Also in the news 21 September 2026
SHETLAND Islands Council is inviting the public to take part in a new survey about the issues that matter most to the future of the isles.
It is the next stage in the council’s engagement process and aims to check whether the priorities identified by communities are reflected in plans for the future.
Between November 2025 and January 2026, councillors, the chief executive and council officers hosted nine drop-in sessions alongside an online discussion for remote island communities.
The conversations highlighted a number of recurring themes and priorities, which have helped inform the development of the council’s new corporate plan.
SIC chief executive Maggie Sandison said: “We heard a wide range of perspectives from communities across the isles, but there were also some clear themes about the issues people feel will be important in the years ahead.
“This survey is an opportunity for us to check that we have understood those messages correctly and that we have reflected them appropriately in our emerging plans.”
The survey is available here, and will remain open until Sunday 4 October.
SCOTTISH Greens have welcomed a report from Audit Scotland calling for greater transparency from the Scottish Government over its ScotWind funds.
The public spending watchdog said the government “needs to be more transparent” about how it will use the £755 million raised through the ScotWind offshore leasing round.
Highlands and Islands Green MSP Kristopher Leask, who is also the party’s energy spokesperson, said there needed to be “clear governance and a commitment to fund community-owned renewable energy.”
“The Scottish Government has previously said they would invest revenues from ScotWind in projects that support Scotland’s transition to net zero but instead they are using the money to plug short-term budget gaps,” he said.
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“First minister John Swinney needs to show serious commitment and put £300m from the ScotWind lease money into the promised wealth fund.
“This money should be used to fund community-owned renewable energy projects so that Scotland’s energy wealth stays in Scotland’s hands.”
BUSINESSES and social enterprises in Shetland can explore the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) through two new initiatives being launched by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Applications are now open for HIE’s AI adoption programme and AI mentoring service, which are designed to help organisations understand, assess and implement AI technologies that can improve productivity, boost innovation and support growth.
Up to 15 places are available on the intensive AI adoption programme, while 40 organisations can benefit from the AI mentoring support service.
Businesses interested in finding out more about the digital and technology support available can visit HIE’s website.
In addition, a series of rural AI roadshows will take place across the Highlands and Islands to help organisations learn more about the opportunities and challenges of AI.
The first event will take place in Shetland on 5 November.
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