Also in the news 28 September 2026

A GENETIC screening project in Shetland has received a £20,000 donation from the Shetland Gas Plant.

This means Viking Genes Shetland has now reached more than £200,000 in fundraising.

Professor Jim Flett Wilson, lead investigator for Viking Genes, said the latest donation reflects the strength of Shetland’s community spirit.

“This project is built on community — neighbours looking out for one another. The Shetland Gas Plant’s generosity helps us reach more folk, offer more screening, and give families the knowledge they need to stay well and protect generations to come. We’re deeply grateful,” he said.

Mike Killeen, West of Shetland asset manager at gas plant operator Serica said: “We are proud to support Viking Genes Shetland and the valuable work it is doing to improve health outcomes across the islands. We hope this donation will help more people access potentially life-saving screening and contribute to a healthier future for generations of Shetlanders.”

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Read more about the Viking Genes project here.

THE SHETLAND Community Orchestra and Shetland Youth Orchestra are coming together this weekend for a joint celebration of some of the most loved themes from film.

The concert is taking place at the Lerwick Baptist Church in Quoys at 7.30pm on Saturday (3 October).

Organisers said folk will be “transported to your favourite film moments by the soaring soundtracks”.

Tickets are priced at £10 on the door, with under 18s free.

SUPPORT for households in Scotland struggling with the cost of heating oil has been extended into winter.

The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme was introduced on 1 April to help low-income households cover higher heating oil and LPG prices, driven by ongoing instability in the Middle East.

The scheme has now been extended beyond its initial six-month period while heating oil and LPG prices continue to be volatile. More information can be found here.

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LOGANAIR has agreed a three-year partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) to support its engagement work across Orkney, the Western Isles and Shetland.

Running across the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons, the partnership will enable the RSNO to build a sustained programme in Scotland’s island communities, helping the orchestra deliver performances, workshops and music-making activity with local schools and community organisations.

In its first two years, flights from Glasgow will carry small RSNO ensembles and engagement staff to Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles.

In its final year the partnership will build towards a major island residency in 2029.

Across the three years, the programme will include schools workshops, performances and community events, bringing RSNO musicians directly into Scotland’s island communities.

Loganair’s chief commercial officer Ronnie Matheson said: “Our island communities sit at the heart of Loganair’s network, and this partnership puts that connection to work for something special.”

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SHETLAND Wool Week has received recognition in the Scottish Parliament thanks to a motion from Highlands and Islands Lib Dem MSP Morven-May MacCallum.

MacCallum has been in Shetland in recent days, coinciding with the start of the seventeenth annual Shetland Wool Week.

“Shetland is home to a vibrant and creative textile sector,” she said.

“The continuing popularity of Wool Week reflects the hard work and passion that is put into textiles across the islands.

“The sector faces challenges including increased costs and the availability of funding for small businesses.

“Traditional crafts are a part of cultural heritage, and any Scottish Government support for the sector should recognise the needs of island businesses.”