Also in the news / Welcome Inn award, flight disruption, EV charging fees and more…
THE WELCOME Inn in Mossbank has been named best pub in Shetland as part of the National Pub & Bar Awards.
The Welcome Inn is now up against nine other pubs from the North East of Scotland in the run for the regional award, and ultimately the chance to be named national pub of the year.
Pub owner Samantha Haynes said the nomination came “out of the blue” as it had been submitted by a satisfied customer.
“It was a lovely surprise,” she said, adding that in these challenging times it was not always easy for people to go to the pub and spend money on hospitality.
“We are grateful for having named best pub in the county – it means a lot to us,” she said.
The awards ceremony will take place in London on 28 June.
TRAVELLERS wanting to fly to Shetland were inconvenienced this morning (Thursday) when the early flight from Edinburgh was cancelled with no information provided to waiting passengers.
Most were rebooked on to the afternoon flight to the isles.
The cancellation of the Edinburgh flight resulted in a three and half hour delay of the return flight from Sumburgh to the capital.
A spokesperson for Loganair said: “Flight LM353 from Edinburgh to Sumburgh was cancelled following a routine maintenance check delay, causing a subsequent flight to be delayed while we secured an alternative aircraft.
“Operations are now running as scheduled and we apologise sincerely to our passengers for any inconvenience.”
SHETLAND Islands Council has confirmed that fees will be imposed on its public electric vehicle charging points from 11 April.
Fees are being introduced for the first time after being included in the SIC’s 2023/24 budget.
Drivers can still use their charging card to access charge points, and payments will be administered through the operator ChargePlace Scotland.
New EV drivers can charge on the network by obtaining a ChargePlace Scotland charging card. ChargePlace Scotland cards are subject to an annual membership fee of £20.
The rates will be 47p per kWh at 7kW and 22kW fast chargers and 57p per kWh at 50kW rapid chargers.
LOCAL firm Ocean Kinetics is inviting applications for its 2023 scholarship programme.
The programme, first launched last year, is open to student who plans to study a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) at university or college with an annual bursary of £3,000.
The successful candidate will also receive personal mentoring and paid work experience within the business outside term time.
Managing director John Henderson said: “We were delighted by the response and quality of applications received for the scholarship programme last year.
“So much so, that we decided to support two applicants, Elsie Msalila and James Rendall. Elsie is studying mechatronics at the University of Glasgow, while James is studying mechanical engineering at Edinburgh Napier University.”
Msalila said: “I am very much enjoying my studies so far. Ocean Kinetics’ support has really helped me and the work experience they offer will be invaluable – not only for now – but also for establishing my future career. I look forward to continuing to work with them.”
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart is encouraging people to become familiar with the five key bowel cancer symptoms this April – Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, but early detection is crucial. Knowing the symptoms is important, but one in three people cannot name any symptom of bowel cancer.
The key symptoms are:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Wishart said: “This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, why not take a minute to familiarise yourself with the five key bowel cancer symptoms.
“Early detection of bowel cancer gives people the best chance for successful treatment. If you notice any of the key five symptoms, or any changes that concern you, contact your GP.”
NEW analysis has revealed that average debt levels in Shetland are the highest of any area in Scotland – standing at £24,180, compared to the national average of £16,133.
The figure comes from personal insolvency provider Carrington Dean.
Its director of compliance Graeme MacLeod said it was important for people to talk about money worries.
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