Also in the news / Extreme wildfire risk, Rosebank contract, Tall Ships races and more …
A WARNING of an increased risk of wildfires in the East of Scotland and in Shetland has been issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SRFS).
An extreme risk of wildfire is in effect throughout Shetland today (Friday), the service said.
Over the weekend the main fire risk will move to areas on the Scottish mainland, particularly in areas around Moray.
People are asked to avoid the use of naked flames outdoors. This includes the use of barbecues.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities, the SFRS said.
Group commander Niall MacLennan said the vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour.
“It only takes one spark to start a wildfire, and things can get out of hand very, very quickly,” he said.
“Discarded cigarettes and unsupervised campfires pose a significant threat, so it’s vital to follow all safety advice when outdoors and to make sure you are familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times.”
There have been no call outs in Shetland so far, the SFRS control room confirmed a short time ago.
NORWEGIAN oil company Equinor is continuing with work on developing the controversial Rosebank development northwest of Shetland.
CHC Helicopter have now announced that they have secured a three-year contract with the company to provided crew transportation services from Aberdeen.
CHC will provide a sole-use Sikorsky S-92 for three years with a second S-92 expected to join operations next year to meet increased demand.
Work continues on the massive oil and gas field seen by many as crucial for the UK’s energy security despite a court ruling that requires the UK Government to reconsider the development’s approval by taking into account the environmental impact of burning the fossil fuels produced by the Rosebank.
TWENTY SIX young sailors are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime at this year’s Tall Ships Races which comes to Aberdeen at the weekend.
Of the 26 trainees sent out by Sail Training Shetland 16 are from the isles while 10 are from the Western Isles and are supported by Stornoway Port.
Twenty will sail aboard the Swan, while the remaining six are set to gain experience on three larger international vessels, Excelsior, Sørlandet, and Alexander von Humboldt II. T
he ten trainees from Stornoway have been sailing on board the Swan from Dunkirk and are due to arrive in Aberdeen at the weekend.
At the end of July, ten young sailors from Shetland will join the Swan at the Norwegian port of Kristiansand, sail to Esbjerg in Denmark before heading home across the North Sea.
Melanie Henderson, Chair of Sail Training Shetland, said: “We’re again blown away by the high level of interest from young people to take part in a sail training adventure.
“The enthusiasm shown through the application process was exceptional, making the selections for available placements extremely difficult.”
The charity’s work is this year supported by the Arven Offshore Wind Farm, Stornoway Port Authority, Shetland Islands Council, Lerwick Port Authority, Sail Yell and NorthLink Ferries.
MANAGING director of Ocean Kinetics, John Henderson, has been returned as chair of Lerwick Port Authority for another year.
Colin Nicolson has also been confirmed as the port’s vice chair for the next 12 months.
At the authority’s AGM earlier this week board members Sheila Keith, Colin Leask and Richard Williamson have all been reappointed.
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