News / In brief for 16 August 2011
Discount discussion
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott believes the Scottish government has taken on board the case to reinstate the Air Discount Scheme for non-domestic flyers after meeting finance secretary John Swinney on Tuesday.
Mr Scott said: “The Scottish government does accept that a very small amount of money is needed to give everyone in Shetland the ability to access 40 per cent reductions in air fares.
“But small amounts to government are huge sums to local voluntary and charitable bodies. So again I have pressed the case to Scottish ministers. John Swinney, the finance minister, will listen to a reasonable argument.
“We hope that the cost of flying to essential events which benefit Shetland and the islands can be cut by a change in the Scottish government’s position. That would be welcome and I believe that after today’s discussion, that is more likely.”
Broadband funding
NORTHERN isles MP Alistair Carmichael and Orkney MSP Liam McArthur have urged the Scottish government to match new funding for broadband to close the digital gap between the north of Scotland and the rest of the country.
Their comments came after UK culture secretary Jeremy Hunt announced that the UK government is to spend £530 million to support online services in areas where access to high speed broadband is restricted.
Scotland is in line to receive almost £69 million of this additional funding and the Scottish government will be responsible for the allocation of these new resources.
However Scottish infrastructure secretary Alex Neil said he was disappointed in the funding package, saying it would cost £300 million to deliver next generation broadband across the highlands and islands alone.
Mr Neil said he would be writing to the culture secretary looking for a more realistic deal for Scotland.
Crewman airlifted
AN INJURED crewman from the tanker Navion Norvegia was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by the Shetland-based coastguard helicopter on Tuesday morning.
The 130,000 tonne tanker was off Sumburgh when the incident happened. The crewman was in need of medical attention after contact with chemicals.
Football results
County Shield quarter finals
Celtic 3 – 2 Scalloway
The league leaders progress to the semis thanks to goals from Jordan Webb and a Dominic Mann brace. Alan Davidson and Robert Garrick scored for Scalloway.
Spurs – Mossbank
Spurs went through to the semis after Mossbank pulled out of the competition.
Whalsay 4 -1 Thistle
Goals from Stuart Shearer (2), Erik Thomson and Colin Leask gave Whalsay a chance of getting to their fifth final this year. David Thomson scored for Thistle.
Whitedale 5 -1 Ness United
Whitedale appear to be finding their form again with another win.
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