Also in the news / Sandeel populations, hospital restrictions and more …
FOUR species of sandeel were discovered around Fair Isle during the first detailed assessment of the species populations around the island.
UHI Shetland and a steering group for the Fair Isle marine protected area have released the report, which offers insights into sandeels and the role they play in the island’s marine ecosystem and seabird populations.
As a principal prey species, sandeel are of great importance to the globally significant Fair Isle seabird populations particularly during the breeding season.
Four species of sandeel were observed on sandbanks close to Fair Isle during the 2025 survey, including smooth sandeel, Raitt’s sandeel, great sandeel and a small catch of Corbin’s sandeel.
UHI Shetland fisheries lead Dr Shaun Fraser, who led the survey, said smooth sandeel appeared to have replaced Raitt’s sandeel in the area.
“Although superficially similar, these two species have substantially different reproductive ecologies with smooth sandeel thought to spawn later in the year which has potentially profound implications for the wider ecosystem, for example by affecting prey availability during the seabird breeding season,” he said.
Fair Isle resident and marine research organisation trustee Susannah Parnaby said the findings highlight the importance of the whole ecosystem to the island.
“Sustaining the charismatic and visible seabirds and cetaceans that inhabit our waters depends so often on understanding what is going on under the surface,” she said.
“Project findings here are likely to have much wider applications to other Scottish and North Sea seabird colonies.”
ONLY ESSENTIAL visits to ward three of the Gilbert Bain Hospital are to be allowed due to cases of respiratory illness circulating.
People are asked to contact the ward before making any visit by telephoning 01595 743000.
You are not required to do this if you have already agreed specific visiting arrangements with ward staff, e.g., you are providing family support to a patient whilst they are in hospital.
All essential visitors will be asked to wear personal protective equipment, such as a mask, when entering the ward area.
NHS Shetland said this was necessary to protect patients, staff and visitors.
THE CARE Day flag is flying above Lerwick Town Hall today (Friday) as Shetland Island Council shows its support for people with care experience.
Care Day highlights the voices, achievements and rights of children, young people and adults who have experienced care in different settings.
Founded in 2016, Care Day was established across the UK and Ireland by five leading children’s rights charities, including Who Cares? Scotland, to celebrate care experienced people.
Education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said today was about celebrating the “remarkable achievements” of care experienced young people in Shetland.
“Their voices continue to shape the way we work, and their courage inspires positive change every day,” he said.
“Care Day is an opportunity to reflect on our progress to keep the promise locally, and to renew our dedication to ensuring every young person grows up safe, respected, and able to thrive.”
ANYONE interested in becoming a childminder in Shetlander is invited to take part in an online session next week to find out more.
The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) is offering free one-hour online sessions for anyone who would like to discover more about a career in childminding.
For anyone in Shetland thinking of become a childminder there is a minimum £750 start-up grant, one-to-one support and free training towards becoming registered.
Online sessions will take place using Microsoft Teams on:
- Tuesday 24 February 10am – 11am
- Wednesday 25 February 7pm – 8pm
- Saturday 28 February 10am – 11am
To register for any of these courses course, look up www.childminding.org/getstarted under the ‘Events’ tab.
Shetland Islands Council childcare quality improvement officer Chloe Kerr said they were keen to increase the number of childminders.
“I would encourage anyone who may be interested to register for one of next week’s SCMA sessions to learn more and consider this option.”
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