Also in the news 8 September
- Mirrie dancers put on a show
- Sullom Voe framework events
- Consultation on Skeld and Burravoe schools
- Real value of charitable trust drops
- Government won’t call in Unst planning application
- Mousa Broch included in HES campaign
THE MIRRIE dancers put on a show last night (Monday) with folk getting some impressive photos.
Thanks to Chloe Irvine for this photo taken in Whalsay.
TWO drop-in events are scheduled for later this month to allow folk to share ideas and help guide the future of the area around Sullom Voe.
Several energy developments are currently proposed for the area around the North Mainland of Shetland, including a substation hub, an ammonia plant and an energy park, with their set to be overlapping development timelines.
A group of developers and other organisations are in the process of preparing a development framework which will set out a “shared vision and principles” to guide development across the area.
It also aims to take a strategic approach to ensure that benefits for local communities, the economy and the environment are maximised, while helping to minimise negative impacts.
Two drop-in events are being held this September at the following times:
- Tuesday 22 September, 3pm-7pm – Mossbank Public Hall
- Wednesday 23 September, 3pm-7pm – Brae Community Hall
There is also an opportunity to share views via an online consultation hub which can be accessed here from 21 September.
SHETLAND Islands Council is seeking views on the future of Burravoe and Skeld primary schools.
Two online surveys have been launched asking residents, parents, staff and other stakeholders for their views.
The responses from the surveys will help inform the options appraisal process and will be considered alongside other factors, including education, community, transport and finance. No decision has been made regarding the future of either school.
Skeld was mothballed in 2024, while the options appraisal has been launched for Burravoe due to its declining school roll.
THE REAL value of Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) fell last financial year after taking account of inflation, despite £5 million more coming in the door than went out.
Profit from stock market investments stood at £14.3 million, adding to £3.6 million from rental income and other trading activities. From this total income of £17.9 million, some £12.9 million was spent on grants and running costs.
The £5 million surplus for the year ended 31 March 2026 fell considerably short of SCT’s earnings target, largely due to weak returns on global markets.
SCT aims for a 7.5 per cent growth in reserves to stay ahead of inflation and generate enough funds to foot its annual grant bill of £10.7 million. Last year’s return, however, was less than four per cent.
Chair Robert Leask said: “It’s a disappointing under-performance. In real terms the funds took a dip. We are focussed on growth but we didn’t see it.”
The trust is hosting its AGM on Thursday.
THE SCOTTISH Government says it has no intention to ‘call in’ a planning decision made by councillors regarding a house project in Unst.
The government was notified of the planning approval for work on Snarravoe in Uyeasound as SEPA had objected due to flood risk.
Planning officers had recommended the application be refused, but councillors on the SIC’s planning committee gave it the green light.
HISTORIC Environment Scotland (HES) has launched a new campaign encouraging people to get outdoors and discover the benefits that spending time in nature can have – with Mousa Broch one of the locations highlighted.
Nearly 60 per cent of visitors to Historic Environment Scotland sites in 2025/26 reported an improvement in their wellbeing after spending time at a site.
Mousa Broch is highlighted as one of five HES locations to visit, with Rothesay Castle and Fort George also recommended.
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