Also in the news 23 July 2026
- Rocket Factory Augsburg ready for hot fire test
- LPA board appointments
- Orthodox church ‘fast-growing’
- New CLAN walking group
ROCKET Factory Augsburg (RFA) is planning a hot fire test in the coming weeks ahead of a potential first rocket launch from the SaxaVord Space Centre.
The German space entrepreneurs posted a photo of their RFA One rocket on the launch stool at SaxaVord on social media site LinkedIn earlier this week.
It is around two years after a first hot fire test by the company resulted in a spectacular blaze engulfing the rocket after a fire in an oxygen pump.
Should the forthcoming hot fire test be completed successfully, RFA is expected to be ready for launch at some from 10 August to 20 September.
Shetland Islands Council has also published a series of traffic management notices on its website here.
JOHN Henderson has been returned as chairman of Lerwick Port Authority (LPA) for the next year.
Colin Nicholson will remain deputy chairman on the LPA board for the next 12 months as well, with the appointments marking their fifth successive terms in the roles.
Nicholson, Chris Bain and Daniel Gear have also been reappointed to the board through the authority’s annual appointments process at its annual general meeting this week.
They will each serve a three-year term until July 2029, with the LPA adding they would be “continuing to contribute valuable expertise from the ports and energy industries”.
Meanwhile mariners have also been advised that works to deepen and widen the North Ness channel are continuing across the next week.
Starting on Tuesday for seven days, passage through the channel will be restricted and buoyage will be temporarily removed from the channel, the LPA said. Vessels will be required to use the north entrance to Lerwick while works progress.
THE ORTHODOX Community of Saint Ninian has a fast-growing membership in Shetland, including those with Greek, Greek Cypriot, Ukrainian and Romanian backgrounds, the church has said.
The community transformed Levenwick Hall into an orthodox church last weekend to host Bishop Raphael of Ilion’s visit to the isles, and to receive Alban and Elizabeth into the church through baptism.
Based in Edinburgh, Bishop Raphael visits once a year while Father Antonios will visit four times a year to celebrate the sacraments.
The church said the weekend had been a :wonderfully inspiring, encouraging and ‘lightsome’ celebration not only welcoming two new Christians into the church, but also friends and visitors, even two Greek nuns especially travelling from their monastery in Crete”.
The congregation honoured their Christian past in Shetland by singing a hymn to Saint Ninian at the remains of the chapel on Saint Ninian’s Isle. The Orthodox Community of Saint Ninian can be contacted via e-mail here.
CLAN Cancer Support is launching a new weekly walking group to help people impacted by cancer improve their wellbeing, stay active and connect with others in a supportive and welcoming environment.
The group will take place every Wednesday from 11am to 12.30pm, starting on 12 August, and is open to anyone impacted by cancer, including those living with a diagnosis, family members, friends and carers.
Joanna Smith, Clan’s area services coordinator in Shetland said: “We know that keeping active and connecting with others can make a real difference to someone’s wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.
“Our new walking group will give people the opportunity to get moving in a relaxed and accessible way while benefiting from the support of others who may be facing similar experiences. Whether someone wants to improve their fitness, build confidence or simply enjoy a chat while walking, everyone is welcome.”
The charity is also recruiting volunteer walk leaders to support the new initiative.
To find out more about the walking group, contact the team on 01595 697275 or email shetland@clancancersupport.org For more information about becoming a volunteer walk leader, visit the Clan website, or email volunteering@clancancersupport.org
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