Also in the news 15 October 2026
- Compass Centre offers support
- NHS Shetland pays tribute to retiree
- Seafood showcase in Paris
- Rural transport debate
THE COMPASS Centre has offered its support to those affected by today’s (Thursday) guilty verdicts against former police officer John Williamson.
Williamson, from Burra, was found guilty of four serious sexual offences at Edinburgh High Court following a trial this week.
The charity said its thoughts were with all those who had been impacted by the news around the proceedings and the eventual verdict.
“We know that a case like this, so close to home, will have a significant impact on survivors and that today’s news may feel distressing or triggering for those who have experienced sexual violence, particularly those who may be considering reporting what has happened to them,” it said.
“Choosing to report experiences of sexual violence, and engage in the criminal justice process, is an incredibly difficult decision to make and we recognise the courage and strength it takes for survivors to speak out.
“Whatever feelings today’s news brings up for you, please know you’re not alone.”
Anyone affected by sexual violence who needs support can contact The Compass Centre by calling 01595 747 174 Monday to Thursday between 9am and 1.30pm, or emailing contact@compasscentre.org.
NHS SHETLAND has thanked a long-standing general practice nurse for 25 years of service to patients following her retirement.
Wendy Oates joined NHS Shetland in 2001 and worked in the Lerwick Health Centre from 2009 across the community nursing and practice nursing departments.
Lerwick Health Centre said she had been a “huge asset to the team over the years” and would be “greatly missed” by her colleagues and patients.
The local health board wished her all the very best for her retirement and encouraged her to enjoy her well-deserved new chapter in life.
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SHETLAND company Simpson Fish took part in a Scottish seafood event in Paris earlier this month.
Seafood Scotland, Scottish Development International and Scottish Quality Salmon Label Rouge brought the Scottish trade directly to French buyers and wholesalers on 9 October in the French capital.
The event was held at Rungis International Market and featured 14 Scottish seafood businesses representing salmon, smoked salmon, trout, shellfish, whitefish, wholesale and processing.
Simpson Fish director Karl Simpson said: “As a business based in Shetland, having the opportunity to meet potential customers at Rungis in such a targeted yet relaxed setting was invaluable.
“We’ve come away with promising leads and look forward to building new relationships that could open up further opportunities for our business.”
HIGHLANDS and Islands MSP Tim Eagle says he is keen to hear from folk about their transport issues ahead of a debate on rural connectivity which he will lead in the Scottish Parliament on 29 October.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “For those of us who represent rural Scotland, transport is an absolute priority.
“Constituents frequently contact me about the impact unreliable transport links have on their communities and it is surely right that those concerns are debated in Parliament and that we also get a full response from the transport secretary as well.”
Eagle said that constituents who would like to raise transport issues with him ahead of the debate can contact tim.eagle.msp@parliament.scot.
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