Also in the news / New directors at energy hub, Royal opening for Island Games and more …
SIX NEW directors have been appointed to the board of the Brae rural energy hub community interest company.
Julie Nicolson, Sarah Henry, Rosalind Griffiths, Marlene Fillingham, Sean Fillingham and Robert Clark have joined the four founding directors, who are Andrew Hall, Ellie Ratter, Peter Long and Ian Johnstone.
The hub’s engagement and development officer Jade Wilson said they were “delighted” to welcome such an “enthusiastic and skilled group” to drive the project forward.
“Each brings valuable perspective and fresh ideas that will help shape our services to meet community needs as we transition to full community ownership,” she added.
The appointments following the recent announcement of £114,349 in funding from the Viking community benefit fund to support staffing costs from November 2025 to October 2029.
Sean Fillingham, who is managing director for Heatsave Shetland, said joining the board was a “chance to make a real impact in our community”.
“I’m excited to use my experience in the renewable heating industry to help ensure the hub is both environmentally and economically sustainable while making decarbonisation accessible for everyone in our community,” he added.
The new directors will guide the hub as it prepares for its official opening this summer, following the completion of renovations to transform the Brae Youth and Community Centre.
A community bike day is also set to be held at the Brae astroturf on Saturday, showcasing some of the electric and adapted bikes that will be available at the hub.
Once the hub is up and running it will offer co-working spaces, electric vehicle charging stations, e-bike rentals and a community café.
THE SHETLAND Public Protection Committee is urging everyone to look out for vulnerable adults who may be more susceptible to financial harm.
It said some adults were more at risk from financial harm, perhaps due to illness, trauma or physical or mental health conditions.
Financial harm can cover theft, fraud and pressure to sign over property or money, and also relates to rogue traders and online scammers.
Committee chair Lindsay Tulloch said: “Financial harm can take many forms including online scams, bogus callers, rogue traders or from friends, family or carers in a position of trust appointed with power of attorney to look after someone’s finances and welfare.
“Financial harm can have a devastating and lasting effect to a victim’s wellbeing and mental health.”
Anyone who is worried someone they know may be at risk of financial harm should contact duty social work on 01595 744468 (out of hours 695611) or trading standards on 01595 744887 or trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk
THE PRINCESS Royal is set to officially open the 2025 Island Games in Orkney this summer.
Princess Anne will attend the opening ceremony at Kirkwall’s Bignold Park on 12 July, which will kickstart a week of sporting action.
Orkney 2025 director Kirsty Talbot said they were “incredibly honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to Orkney to open the 20th International Island Games.”
The games kick off with an opening ceremony and athletes’ parade in Kirkwall on Saturday 12 July, which will be hosted by Lorraine Kelly and Stewart Bain.
Shetland News will be in Orkney reporting from the event.
THE LOCAL branch of the Rotary Club is hosting a quiz night in the Sandwick Social Club on Friday (tomorrow) to raise funds for charity.
The cost is £10 per table for a team of four, with an 8pm start.
More information is available from John Telford via e-mail at jbtco@btinternet.com
SSEN Distribution is hosting two further engagement meetings next week to provide an update on its project to strengthen the network, and also to provide a grid connection to Sullom Voe Terminal.
The project, first announced last autumn, will see the installation of two new high voltage cables along a 43km route between Gremista and the north of mainland Shetland.
Works on the cable installation is scheduled to start on 16 June.
The events will take place on:
- 27 May from 12pm to 6pm in the Brae Hotel
- 28 May from 12pm to 6pm in Lerwick Town Hall.
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