Also in the news / Also in the news – 16 April 2026
- Lib Dems make transport top election priority
- Local shopping week support
- RSV vaccine offered
- Carers project moves
LIBERAL Democrat candidate Emma Macdonald says she has made improving Shetland’s transport network her top election priority.
Macdonald and MP Alistair Carmichael have set out plans to move fixed links up the Scottish Government’s list of infrastructure projects, and to produce a new Ferries Bill – giving islanders a say on ferry types in future.
Macdonald, who is standing to represent Shetland at Holyrood at next month’s Scottish elections, said the need for tunnels was “stronger than ever”.
“Momentum has been built and the wheels are turning to ensure that tunnels become a reality,” she said. “While tunnels are in development, we will continue to need a rolling stock of new ferries to serve our communities for some years to some.
“We will keep up the campaign to restore shared cabins on the north boats after the SNP allowed them to be removed.”
Carmichael added that tunnels would be “absolutely transformative for our communities”.
The full list of confirmed Shetland candidates for the election on 7 May, in alphabetical order, are as follows: Alex Armitage (Greens), Douglas Barnett (Conservatives), Vic Currie (Reform UK), John Erskine (Labour), Hannah Mary Goodlad (SNP), Emma Macdonald (Liberal Democrats), Brian Nugent (Alliance to Liberate Scotland), Peter Tait (independent).
SHETLAND has been urged to get behind a week celebrating local shops.
Scotland Loves Local week will this year be celebrated between June 13 and 20, coinciding with Scotland’s return to the men’s football World Cup.
The people, businesses and initiatives helping Scotland’s communities to thrive will be championed and encouraged to “fly the flag” for the country this year.
Businesses and community groups across Shetland are being encouraged to take part, as they have done in previous years.
Ideas for how they can do so are available here.
ELIGIBLE adults are being encouraged to get the RSV vaccine, which helps protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
The common virus can make babies and older adults seriously ill, and can causesevere chest infections like pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.
It is recommended that women who are pregnant and adults aged 75 and over have the RSV vaccine.
If you are aged 75 or over and have not yet had the RSV vaccine, then you are eligible to have it now. It is just one dose and does not require a booster vaccination. You can also get the RSV vaccine now if your 75th birthday is before 31 July 2027.
Vaccine appointments will either be at the Grantfield Vaccination Centre in Lerwick or at your local health centre. If you are in a care home, then you will be offered the vaccination by the community nursing team.
People are asked to contact the vaccination team on 01595 743319 or email shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot if you have any questions or have not been contacted.
A PROJECT delivering support and advice to unpaid carers is now set to be delivered by Shetland Care Attendant Scheme (SCAS).
SCAS will be relaunching Shetland Carers and coordinating the service going forward, having taken over from Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS) this month.
It will also oversee the distribution of Shared Care Scotland’s short break grants and respitality breaks in Shetland, helping carers access the support and well-earned respite they deserve.
SCAS manager Karen Fraser said they were “really excited” about this new chapter.
“Bringing the carers advice and support service under our roof will make it much easier for carers across Shetland to access the guidance, practical help, and support they need.
“As our team grows, we’ll be able to reach more carers and provide support in meaningful and practical ways. We’ll be sharing more information soon about when the service will be fully up and running.”
Enquiries can be directed to SCAS by email at scas@shetland.org or by telephone on 743931.
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