Also in the news / Care festival returns, SNP MSP backs tunnels, fuel poverty survey, offshore wind grant, young musicians
THE THIRD Festival of Care, which celebrates the achievements of care experienced people, will be held next month.
The four-day festival, which will take place between 18 and 22 February, is led from Shetland and will feature a programme of online and in-person events, with local partners joining national advocacy organisation Who Cares? Scotland.
This year’s festival focuses on Tending the Light – thinking of the care, energy and togetherness of lighthouse keepers for their light to shine bright all through the night, however dark or wild.
Maggie Sandison, who is the chair of the Shetland corporate parent board, said: “The festival demonstrates our commitment as a community to support those who have experienced care.
“It is an opportunity to celebrate the talents, achievement and resilience of our care experienced young people and to recognise the contribution that they make to communities across Scotland.”
The Festival of Care is a partnership between Who Cares? Scotland, Shetland Islands Council, University of the Highlands and Islands, Life Changes Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, Hjaltland Housing Association, and Our Peer Education Network (OPEN).
THE SNP’s Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has thrown her weight behind the idea of fixed links for Shetland.
Emma Roddick has raised the topic with new transport minister Jenny Gilruth, who replaced Graeme Dey after he stood down on health reasons.
Referring to the Scottish Government’s target of reaching net-zero by 2045, Roddick said: “Fixed links have been long desired by those living in the islands.
“Not only are they more environmentally sustainable, but they would economically benefit surrounding areas. Within the last two years, we have seen a huge increase in waiting times and ferry queues.
“We are sitting on a chance to address this and we need to take it.”
THE WHALSAY ferry Linga has been taken out of action by a technical fault.
Engineers are working to try and resolve the issue and the Fivla will be doing an extra run this evening.
More details on the arrangements for runs can be found here.
LOCAL services providing support for those who need advice on issues around fuel poverty and energy efficiency are running a survey are looking for feedback through a new survey.
The Fuel Poverty, Energy and Financial Advice Support Services Survey is being run by the council, in partnership with Hjaltland Housing Association, Shetland Citizens Advice Bureau and Home Energy Scotland.
The SIC’s environment and transport committee chairman Ryan Thomson said: “With energy costs set to rise even further, compounded by Shetland’s cold climate, this is obviously an important piece of work.”
The survey will run until 4 March and it is open to all island residents.
Anyone who prefers a paper copy should contact the council’s energy efficiency team on 01595 744186 to request one.
THE DEVELOPER behind plans for a huge offshore wind farm west of Shetland and in the North Sea has secured more than £800,000 in funding from the UK Government.
The money will go to Cerulean Winds developing an integrated system between the mooring, floating foundation and wind turbine for deployment at an offshore oil and gas facility in the North Sea or West of Shetland.
It is one of a number of projects supported by the government’s Floating Offshore Wind Demonstration Programme.
YOUNG musicians will get a chance to showcase their talent in a monthly Sunday concert series at Mareel.
Playing in the cafe/bar at the first session on 30 January will be High Level Hot Club, Liam Slater and Fraser Jamieson, Vitamin C Deficiency and Skelburn.
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