Wednesday 29 July 2026
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Also in the news /

Also in the news 29 July 2026

  • Dogs Against Drugs new recruit
  • Daggri engine problem
  • Algae in Spiggie Loch
  • Help after exam results

From left: Michael Coutts (Dogs Against Drugs), Sheriff Philip Mann, Vhairi Graham (Dogs Against Drugs), Megan Grant (Dogs Against Drugs), chief inspector Chris Sewell and police dog Bravo outside Lerwick Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

DOGS Against Drugs’ latest recruit was sworn in as a special constable at Lerwick Sheriff Court before Sheriff Philip Mann on Tuesday.

Vhairi Graham has joined the organisation, with every new recruit to Police Scotland taking the oath of office before receiving their warrant card and the legal powers of a constable.

Shetland area commander chief inspector Chris Sewell said: “This is a very special day for special constable Graham and marks the start of her policing journey.”

“Dogs Against Drugs does an outstanding job in helping to keep people safe across Shetland, and Vhairi’s appointment as a special constable will further strengthen the valuable contribution the charity makes to our community.”


THE YELL ferry Daggri is back in service after being ruled out of action for most of day due to an engine problem.

Yell Sound was reduced to a single vessel at around 7am this morning (Wednesday) but was back in service at around 3pm.


SHETLAND Islands Council’s environmental health team has received notification that blue-green algae is present in Spiggie Loch.

Notices have been posted next to the loch warning that contact with algal scum should be avoided.

Adjoining landowners and NHS Shetland have been advised. At this stage there is no adverse effect on water supplies.


SUPPORT and guidance is available to the young people in Shetland awaiting the results of their Qualifications Scotland qualifications next week.

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

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

All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a My Qualifications Scotland account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning.

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If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results.

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.

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.

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