Tuesday 28 July 2026
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Also in the news – 28 July 2026

  • Call for Rosebank approval
  • Shetland promotion in Australia
  • Help available for learners
  • MSP welcomes energy minister

INDUSTRY group Offshore Energies UK is calling for an acceleration of consent for development of the Rosebank and Jackdaw energy projects.

The group said uncertainty over the two projects’ approval has “stifled investment in domestic oil and gas and led to increasing reliance on imports”.

David Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK, said: “A positive decision on Rosebank and Jackdaw will play a part in restoring investor confidence, demonstrating that the revised regulatory regime is functioning effectively.

“We need a regulatory framework that enables projects to move forward.”


Guided kayaking experience in Shetland’s coastal waters.
Photo: Promote Shetland/Euan Myles

SHETLAND’s “dramatic coastlines, wildlife and wellness experiences” have been featured in Australian TV show The Great Outdoors.

The isles featured on the opening episode of the show’s latest series on 4 July, ahead of the Commonwealth Games launching in Glasgow.

Seven, which owns the broadcasting rights for the Commonwealth Games 2026, has been working with the national tourism and events organisation VisitScotland to showcase Scotland to Australian audiences.

Activities showcased in the Shetland episode include sightseeing in Unst, a cake fridge, a visit to Haar Sauna, seeing Shetland ponies and going to sea kayaking.

VisitScotland island development manager Steve Mathieson said: “The Great Outdoors programme is an ideal fit to showcase the incredible landscapes and many invigorating wellness and adventure experiences that Shetland has to offer to the Australian market, visitors we know are particularly motivated by Scotland’s scenery and landscapes.”


SUPPORT and guidance will be available to the tens of thousands of young people across the Highlands and Islands awaiting the results of their Qualifications Scotland qualifications next week.

More than 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive the results of their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 4 August.

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Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 4 August and throughout the year.

Qualifications Scotland’s learner support hub will be available on results day from 8am to 6pm, then Wednesday 5 August to Friday 7 August from 8.30am to 5pm. The phone line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

Skills Development Scotland’s expert advisers will also be on hand to offer guidance from vacancies at colleges and universities to jobs, volunteering or staying on at school.

Their helpline can be reached at 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 4 August and Wednesday 5 August. It will be open 9am to 5pm on Thursday 6 August and Friday 7 August.

Qualifications Scotland’s free appeals service opens at 9am on Tuesday 4 August and learners can submit an appeal directly via the Qualifications Scotland website, or ask their school, college, or training provider to submit one on their behalf.


SHETLAND MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad has welcomed a visit from Scottish energy minster Stephen Gethins, saying it recognises the isles’ “historic and ongoing role as an energy powerhouse”.

The minister also has external affairs in his portfolio, and Goodlad said Gethins’ visit “clearly recognises Shetland’s strong European ties, through its Nordic links, and its increasing influence in this sphere”.

Shetland News will run an interview with Gethins tomorrow (Wednesday).

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  • Removal of third-party ads;
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