17 June 2026
- Stranded in Bergen
- EnQuest donation
- Project SEARCH graduation
- Lerwick Town Hall to close
- Orkney contract for Malakoff
- Independent care review
TWENTY-five passengers booked on the Bergen to Sumburgh flight this morning (Wednesday) have been left stranded in the Norwegian city after their flight LM274 was cancelled.
Those affected have not received any communications from Loganair and suggestions to rebook passengers on a Widerøe flight to Aberdeen were not taken up, Shetland News has been told.
Local agent Aviator has now been instructed to organise hotel accommodation and alternative flights.
A spokesperson for the airline said a short while ago that this was a “live situation currently in hand”.
“The 25 passengers affected are being accommodated to ensure onward travel is arranged at the earliest opportunity.
“Our priority is always to support passengers directly, rather than addressing disruption via the media.”
From left to right: Sandra Laurenson, chair of the Viking Genes Shetland committee, Peter Malcolmson, Viking Genes Shetland committee; Tina Sandison, administrative coordinator, EnQuest, Alan Harcus, chair of the Sullom Voe Trust.
SULLOM VOE Terminal operator EnQuest has donated more than £5,000 to the Viking Genes screening project.
The University of Edinburgh’s Shetland community screening project, launched in 2024 with a fundraising target of £1 million, aims to identify individuals at risk of serious inherited health conditions and provide earlier access to preventative care.
EnQuest’s £5,133 donation comes through a scheme which supports charities when health, safety and environmental (HSE) performance measures are met at the terminal.
Praising Viking Genes’ “fantastic work”, chair of the Sullom Voe Trust Alan Harcus said the HSE initiative allows local organisations to “benefit directly from strong safety and operational performance, providing a positive incentive for the workforce while supporting the wider community”.
Sandra Laurenson, chair of the Viking Genes Shetland fundraising committee, said the group was “delighted” to be supported with the donation.
FAMILY, friends, and employers attended the Project SEARCH graduation ceremony at Lerwick Town Hall on Monday.
Project SEARCH is a described as a one-year programme which supports young people with additional support needs to develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to move into employment.
It provided students with workplace experiences, helping them build confidence, independence and skills to prepare for the world of work.
They have gained nationally recognised qualifications such as health and wellbeing, stress management, and applying for a job, and planning for a job interview – all at SCQF Level 4.
They have also completed short courses on topics including customer service, first aid at work and fire safety awareness, plus others.
Jim Leask, senior support worker for employability, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the hard work, dedication and skills of our students on the Project SEARCH programme, and to acknowledge the tremendous support of employers who have provided placements for them.”
MEANWHILE, Shetland Islands Council is reminding people that the town hall will be closed for three months from 1 July to allow for work to upgrade the heating system.
Shetland News reported back in April that Lerwick Town Hall would be closed for visitors during the summer following its recent connection to the district heating scheme.
Town hall to be closed to visitors for three months for plumbing works
A spokesperson for the council said that anyone with pre-arranged appointments to see the Registrars will be able to enter the building through the side door of Lystina House which will be signposted for visitors.
Any small marriage and citizenship ceremonies during this time will take place in the boardroom in Lystina House.
SHETLAND firm Malakoff has been awarded a £1.8 million contract to carry out essential upgrades on ferry linkspans in Orkney.
The works will see the renewal of control cabins, installation of new control systems and replacement of hydraulic cylinders at Eday Pier, Loth Pier in Sanday, Whitehall Pier in Stronsay and Rapness Pier in Westray.
MEETINGS will take place in Shetland in the next couple of days to assess progress on ‘The Promise’ – the outcome of the Independent Care Review in 2020.
Fiona Duncan, as independent strategic advisor, will be in Shetland this week to find out more about how The Promise is being kept locally including what is working well and what areas are proving harder to achieve.
The Promise, made in 2020, is that all of Scotland’s children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected – so that they will realise their full potential.
This was made following the Independent Care Review, which spoke to over 5,500 children and adults across Scotland with experience of care and members of the paid and unpaid workforce.
SIC education and families committee chair Davie Sandison said: “We know how important it is to keep The Promise to young people in Shetland who have experienced care.
“We welcome this opportunity discuss with Fiona Duncan our progress towards the 2030 target date to implement the full recommendations of The Care Review in 2020.”
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