Also in the news – 21 January 2026

Sovereignty candidate Brian Nugent.

Sovereignty candidate Brian Nugent.

BRIAN Nugent, the Sovereignty candidate for the Shetland seat at May’s elections to the Scottish Parliament has challenged his fellow candidate to come clear on their position on the issue of gender recognition reform.

Nugent said the law had caused chaos in Scottish life and has been forced through against the public’s wishes.

He said the Greens were the most enthusiastic supporters of gender reform followed by the Lib Dems, the SNP and Scottish Labour.

“The other candidates in Shetland should say where they stand on this divisive issue; are they with the public who said no, or their party which said yes and forced this policy through?” the candidate asked.

ENERGY transition campaigners Uplift has responded to comments made by US president Donald Trump on the North Sea and the UK’s wind resources when speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.

“Trump’s views on UK energy policy are ill-informed, to say the least,” Uplift’s executive director Tessa Khan said.

“Last year he claimed the UK has 100 years of reserves left, now it’s 500 years. It’s nonsense.

“After more than 50 years, the UK has burned most of its gas and what’s left of the oil is increasingly difficult and expensive to extract. Regardless of any new drilling, the UK will be dependent on gas imports for nearly two thirds of its gas in just five years’ time and almost 100 per cent by 2050.

“Of course, Donald Trump wants us to remain dependent on fossil fuels – and on US gas specifically – but that’s not in the UK’s national interest.

“Renewable energy, which we’re lucky to have in abundance, is the only way to reduce our exposure to energy price shocks and mean we are not at the mercy of bad actors like Putin or the whims of Trump.”

YOUNG people from Shetland are being urged to join a group that makes a big difference to children’s rights in Scotland.

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean works with Young Advisors – human rights defenders aged between 12 and 17 – who play a vital part in shaping her work.

The group is looking for applicants aged between 12 and 16 from Shetland. No experience is necessary and expenses are paid.

Killean said: “Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do, and the Young Advisors play a key part in helping us to promote and protect children’s rights.”

Applications close on 1 February. For more information, visit the Commissioner’s website at www.cypcs.org.uk

THE SCOTTISH Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) has appointed well-known fishing industry figure Hannah Fennell as its chief executive designate to allow current CEO Ian Gatt to retire after 16 years in the job.

The SPFA’s designate CEO Hannah Fennell

The SPFA’s designate CEO Hannah Fennell

Fennell will work closely alongside Gatt for the next 12-18 months to familiarise herself with the role before then taking over as CEO.

Thirty three year old Fennell became the first female president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) in 2023, a role she still holds. She was CEO of the Orkney Fisheries Association (OFA) from 2020 until September 2025.

SPFA chair Richard Williamson said: “Hannah’s appointment comes at a crucial time for pelagic fisheries as the sector faces a raft of challenges that are not only confined to fisheries management but also wider issues such as the loss of vital fishing grounds to the offshore renewable sector.”

Fennell added: “The Scottish pelagic fleet has a strong international reputation for responsible fishing and effective management, and I am very much looking forward to working with SPFA members, the board and industry partners to build on that success.”

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