News round-up / Port appointment, sea wall update, waiting time target and foodbank collection
LERWICK Port Authority has appointed its new harbourmaster.
Captain Alexander Simpson has taken on the role after joining the organisation as deputy harbourmaster back in 2008.
He joined the port authority after time spent in the merchant navy, where he worked up to captain on container vessels which traded worldwide.
The reshuffle comes after former harbourmaster Captain Calum Grains was promoted to chief executive following Sandra Laurenson’s retirement.
Captain Grains said: “Alexander is already an established, experienced member of our team, positioned for his new role in a port handling record cruise traffic, developing further involvement in offshore decommissioning and building a new white fish market for increasing landings.”
NHS Shetland has achieved a 100 per cent score in meeting waiting time targets for patients needing a consultation to see an allied health professional for musculoskeletal services.
The data was for the period between July and September, with the target for 90 per cent of patients to be seen within four weeks from referral to the first outpatient appointment.
NHS Shetland chief executive Ralph Roberts said the figures are “something of which our staff should be congratulated and be justifiably proud”.
LERWICK’s South Commercial Street will remain closed to through traffic over the festive period due to the storm damaged sea wall near Stout’s Court.
The wall has been shored up in the meantime to prevent further damage, and a full investigation will be carried out in the new year into the full extent of the repairs required.
As the one-way order has been lifted to allow access to the area, the council’s roads service is asking drivers to be considerate, particularly when parking in the area, and to keep the identified turning areas clear.
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THE ORGANISERS of the weekly Bressay parkrun are collecting for the Shetland Foodbank this weekend.
The run is due to take place from 9.30am on Saturday from the Mayfield House Hotel, with festive fancy dress encouraged.
There will be a donation box for the foodbank at the start line, and runners are also invited to hand in tinned food like mince, stewed meat, sausages and vegetables.
The parkrun is for all ages and abilities, but new participants are reminded to that they have to register before taking part.
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