2017 to 2021, over £28m from Crown Estate Scotland was passed by Scottish Government to coastal local authorities to support Covid-19 recovery projects, economic regeneration and job creation, flood protection, environmental projects, and more.”
PLANS have been submitted to Shetland Islands Council for a new ‘glamping’ site in the southend.
The proposal features two ‘shepherd’s huts’ just off the A970 in Dunrossness.
Documents lodged with the planning service says the site would be operated nine months of the year, with a maximum of two guests per hut at any one time.
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart has welcomed Migraine Awareness Week and joined the Migraine Trust’s call for better migraine care for children and young people.
One in 10 children and young people are affected by migraines, a painful condition with a variety of symptoms such as headaches, sensitivity to light, nausea and affected vision.
“I know from personal experience how debilitating migraines can be as unfortunately they run in my family,” Wishart said. “The early impact on children can be severe, and they have less treatment options than adults.
“Too often children’s migraines are not understood, resulting in increased disruption to their schoolwork and quality of life. We need more tools to support children and young people affected by migraine and to equip adults to better care for them.”
LOGANAIR has restored its link between Aberdeen and Oslo.
The year-round route between Aberdeen and the Norwegian capital will be operated by Loganair’s 49-seat Embraer 145 Regional Jet aircraft.
Loganair chief operating officer Luke Lovegrove said: “We’re delighted to restore the important Aberdeen-Oslo route today.
“We know it’s been hugely missed by the business community and are confident it will support growth and strengthen ties between the North-East of Scotland and Norway.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
