Also in the news / Fireworks warning, support for fishing, FSB to visit and more…
THE FAIR Isle ferry Good Shepherd has been undergoing drydock work in Scalloway.
This photo shows the vessel – which is set to be replaced in the coming years – taken out of the water at the Malakoff slip in the village.
THE COMPANY responsible for the electricity network is urging everyone to check for overhead power lines and stay away from substations before setting off any fireworks or lighting bonfires over coming days.
SSEN Distribution said smoke, heat and fire can all damage overhead power lines, and the debris from rockets can land on substation equipment.
The company’s head of safety Peter Vujanic said: “It only takes a few minutes to look around and check if your firework displays or bonfires are near to the electricity infrastructure, so you can relocate them if needed.”
ISLES MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed the results of a recent survey by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) which found that that 19 in 20 Scots view fishing as vital for coastal communities.
He said the findings should be a warning against SNP-Green attempts to curtail the industry.
A further 94.2 per cent believe the industry is important to Scotland’s economy, while 90.4 per cent of the 1,000 people surveyed think Scottish fish should support national food security. Meanwhile 89 per cent believe the government should do more to support fishing.
The MP said: “I am particularly pleased to see such strong support for fishing amongst young people. Both our governments have done their level best for years now – whether intentionally or otherwise – to discourage young people from getting involved in the industry.
“If we are going to make the most of our fishing potential in the years to come then attracting more young people locally has to be part of that plan.”
A DELEGATION from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will be in Shetland in November to participate in the forthcoming tourism conference – and meet with owners of small enterprises outside the tourism sector.
The organisation’s Highlands and Islands development manager David Richardson and membership advisor Colleen Joss will be in the isles from 14 to 16 November, and they want to meet as many businesses as possible.
“It’s one thing to chat to businesses on the phone or via email; it’s quite another to meet them face-to-face and explore conditions in Shetland in more detail,” Richardson said.
“Shetland and its businesses clearly have a very important role to play in Scotland’s economy, and the FSB gives them a strong, independent voice.
Both will be available during Business Gateway networking lunch in Lerwick Town Hall on 16 November. Register here.
LOCAL man Kenny Malcolmson has become the 750,000th passenger Loganair has carried through Sumburgh Airport since 2017.
Malcolmson, who was on board yesterday’s flight to Inverness, was the lucky recipient of a pair of free Loganair tickets.
He said: “I’m delighted to be given the free tickets as part of the milestone celebration. I’ve been using Loganair for over 40 years and have done so very regularly over the last 15 while travelling for work.”
Airline chief Jonathan Hinkles said: “From transporting islanders to and from Shetland and the mainland, to bringing vital services to the island community, Loganair and Shetland have grown together, and we can now offer the biggest range of routes the island has ever known, including access to the UK’s capital through London Heathrow T2.
“As we look to the future with our ongoing fleet transition, Shetland will continue to be key to everything we do, and I look forward to the day when we reach our next milestone with the community.”
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