Also in the news / Budget passed, South Nesting hall funding and more …
THE SCOTTISH Government’s 2026/27 budget has been approved, paving the way for the scrapping of peak ferry fares for islanders.
The move, announced last month, was dependent on the budget passing through Holyrood.
It was confirmed on Thursday that support from the Scottish Liberal Democrats had helped to pass the latest budget.
Finance secretary Shona Robison said the budget and its wider spending plans were focused on the “priorities of the people of Scotland”.
“We have been clear that we would seek to work constructively to deliver on these priorities and the Liberal Democrats have engaged in our discussions in a positive manner throughout the budget process,” she said.
“With that agreement now in place to secure a majority in parliament in support of the bill, I am confident we will make lives better for people in Scotland.”
THE SOUTH Nesting Public Hall was the only local recipient of funding from SSEN Distribution’s Powering Communities to Net Zero fund last year.
It received £20,000 to install a heat pump and six internal units.
The fund, which has a total value of £3 million, aims to support groups looking to cut carbon from their activities through the adoption of solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers and heat pumps.
SSEN said it also seeks to help communities become better prepared ahead of severe weather.
THE COUNCIL has granted planning permission to Malakoff to spruce up its iconic red building in Lerwick.
It aims to re-sheet the building as well as install solar panels to reduce energy consumption.
Some other recent planning approvals have included a new fish processing building for local company QA at Blackness Pier in Scalloway and a flaming pod in Burra.
SHETLAND Islands Council is reminding parents and carers about registration week for early learning and childcare, and primary one school enrolment.
Registration week for early learning and childcare runs from Friday (13 February) until 6pm on Friday 20 February.
Parents and carers of children born between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024 should register for an early learning and childcare place during registration week. Places are also available for eligible two year olds.
Parents and carers of children already accessing a funded place do not need to register again.
Registration forms will be available online from tomorrow morning here.
A NEW Road Safety Scotland and Scottish Government campaign is urging drivers in Shetland to keep their minds on the road, warning that “even a moment’s distraction can lead to devastating consequences”.
The campaign also highlights how far a vehicle can travel in just a second or two when concentration slips, with drivers unaware of the danger they pose to themselves and fellow road users.
The Scotland-wide campaign is encouraging drivers and pedestrians to reflect on their own journeys and the everyday distractions that can take their attention away from the road.
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