Also in the news / RAF aircraft scrambled, talc quarry extension and more…
RAF Typhoon jets intercepted two Russian long-range maritime patrol bombers flying north of Shetland this morning (Monday).
The jets were launched from RAF Lossiemouth. In what has become a relatively common occurrence, two Russian bombers were monitored in international airspace as they flew north of the UK.
Minister for the armed forces James Heappey, said: “RAF crews at Lossiemouth maintain a constant watch over UK airspace and are always ready to take action at a moment’s notice to keep our country safe.
“Pilots launched in their Typhoon jets to intercept two Russian long-range bombers this morning, monitoring them as they passed north of the Shetland Islands, ready to counter any potential threat to UK territory.”
A Voyager tanker was also scrambled and remained airborne for the duration of the mission to offer air-to-air refuelling.
THE UK’s only active talc quarry – located in Unst – could be set to continue production as its owners seek to extend the site.
The existing quarry, which employs three people, is now at the end of its extraction phase and will soon be reinstated.
The owner Thulecraft Ltd is seeking planning permission to extend quarry operations into adjoining land to the north of the Clibberswick site.
The extension would allow talc extraction to continue for at least ten to 15 more years, producing around 3,000 tonnes of talc per year.
SHETLAND Islands Council spent around £5,700 on bringing in external resources to respond to the planning appeal regarding the science block at the former Anderson High School.
Scottish Government’s planning appeals division ultimately ruled that change of use consent was not needed for New Life Shetland to turn the vacant building into a place of worship.
This was despite New Life previously submitting a change of use planning application, which was turned down by councillors over traffic management and parking concerns.
A freedom of information request shows that the council spent £5,702 on external resources for responding to the appeal.
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