Sunday 22 December 2024
 6.1°C   W Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Community / Dennis Nilsen ITV drama has local angle

Dennis Nilsen (played by David Tennant) being arrested in 1983. Photo: NewPictures for itv

THE TRUE story behind one of the UK’s most notorious serial killers, to be screened on ITV over coming days, has a little known Shetland angle.

Dennis Nilsen, who killed 15 men between 1978 and 1983 and was sentenced to life in prison, spent almost two years of his military career at RAF Maybury, which was located at Virkie.

Some local residents will remember Nilsen who in 1971/72 was in his mid twenties.

He was working as a cook at the camp, which was part of NATO’s early warning stations during the height of the Cold War.

Maybury camp during the 1970s. Photo: Ronnie Robertson

The Maybury camp was the centre of entertainment and leisure activities for servicemen, and was similarly popular among local people who were allowed to use it.

Nilsen’s gruesome killing spree, however, only started after he had left the military and had moved to London.

ITV’s three part series Des, starring David Tennant, starts tonight (Monday) at 9pm.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.