Delting UHA venue given late licence

COUNCILLORS on Shetland’s licensing board had no qualms with approving an occasional licence for a Delting Up Helly Aa venue when they met this morning (Monday).

The Delting Boating Club applied for a license to extend its licensing hours from 5pm to 3.30am on 17 March, and noon to 10pm for the hop the following day.

Lerwick North and Bressay councillor Stephen Leask said he found the application “quite acceptable when we align it with all the other extensions with the various Up Helly Aas and fire festivals”.

Shetland North member Tom Morton supported the motion to approve and said he saw “no reason why this should be refused”.

The board meeting was concluded after just six minutes – with chairman Neil Pearson saying it may be a “record” time.

With heavy snowfall overnight causing disruption to transport, most councillors attended the Lerwick Town Hall meeting remotely online.

But among those who attended the short meeting in person was Delting Boating Club representative Jim Milne, who said it took around 55 minutes to get from Brae to town in “horrendous” conditions.