Also in the news / Also in the news: ‘stark’ college funding, outdoor clothing appeal and more …
A REPORT highlighting the lack of financial sustainability for Scotland’s colleges – including UHI Shetland – has been labelled “incredibly stark”.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) published its findings on the finances of Scottish colleges on Friday, with Colleges Scotland strongly critical of the future it sets out.
Colleges Scotland chief executive Gavin Donoghue said there was an “imminent risk” that some colleges could be insolvent by the end of the academic year, unless there was urgent action by the Scottish Government.
“The SFC is rightly highlighting that most colleges are not financially sustainable within the current level of investment from the Scottish Government,” he said.
“Many colleges are clearly in a perilous financial position, and this must be quickly addressed through a significant increase in core funding.”
SHETLAND Islands Council and RSPB Shetland have launched an appeal to redistribute unwanted outdoor clothing.
The appeal aims to gather pre-loved, good quality outdoor clothing and footwear, for adults and children of all ages, during the month of October.
All donated items will be available at an outdoor clothing swap shop in the Gilbertson Park hall in Lerwick on Sunday 16 November.
Donations of waterproof winter jackets, trousers and warm and or waterproof outdoor suits are being sought, as well as gloves, hats, scarves, wellies and boots/outdoor shoes.
All items can be donated at the existing Kit for All drop bins located at Shetland Recreational Trust leisure centres and pools throughout Shetland. All donations should be in good, clean and wearable condition.
Everyone is welcome to attend the free event on 16 November and build up their winter wardrobes.
Other organisations will also attend the event to share information about various support services available throughout the isles over the winter months.
MEANWHILE Shetland Islands Council has announced work on the Papa Stour ferry terminal linkspan will now begin on Monday 6 October.
There will be no vehicle access to the Papa Stour ferry on Wednesday 8 October, with the service operating for foot passengers only, using a gangway from the ferry to the shore.
Passengers should be aware that the gangway and the stairs on board the vessel can be steep. The linkspan will be removed after the last sailing on Monday and will be replaced in time for the next sailing on Friday morning, the council said.
Passengers are advised that there will be restricted space at the Papa Stour ferry terminal while these works are taking place.
Ferry sailings on the Papa Stour route are for bookings only, by contacting the ferries booking office on 01595 745804 during opening hours.
The works have been postponed twice in recent months due to unfavourable weather and sea conditions. Shetland Islands Council apologised for any inconvenience caused.
NHS SHETLAND is working through its winter vaccination programme, with vaccines set to be offered to almost half the population of Shetland over a three-month period.
There have been changes to the groups recommended to have the flu and Covid vaccines, NHS Shetland said, and they urged people to check if they are eligible this year.
Emails and texts inviting people to make an appointment have been sent for those registered with the Lerwick, Brae, Levenwick, Scalloway, Bixter and Walls health centres.
Anyone registered at one of these practices who have not been contactedby the first week in October are asked to let the vaccination team know.
School pupils will be offered the flu vaccination at school and appointments for pre-school children will be at their local GP practice.
NHS Shetland is also piloting vaccination clinics in three pre-school nurseries, it said.
People who are housebound will be offered a vaccination at home and there will be local clinics in Bressay, Foula, Fetlar, Skerries and Fair Isle for the residents of those islands.
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