Also in the news / Also in the news 3 April 2026
- Flags at half mast for Josie Simpson
- Survey says Scots want more public ownership in renewables
- Plans to reduce flood risk at Gaet-a-Gott
- Revellers gig organised by Whalsay bairns
THE SHETLAND and SIC flags are flying at half mast at Lerwick Town Hall today (Friday) to mark the funeral of former councillor Josie Simpson.
He served as a councillor for ten years, having been first elected to represent Whalsay and Skerries in a by-election in March 2002.
Simpson was re-elected in May 2003 for a four year term, and then again in May 2007 for five years until May 2012, serving as one of the three elected members for the newly formed North Isles ward.
During his time on the council he was chair of the harbour board, and then leader of the council. Simpson was also a former chair of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association.
A CLEAR majority of Scots want to see more public ownership in renewables and a fair share of energy wealth, according to a new poll.
Polling by More in Common on behalf of the Our Power campaign found half of those who responded blamed the “greed of energy companies” for high bills.
More public ownership of renewables is backed by a clear majority of Scots with around two thirds supporting more community and local authority-owned energy projects, with a similar number in favour of publicly-owned wind manufacturing.
And 95 per cent of people thought it was important that renewable energy projects generate money for nearby local communities.
Spokesperson for the Our Power campaign, Liam Hainey, said: “The next Scottish Government now has a chance to make sure the shift to clean energy benefits everyone – through more public ownership, both nationally and locally, and more investment to build a secure wind manufacturing base and create jobs in Scotland.”
WORK is being planned in Tingwall to reduce the risk of flooding at the access into Gaet-a-Gott.
The road there has often flooded during periods of high rainfall, including in December (see below).
Flooding in Tingwall garden and reports of standing water on roads after heavy rain
A planning application has now been submitted for the construction of attenuation and overflow storage basins on the south side of the access road in order to reduce the flood risk.
A GIG featuring local rockers The Revellers is taking place in Whalsay this weekend – with local bairns the organisers.
The all-ages event – which will be opened by Stallions of the Highway – has been organised to raise money for renovations of the Symbister Hall, where the gig is taking place.
Doors open at 7pm, with the gig ending at 10.30pm. Remaining tickets are still available from JWJ and Tetley & Anderson in Whalsay.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
