Also in the news / Wind farm mast, support for Swinney, Scalloway hall EGM and more…
A METEOROLOGICAL mast which will provide data for the planned Energy Isles wind farm in Yell has been installed on the island.
Masts like these can measure wind conditions, which will inform turbine specification.
Statkraft’s principal wind project manager John Thouless said: “The installation of the met mast represents an important step in the next stage of developing our Energy Isles Wind Farm, after consent was granted by Scottish Government Ministers in October last year.
“The data we collect over the next 12 months or so will support our detailed site design and in the selection of suitable turbines. We look forward to sharing more details as we develop our plans for building the project.”
The Energy Isles wind farm project has consent for 18 turbines in the northwest of Yell.
SHETLAND’s sole SNP councillor Robbie McGregor has backed John Swinney as the party’s new leader and Scotland’s next first minister.
Veteran MSP Swinney, a former deputy first minister, is one of the leading names being discussed following Humza Yousaf’s resignation announcement earlier this week.
Another name being talked about is Kate Forbes, who ran against Yousaf in last year’s SNP leadership campaign. Writing on Facebook, McGregor said: “Very much hope that John Swinney stands to be the next SNP leader and I will be giving him my support if he decides to stand.”
THE UK Government’s next Islands Forum will take place in Ynys Môn/the Isle of Anglesey in Wales on 7/8 May.
The agenda for this meeting will focus on housing, a priority for islands – including topics such as tackling housing shortages and putting vacant properties back into use.
Eligible council leaders and chief executives of island communities in all parts of the UK have been invited – including from Shetland.
THE SCALLOWAY Public Hall is holding an EGM later this month after only ten people attended an AGM on Tuesday.
It said a good turnout is “essential to keep the hall open”.
The EGM is taking place at the hall at 6.30pm on Tuesday 14 May.
The hall said it always welcomes new members to join the committee.
SERCO NORTHLINK says it makes “absolute sense” for the company to financially support the Shetland Folk Festival – given the importance of music to the isles.
The ferry operator said it has provided a donation to support the running costs of upcoming folk festival gigs in North Roe and Baltasound.
The popular festival will make its return today (Thursday) with the event due to run through to Sunday.
Stuart Garrett, managing director of NorthLink Ferries, said: “Music is an important part of Shetland’s heritage, so it makes absolute sense for NorthLink Ferries to support Shetland Folk Festival – as part of our Hidden Gems campaign.
“We can’t reveal the full details yet, but we’re currently working with a folk band to bring a very special concert to Orkney. We really hope that visitors to the islands will consider seeking out some traditional music on their travels.”
Shetland News will be providing coverage of the festival over the coming days.
