Also in the news 19 June 2026
- No comment from Viking
- Loganair dialogue
- Canoe club donation
- Papa Stour linkspan replacement
VIKING operator SSE Renewables has declined to comment on the nature of works to a turbine in the Scallafield area of the wind farm.
In a letter to Shetland News, local resident and chair of Sustainable Shetland Frank Hay suggested that the gear box of one of the turbines may have failed, while he claimed at least three blades have had to be replaced after less than two years of operation.
In response, SSE Renewables said the wind farm was supported by “dedicated teams responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance”.
They added: “We don’t comment on the day-to-day operations and maintenance of our assets.”
DIALOGUE over supporting flights between Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Inverness is reported to be “constructive” and said to be making good progress, according to chair of the SIC’s environment and transport committee.
Moraig Lyall also said transport secretary Stephen Flynn highlighted the importance of the routes and confirmed that talks between airport operator HIAL and airline Loganair were ongoing.
The councillor said Loganair feels talks are constructive and making good progress.
It was revealed earlier this month that Loganair will reduce its Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness service to weekends only, with the airline saying flights could be reinstated over October if additional funding was found.
SHETLAND Canoe Club has welcomed financial help from salmon company Cooke Scotland for a second time to expand the equipment used to support inclusive kayaking opportunities in partnership with Ability Shetland.
The funding has supported the purchase of specialist equipment, boats and a dedicated trailer to transport the equipment. This support means that the club will be able to offer these sessions to more people.
The adaptive equipment will be used in both sea and pool-based sessions, offering a range of opportunities for participants to get involved, develop skills and enjoy the benefits of being on the water in a supportive environment.
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As part of this initiative, a dedicated week of inclusive paddling activities is planned for July, with support from Paddle Scotland development manager Roger Holmes, who is travelling to Shetland.
This will Shetland Canoe Club to deliver sessions to a greater number of people, with sessions planned for adults and children, both in the pool and the sea.
Shetland Canoe Club said it is “excited to continue our collaborative sessions with Ability Shetland and is extremely grateful to Cooke Scotland for continue to make these sessions possible to more people”.
SHETLAND Islands Council has announced revised dates for the planned maintenance on the linkspan at the Papa Stour ferry terminal after previous arrangements were
Works on the linkspan will begin after the last sailing on Monday 13 July. There will be no vehicle access to the Papa Stour ferry on Wednesday 15 July.
The service will operate for foot passengers only, using a gangway from the ferry to the shore. Passengers should be aware that the gangway and the stairs on board the vessel can be steep.
The SIC said the maintenance involves major structural work which will require the linkspan to be taken out of use.
The linkspan will be removed after the last sailing on Monday and will be replaced in time for the next sailing on Friday morning. Vehicle access to the Papa Stour ferry will not be possible between these times.
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