News / In brief for 19 October 2011
Fish into fuel
FISH waste could be turned into biofuels to run vehicles and plant, according to the Shetland Renewable Energy Forum, which is hosting a workshop on the subject next month.
Anyone interested, including fish catching, farming and processing interests, are invited to attend at Scalloway’s NAFC Centre on 1 November from 4pm to 6pm.
SREF development officer Robin Sampson said there could be enough waste material in Shetland to generate significant quantities of fuel, such as biogas that could be bottled.
SREF are also interested in the potential of livestock waste and the Shetland Amenity Trust proposal for short rotation coppicing using fast growing willow-like shrubs for biomass.
“There are plenty of ideas and possibilities for biofuel and biomass production in Shetland, and we think that given government incentives and the high price of more conventional fuels, these are commercially viable,” he said.
“What we would like to do now is to try and find some partners to try and take these ideas forward to the next stage of development.”
Anyone interested can contact Mr Sampson on 01595 694986 or email info@shetlandrenewableenergyforum.com
Council cutbacks
PEOPLE throughout the isles are being invited to a series of public meetings on how the council can cut its spending by £26 million over the next two years.
Councillors and officers plan to present “the bare facts” about the council’s financial situation and invite people to suggest ways to save money.
SIC interim head of finance Hazel Sutherland said: “The bottom line is that we have to cut council spending considerably; £26 million is a lot of money, but we simply cannot afford to raid our reserves any further.
“These meetings are an opportunity for members of the Shetland public to have their say on how we spend and save their money.
“Each meeting will start at 7pm. With the scale of challenge we are facing, I think it’s really important we get a good turnout.”
The meeting timetable is:
Cunningsburgh Hall –Wednesday 26 October
Scalloway Hall – Thursday 27 October
Bixter Hall – Monday 31 October
Symbister Hall – Tuesday 1 November
Brae Hall – Wednesday 2 November
Sound Hall – Thursday 3 November
Cullivoe Hall – Thursday 10 November
More information can be found at http://www.shetland.gov.uk/sport/councilspendinghaveyoursay.asp and suggestions can be made at savings@shetland.gov.uk
Mobile investment
MOBILE phone usage in Shetland could soon be revolutionised by a £150 million investment in new transmission masts, according to northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael.
The UK government funding should significantly improving communications in the far north, he said, allowing rural mobile users access to 3G networks and lay the foundation for a 4G upgrade.
“Poor mobile phone signal is a problem that has refused to go away since I was first elected in 2001. For too long, people in the northern isles and across the highlands and islands have been at the back of the queue when it comes to network improvements and there are still a number of black spots around the isles.
“Homes and businesses across northern Scotland still do not have access to the level of internet and mobile phone services they need and the coalition government is committed to rectifying this situation.”
More information can be found at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_112_11.htm
HSE anger
THE FARMERS union has joined Shetland islands Council in condemning charges being proposed for investigations by the Health and Safety Executive.
HSE are proposing a charge of £133 per hour for each intervention for a breach of health and safety law, such as writing emails or letters, and an inspection could cost £750.
The NFUS said this had nothing to do with safety, and everything to do with paying for the 35 per cent cut in the HSE budget.
Religion debate
“Religion and education don’t mix” is the motion being proposed at the next Althing debate in Tingwall school on Saturday 29 October.
Speaking for will be Sylvija Crook and Dorothy Harcus, and in opposition are martin Tregonning and Bobby Hunter.
Last month the debate resulted in a vote saying there were justifications for rioting.
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