Also in the news 15 September 2026

PUBLIC drop-in sessions about options appraisals for the Burravoe and Skeld primary schools will be held this month.

The sessions will provide an opportunity to meet council officers, view information about the process, ask questions and share views about the future provision of education.

The council said it was keen to hear a wide range of views and local knowledge which will help inform the appraisal process.

Drop-in sessions will take place as follows:

• Monday 21 September, 6.30pm-8pm at Skeld Public Hall
• Monday 28 September, 5pm-6.30pm at Burravoe School

THE SCOTTISH Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has given an initial positive reaction to proposed fisheries management measures by the Scottish Government.

A consultation was launched yesterday (Monday), seeking views on options for 166 protected sites and areas in the inshore marine region – 26 of which are in Shetland.

SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald.

SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald.

The SFF said the package would “take some time to consider in full”, but said the proposals seemed to support “zoned and proportionate management”.

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SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “We welcome indications that the expert assessments commissioned by Scottish Government seem to favour a zoned approach rather than simply applying blanket restrictions across whole areas which the assessments show would be disproportionate.

“However, the detail will be crucial. Scotland’s inshore waters support a diverse fishing industry, and the consequences of individual proposals will vary considerably between different areas, fisheries and communities.

“We will now take the time needed to examine the proposals carefully, consult our member associations and assess whether the measures proposed are necessary, evidence-based and proportionate.”

PROJECT partners of OCCAM – an initiative developing science-based solutions to help the European aquaculture sector mitigate climate change – are meeting in Lerwick this week.

The group, Operationalising Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (OCCAM) in European Aquaculture, are piloting a series of solutions over a four-year period to reduce environmental impact.

The project partners are from Norway, Belgium, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Scotland (and Shetland) and are progressing a number of solutions, including the earliest possible detection of harmful algal blooms that may impact shellfish growing in Scottish waters.

Delegates attending the Shetland meeting will discuss the progress of the project ahead of an important 18-month milestone.

A NEW three-year programme has been launched to support more than 500 businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a £1.78 million budget to fund the programme.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to help businesses explore opportunities, assess feasibility and overcome technical issues.

More complex research and development projects can apply for grants of up to £100,000 to help test ideas and bring innovations closer to market.

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The programme will encourage and enable businesses and social enterprises to invest in innovation in order to grow and remain competitive.

Enquiries can be made here.

SCOTLAND’S Rural College (SRUC) is to stage a free business workshop for entrepreneurs in Lerwick next month.

They are looking for rural businesses or entrepreneurs working in agriculture, animal health, food and drink, or the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The event is being held at Islesburgh Community Centre in Lerwick on Thursday 15 October. You can sign up here.

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