Also in the news 22 September 2026
- Health official named honorary professor of university
- VAS launches volunteer awards
- Union criticises public sector reform plans
NHS SHETLAND’s Pauline Wilson OBE has been named honorary professor in the school of medicine, medical sciences and nutrition at the University of Aberdeen.
Professor Wilson is currently Shetland’s consultant physician and associate medical director (acute).
She hopes the appointment, which was announced on 1 August, will allow her to continue to support the strategic development of medical services in Shetland and contribute more broadly to remote and rural healthcare.
Professor Wilson said she was “truly delighted” to be named honorary professor at the university.
“As a Shetlander who was born, raised and educated in Shetland, I am incredibly proud of my roots,” she said.
“After leaving the islands to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen, I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to return home to live and work, building my career while serving the community that shaped me.”
She added that it was also a “testament to the opportunities that can arise from being brought up and educated in Shetland”.
VOLUNTARY Action Shetland (VAS) is launching its 2026 volunteering awards, with nominations now being sought.
People who help at community events, volunteer with an organisation, serve on a committee or are a community stalwart are being sought for the awards.
The awards consist of two categories, the ‘Willin Haands’ award for adults aged 26 and over, and the ‘Peerie Trows’ award for children 11 and under.
Anyone (whether they are an individual or an organisation) can nominate someone, with nominations closing on Monday 12 October.
To nominate, folk can fill in the online form available on the VAS website or contact VAS Volunteering for a paper format.
For more information please contact Kathleen Williamson at Kathleen.williamson@shetland.org or Lara White at Lara.white2@shetland.org
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SCOTLAND’S largest union has criticised the Scottish Government’s proposals for public service reform across local government.
Earlier this month the Scottish Government announced plans to reduce the number of health boards in Scotland from 14 to two, with the possibility of councils on Scottish islands merging with health boards to form a ‘single authority’.
Unison Scotland convenor Mark Ferguson said it was not credible for the Scottish Government to say the plans would deliver stronger democracy while cutting 20,000 public service workers from across the country.
“You cannot build new regional and community authorities on the cheap,” he said.
“Major reductions in the workforce will ultimately leave communities with less, not more.
“Unison will engage constructively with the Scottish Government, but our message is clear: don’t confuse reform with cuts.
“If the government is serious about better services, it needs to listen to the people who deliver them.”
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