Weather / All schools and UHI Shetland closed on Monday
- Met Office issues another amber warning for snow
- Police advise people not to travel unless absolutely necessary
- Some flights on Monday cancelled – for details see below
- All bus services suspended
- All SIC sport and leisure facilities to be closed on Monday
This news story is being updated with the latest developments throughout the day.
THE MET Office has issued another amber warning for heavy snow fall that could lead to further disruption.
The warning is in place from 6pm today to 10am on Monday.
Shetland Islands Council confirmed on Sunday morning that a decision had been taken to close all schools on Monday.
UHI Shetland campuses in Lerwick and Scalloway will also remain closed on Monday.
NHS Shetland said it is expecting to have reduced staffing at several health centres and the Gilbert Bain on Monday, with some hospital appointments – including planned procedures – needing to be postponed.
The health board said patients affected would be contacted directly. It added that services at health centres may be telephone based, rather than face to face.
Meanwhile all bus services are suspended today (Sunday) due to further snowfall overnight.
Roads conditions are being described as poor and challenging in places. Gritters and snowploughs are out but many side roads remain untreated.
Photo: Dave Donaldson
Police chief inspector and chair of the local emergency planning forum Chris Sewell said he strongly encourages drivers not to travel unless absolutely necessary during the period of the warning.
“Shetland’s Emergency Planning Forum was stood up on Friday in anticipation of the disruption that this adverse weather was likely to cause,” he said.
“Throughout the weekend, the group has met regularly to coordinate the local response to the challenges arising from significant accumulations of snow.
“Shetland’s communities are well known for their resilience, and that resilience plays an important role during periods of severe weather.
“By supporting one another, listening to weather warnings, and following advice from the emergency services and partner agencies we can help reduce risk, protect vulnerable people, and ensure that emergency services are able to focus on those who need them most.”
Most inter-island ferry services are running but delays are to be expected on the Whalsay service. Travellers are advised to check with the council’s voicebank services.
All flights in and out of Sumburgh were cancelled on Sunday, and some have now been cancelled for Monday. These are:
- LM070 and LM071 Aberdeen – Sumburgh
- LM130 and LM131 Inverness – Kirkwall – Sumburgh
- LM353 Edinburgh, Kirkwall – Sumburgh
- LM436 and LM 437 Glasgow – Sumburgh
Loganair are offering transfers to alternative flights in the coming days. The airline can be contacted on 0344 800 2855.
The SIC has meanwhile advised that due to the weather conditions the following facilities will be closed on Monday:
- Islesburgh Community Centre and Central Cafe
- Brae HS Games Hall
- Gilbertson Park Games Hall
- Sandwick JHS Games Hall
- Scalloway PS Games Hall
- North Loch Park 3G Pitch
For a detailed and up to date forecast check out our weather pages at https://www.shetnews.co.uk/weather/
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