Also in the news / UHI graduation, space agency, exhibition and more…
MORE than 100 UHI Shetland students enjoyed a celebratory graduation at Mareel today (Friday) – with the event spaced over two ceremonies due to demand.
Lerwick Port Authority chief executive Calum Grains was on hand to deliver a speech about the importance of learning and skills in Shetland, while recent teaching graduate Rachel Baronet reflected on her learning journey and education.
Several special awards were given out; former SIC children’s services director Helen Budge received an honorary doctorate, while hospitality lecturer Raymond Smith received a UHI vice chancellor’s award for his dedication to inclusive education.
A UHI vice chancellor’s award was also awarded to finance manager Isobel Johnson, while Tegan Patterson was awarded a prestigious sporting blue from the Highlands and Islands Students Association.
UHI Shetland Principal Jane Lewis said: “Graduation is one of the highlights of the student journey; a fantastic opportunity for our hard-working students, who have put in many hours enhancing their skills and knowledge, to celebrate with their friends, family and colleagues.”
THE SAXAVORD Spaceport has welcomed news that the UK Government plans to streamline how the UK Space Agency operates.
By April next year the space agency will become part of the government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in a move that officials feel will reduce duplication and bureaucracy.
SaxaVord CEO Scott Hammond said: “Less red tape and more agility in Whitehall should make government more responsive to our needs and support the economic growth and security that the space industry brings.
“Perhaps the next step is to have a minister with overall responsibility for space who can liaise, co-ordinate and collaborate across government.”
However Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael said in his view it was a case of “if it ain’t broke, why fix it”.
A NEW outdoor exhibition called The Weather Man by Shetland artist Robbie Burns is now on display outside Gaada’s Toogs workshop in Burra.
Burns has been attending weekly workshops at Gaada to access printmaking equipment such as letterpress, screen print and risography.
His new exhibition celebrates the ‘Weather Man’ and captures the joy in Robbie’s lyrical re-telling of the forecast each week.
“I like coming to Gaada,” he said. “The Weather Man is very good! He wears a smart brown suit, and he lets you know what it’s going to be. When it’s weather like this, we’re lucky to get that.”
Robbie also has two works featured in the digital strand of the Nordic Letterpress Network Exhibition taking place in Stockholm from 29 August to 17 September.
Gaada’s print artist and organiser Issey Medd added: “Robbie tells a story with such warmth, humour, and character. It’s a joy to work with him each week, and an even greater joy to see others experience and celebrate his work.”
People can visit the exhibition outside the Toogs artist workshop, Tuesday – Saturday until 10 October.
FIRST minister John Swinney visited Shetland Heat Energy and Power Ltd (SHEAP) and UHI Shetland on Thursday as part of his recent visit to Shetland.
Swinney said what is being achieved via SHEAP’s Lerwick district heating system is a “model of sustainability that the rest of Scotland can learn from”.
Meanwhile at UHI Shetland’s Scalloway campus the first minister heard about initiatives such as the Centre of Sustainable Seafood and the Shell-volution project, while he experienced a demonstration of college’s upgraded maritime bridge simulator.
Swinney commented: “Innovative institutions like the Centre for Sustainable Seafood at UHI Shetland are helping ensure Scotland’s world-class marine sector continues to be one of our biggest success stories.”
MAREEL has entered the British Independent Film Award’s (BIFA) inaugural Cinema of the Year award.
People can vote online, with a closing date of 22 September.
THE BENCHES which form part of CLAN Cancer Support’s BookBench Trail will soon be removed from their outdoor locations across the north of Scotland, including Shetland.
CLAN said the process to dismantle the benches will begin on Monday (25 August). The benches will be sold at auction on 8 October.
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