Also in the news / Also in the news – 16 March 2026
- Call to develop Rosebank
- Heating oil support reservations
- Fire drill in Brae
- Call to contribute to a living heritage inventory
IN LIGHT of the deepening Iran crisis, trade union Unite is urging the UK Government to give the “immediate go-ahead” of the controversial Rosebank oil field development, off Shetland.
The union’s general secretary Sharon Graham said national security was put at risk without Rosebank and other developments such as Jackdaw.
Graham said: “The government’s position on oil and gas is putting jobs and national security at risk.
“Blocking oil and gas production in the North Sea, especially now is simply an act of monumental political self-harm. Domestic gas from Jackdaw and oil from Rosebank are essential for jobs and for energy security.
“We cannot let go of one rope before we have hold of another. With energy and fuel bills set to rocket once again we need to stop offshoring our carbon responsibilities and fund a concrete plan for commensurate jobs.”
HIGHLANDS and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has reacted with disappointment to the UK Government’s “modest package” of £53 million of support for domestic heating oil customers.
The MSP, who is from Orkney and will stand there as his party’s constituency candidate at the forthcoming election, said the Tory’s alternative fuel payment scheme in 2023 was more far reaching.
“Tackling the crisis in heating oil costs is urgent, as there is the real risk that some people – especially the most vulnerable – are considering turning off their heating now to save fuel,” Halcro Johnston said.
“It is unfortunate that Keir Starmer has taken so long to announce this modest package of support. While we await further details, it appears that it will be targeted only at those classed as most vulnerable, and offers little or no support to many households, nor to the many small businesses in our region who are also struggling with the huge cost increase.
“While targeted support is welcome, we should be clear: it is likely that most will not see help coming their way. “
Funding will be coming to the devolved governments across the UK to put this scheme in place – and I will be challenging SNP Ministers this week on how and when it is going to get things moving.”
PEOPLE in the North Mainland have been asked not to worry when seeing blue lights and emergency services activity in the vicinity of the North Haven care centre in Brae on Tuesday night.
This is a planned fire drill and will be taking place from 7pm.
Alarms will sound in the building and fire appliances, and fire crews will attend.
Shetland Islands Council said its staff will work alongside emergency services personnel to respond to the simulated incident.
The exercise will test procedures and familiarise the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with the building layout and needs of the service to improve the joint response to any future emergency, the council added.
ORGANISATIONS and community groups across Shetland are being encouraged to act quickly if they want to see local traditions recognised as part of the UK’s Living Heritage inventories, with the submission deadline approaching on Friday 27 March 2026.
The new online inventory allows communities to record and celebrate the traditions, skills and cultural practices that continue to be shared today.
Examples might include Shetland dialect and local variants such as the Whalsay dialect, Shetland’s knitting tradition and Fair Isle knitting patterns, Up Helly Aa and other community fire festivals, reestit mutton and other traditional foods, Shetland fiddle music and folklore and Shetland boat building and yoal racing.
Promote Shetland’s Adam Civico said: “Shetland has an incredible depth of living culture, much of it sustained through everyday practice and community involvement.
“This inventory offers a positive way to celebrate that richness and share Shetland’s traditions more widely, led by the people who know them best.”
More information on the inventory or how to make a submission can be found here.
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