Big increase in fraud cases, linkspan replacement postponed, businesses shortlisted and more…

THE NUMBER of fraud cases reported to police in Shetland have doubled to 46 during the year to March 2023.

Chief inspector Stuart Clemenson said the vast majority of these cases relate to scams and internet fraud.

He said scammers have become very sophisticated and called once again on people to be extra vigilant.

The fraud figures are included in latest crime statistics for the isles which will be presented to a meeting of the community safety and resilience board on Wednesday

THE linkspan replacement work at Hamarsness, in Fetlar, originally planned to start on 7 September, has been postponed.

Shetland Islands Council said the decision to postpone the work was taken due to “unforeseen delays”.

The council said that the normal ferry timetable will continue to operate on Bluemull Sound that weekend without any changes.

Alternative dates for linkspan replacement work are being explored and will be announced later, the SIC added.

TWO LOCAL businesses have been shortlisted at this year’s Highlands and Islands businesses excellence awards, hosted by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).

Lerwick based software developer Mesomorphic Ltd and Glansin Glass, based in Unst, are both finalists in the outstanding island business category.

The other two companies shortlisted in this section are Atlantic58 Ltd and Isle of Barra Distillers.

The winners across nine categories will be announced during a ceremony in Inverness on 14 September.

THE Shetland Autonomy Action Team (SAAT) is holding its inaugural meeting next month.

The group, which so far exists as a Facebook page, had initially planned to have a first meeting in December last year, but this was cancelled.

James Paton of the group said the meeting will now be held on 21 September in Room 12 of the Islesburgh Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm.