News round-up / Next cruise ship scheduled for June, scam call warning, yoal races off, Co-op seeks local hero, MSP calls for grant flexibility
THERE are now no cruise ships scheduled to visit Lerwick until June.
All visits prior to 3 June have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, although it remains unclear as to whether any of the summer calls will actually go ahead.
The last cruise ship into Lerwick came on 13 March when the 222m Magellan docked in town.
The next scheduled call is the 91m Hebridean Sky on 3 June, which is in line to return to Lerwick four days after.
The latest cruise schedule can be found here.
THE POLICE have issued a warning after people in Shetland reported receiving scam phone calls from people claiming to be from their bank or building society.
They are being informed that there has been suspicious activity on their account and to transfer money into another account.
Police Scotland said banks or building societies would never do this, adding that people should put the phone down.
“However, we advise that you phone another number before phoning your bank/building society as the scammer may still be on the line and pretend to be your bank/building society,” they added.
SHETLAND Yoal Rowing Association has confirmed that its 2020 races have been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
All yoal rowing races, including 2020 league races, championships, round Trondra and Brae-Aith, will be postponed until 2021.
THE CO-OP is looking for someone to take up a role as a ‘member pioneer’ in Shetland.
The successful applicant, who would work 16 hours a month, will be on hand to help groups and individuals during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
Leading the new nationwide recruitment drive for member pioneers, Co-op’s Russell Gill said: “We’re looking for people who have the passion to bring communities together effectively, believe in the power of co-operation, and who hold the wellbeing of their community at the forefront of their mind, to truly make a difference.”
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart believes more local businesses might benefit from coronavirus emergency funding from the Scottish Government if Shetland Islands Council had the flexibility to allocate the funds.
She has written to finance secretary Kate Forbes to highlight the issue.
“Historical rates anomalies and tenancy arrangements are real issues, and businesses operating from domestic or non-rateable premises are still finding themselves to be ineligible for the main funding streams,” Wishart said.
“Many of these issues could be addressed at a local level if Shetland Islands Council had the flexibility to allocate funds to businesses that clearly need support but are falling through the cracks through no fault of their own.”
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