Also in the news / Also in the news 23 January 2026
- Water charge to increase by nearly nine per cent
- Loganair adds extra flight from Aberdeen
- Farmer and crofter education and skills boost
- Up Helly Aa drinks on offer
WATER charges are set to go up by nearly 8.7 per cent in 2026/27, with the average bill due to rise by £42 per year.
Scottish Water said the charge, which is included in council tax bills, enables the utility to invest in essential services and upgrades.
It highlighted how its board chose to keep bill increases below inflation during and after the pandemic to support households, which reduced Scottish Water’s investment programme by an estimated £400 million to £500 million.
But Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said the “eye-watering increases will pile pressure on Scottish families at a time when bills already feel too high, and the SNP government needs to explain why it signed them off”.
LOGANAIR says due to “high demand for Up Helly Aa” it has added an additional flight from Aberdeen to Sumburgh on Saturday (24 January).
It is leaving the Granite City at 11am, with a return flight from Sumburgh at 12.35pm also bookable.
It comes as disruption continues on the NorthLink ferry due to the windy weather, with sailings on Wednesday and Thursday cancelled, as well as tonight’s services.
Saturday’s passenger sailings are also under review, with an update to follow tomorrow morning.
GREEN Highland and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess has been credited with scoring a “significant win” in the Scottish Budget for training both existing and the next generation of crofters, farmers and food producers.
A total of £1.3 million has been secured for the development of a farmer and crofter-led education and skills programme for regenerative, sustainable food production.
It is said this funding will play a “key role” in creating island jobs and ensuring Scotland as a whole can produce more of its own food in a climate and nature friendly way.
Burgess said: “This funding will lay the foundation for a better food education and skills system. If this financing is maintained by the government, it will enable our crofters, farmers and food producers to meet our nation’s climate and nature targets.”
SHETLAND Reel has marked the 10th anniversary of its Up Helly Aa gin by bringing out a ‘navy strength’ edition for 2026.
Numbers are limited to 100 bottles, making it a “collector’s item among Up Helly Aa enthusiasts”.
Meanwhile Lerwick Distillery has brought out an Up Helly Aa 2026 blended scotch whisky, while Lerwick Brewery has again teamed up with the jarl squad for an IPA beer.
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