Looking back on the week: energy visit, flooding and more

AS THE WEEK comes to an end, it is a useful time to look back on the last seven days at Shetland News.

Energy was back in the spotlight as representatives of GB Energy visited Shetland.

We sat down with chief executive Dan McGrail to find out more about the government owned company, asking him about concerns many in Shetland have in areas such as community benefit and the size of wind farms like Viking.

We also reported how folk in Northmavine have concern about the idea of major energy developments in their parish, according to a new draft local place plan.

The UK Government also announced the approval of the Jackdaw gas field east of Aberdeen, which led many to speculate about the impending decision for the Rosebank oil field north west of Shetland.

The Brae rural energy hub also opened in the village’s youth and community centre, while energy was also among the discussion topics as the SIC attended the SNP conference in Aberdeen.

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Meanwhile Shetland Community Benefit Fund also released its annual report for 2025/26, detailing how payments from the Viking wind farm have been spread out among projects across the isles.

Flooding also hit the headlines on Thursday when drains in Lerwick were unable to cope with heavy rain, leading to roads and shops being affected.

We also revealed how a rat extermination scheme in Skerries is being proposed as part of bird mitigation measures for an offshore wind farm east of the north of England.

During the week we also published a feature on a “fascinating jigsaw of historical research” surrounding the sailing ship Pribislaw, which ran aground in Yell Sound in 1870. It can be read through the link below.

‘A treasure of history’: how a German emigrant ship became part of Shetland heritage

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One of the most popular stories during the week, meanwhile, was news that Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse’s episode of Gone Fishing that was filmed in Shetland last year is set to air.

This week also saw the start of a six-part series on encouraging folk to stand for the SIC elections in 2027.

Thanks for all your support this week, with Shetland News continuing to provide news and views free of charge. Remember that if you like what we do and feel able to, you can become a supporter here.

More stories from the week:

• Wait for spare parts means no Fair Isle ferry service until early November

• Electric bus to be trialled by Cunningsburgh company

• Morag appointed to lead Living Lerwick

• Plans submitted for Scalloway glamping pods