Also in the news 11 June 2026
- Business drop-in events
- Lifeboat call-out
- Shetland Noir returns
- Family theme for next story slam
A SERIES of drop-in business events are being held from next week, run by Shetland Islands Council’s economic development service.
Officers will be on hand to explain the services on offer through the council and Business Gateway, and how this can help establish, sustain and grow businesses.
This is the fourth series of drop-in events since 2024, with previous visits to all rural community council areas and islands including Skerries, Fetlar, Foula and Papa Stour.
Drop-in events will take place as follows, all from 11am – 4pm, except where marked:
- Monday 15 June: Burravoe Hall, Yell
- Tuesday 16 June: Baltasound Hall, Unst
- Wednesday 17 June: North Nesting Hall
- Thursday 18 June: Bigton Hall
- Tuesday 23 June: Ollaberry Hall
- Wednesday 24 June: Solarhus, 3 North Ness, Lerwick (6pm-8pm)
- Thursday 25 June: Eid Hall
- Thursday 25 June: Solarhus, 3 North Ness, Lerwick (6pm-8pm)
The service is also planning an event in Fair Isle later in the year.
THE LERWICK lifeboat was called out on Tuesday evening to go to the aid of a small fishing vessel reported to be on fire while at sea.
The lifeboat had almost reached the stricken vessel off Mossbank at around quarter past ten when told that the fishing boat had safely reached Toft Pier.
The dark smoke that had been reported was thought to be exhaust fumes from the vessel’s engine – and no further assistance was required.
SHETLAND Arts is preparing for the return of festival Shetland Noir this week, three years since it was last held.
The festival will once again explore crime writing, with a programme of author talks, workshops, panel discussions and special events.
Award-winning author Ann Cleeves OBE returns as patron, while Marsali Taylor is curating the programme.
The six headline authors taking part are Lee Child, Louise Penny, Vaseem Khan, Professor Lorna Dawson, Yrsa Sigurdardottir and Cleeves.
There is also an accompanying exhibition in Mareel’s cafe bar called Eerie Isles, exhibiting local photography.
Mareel will be closed to the general public for the duration of the festival, from 4pm today (Thursday) to Sunday 14 June.
Only Noir card, day card or individual event ticket holders will have access to the venue during this time. Tickets can be booked online, over the phone (01595 745500) or in person at Mareel.
MEANWHILE Shetland Arts said it is also looking forward to the return of Shetland story slam next week.
The event will be held at Mareel on Friday 19 June at 7.30pm, with personal, true stories told live.
The theme this time is ‘family’, with Shetland Arts looking for people to tell a five minute, true life story on the theme of family.
Hosts Liz Musser and Ruth Oliver will be joined once again by musician Zdenka Mlynáriková.
Oliver said: “We had such fantastic audience feedback last time, we’re looking forward to seeing a busy auditorium and of course hearing from all of the storytellers.”
To put your name forward to tell a story, fill out this short form.
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