Also in the news 27 May 2026
- Mussel production increases
- Shetland Fiddle Week returns
- Summer of sport locally
- Youth orchestra head to Norway
SHETLAND’S production of mussels increased to 10,461 tonnes in 2025, accounting for 80 per cent of Scotland’s total overall.
Marine Scotland today (Wednesday) released the results of its Scottish Shellfish Farm Production survey for 2025, which shows that overall mussel production across Scotland reached a record 12,303 tonnes last year.
Along with mussel production, a further 1,851 tonnes of mussels were recorded as growing in Shetland in 2025.
A record 4,000 tonnes of pacific and native oysters were also produced in Shetland in 2025.
Seafood Shetland chief executive Ruth Henderson said Shetland was continuing to dominate the sector.
“Steady production of a premium product is vital to Shetland’s wider economy,” she said.
“When businesses maintain consistent production standards and deliver products people trust, they create long-term sustainability that bring benefits way beyond the individual operators.”
SHETLAND Fiddle Week returns for its third year from 3-8 August, with a packed programme of workshops, concerts and sessions.
Full week packages are close to capacity with over 50 musicians already signed up from across the UK, United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and Sweden.
The tutor team is led by event co-founder and leading professional fiddler Jenna Reid. This year will also see the return of fiddlers Lois Nicol, Kirsten Gifford and Alison Anderson.
Shetland Museum and Archives will again host the opening day, with most other workshops based at Islesburgh Community Centre.
Evening sessions will take place at Lerwick Boating Club, Bigton Community Hall and Hillswick Public Hall featuring local musicians.
A finale concert and dance will take place on Friday 7 August at Gulberwick Hall, featuring performances from students, new young fiddle group Laldy and Shetland soloist Bryan Gear.
Tickets for concerts will be available online from 10am on Saturday 30 May here.
To sign up for a full week package or individual workshops email hello@shetlandfiddleweek.com
SHETLAND Islands Council has secured funding to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people locally to celebrate a summer of sport.
The £20 million initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, will offer young people aged three to 26 the opportunity to get active and maybe try something new.
It comes with both the World Cup and Commonwealth Games set to keep the public entertained this summer. Shetland Islands Council is working with partners including Ability Shetland, Shetland Recreational Trust, Shetland Arts, YDance, Shetland Netball and the Scottish Football Association to ensure these opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of background.
Sport and leisure manager Neil Watt said the council was proud to be supporting the summer of sport locally.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new, get active, and experience the joy of physical activity, whether it’s through sport, outdoor events, or community-based activities.”
SHETLAND Youth Orchestra is set to embark on a summer school to Norway in July.
The 43-strong group rehearse in Lerwick every Saturday morning, with ages spanning from nine to 19, and members come from Sumburgh, Unst and most places in between.
Treasurer Justin Rhodes said the children have “worked hard all year raising funds for the trip” to Norway.
A total of 35 bairns and 10 adults will fly to Bergen to rehearse and play alongside the Bergen music school at the Fana Kulturhus.
The bairns will be playing some Shetland tunes when they gobusking in central Bergen and will teach the Norwegians some Shetland dances at a social evening.
The youth orchestra thanked Zetland Educational Trust, Shetland Musical Heritage Trust, Scottish Sea Farms, Shetland Community Orchestra, The Agar Trust, Eilidh’s Trust, Shetland Community Choir, Hughes Heating Services, I-Care Shetland and Magno’s Café for support and donations.
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