Also in the news / New flying device, antibiotics use, awards for Annex, and more …
A NEW study has suggested a proposed low-emission aircraft described as part-plane, part-airship could deliver “cost-effective, low-emission” passenger transport and freight to communities in the Highlands and Islands.
The report was supported by a range of organisations and companies including HIAL, HIE and Loganair.
The suggests that Hybrid Air Vehicles’ Airlander could help to decarbonise regional travel, add freight capacity into the network and could also provide further economic growth through tourism.
It would use helium as part of the launch process, and moves are being made to develop electric engines.
THE SCOTTISH salmon farming industry has pointed out that the sector uses significantly less antibiotics than other food producers.
A government report shows that in 2022 usage of antibiotics in salmon farming dropped from more than 43mg/kg in 2021 to 18.6mg/kg in 2022.
The level for pig farming was reported to be 71.8 mg/kg and 35.4 mg/kg in turkeys, while the sheep and cattle sectors do not publish full data.
The level of antibiotic usage during the Covid period was higher than usual when fish had to be kept in the sea for longer due to the pandemic, lockdowns and lack of markets.
Industry body Salmon Scotland said on Wednesday that fewer than one in ten seawater farms used antibiotics – meaning the majority of salmon farms did not treat with antibiotics at all.
Dr Iain Berrill, head of technical at Salmon Scotland, said: “The requirement to protect our fish from environmental challenges meant a significantly lower level of antibiotics were used in the past 12 months on a very small number of farms.
“As part of our commitment to transparency, we aim to reduce use as low as possible to give consumers full confidence when they enjoy one of the most nutritious and tasty foods we produce in Scotland.”
GULBERWICK shop The Annex has received two Scottish Enterprise Awards from SME News.
These are Best Tie Dye Design Business 2023 – Shetland and Best Craft & SME Marketplace 2023.
The team behind the Annex is also due to launch ‘Da Pantry’, a space for local food producers to sell their goods.
This will operate more like a traditional cake fridge, allowing customers to help themselves and pay through an honesty system.
A VARIETY concert is due to be held soon at the St. Columba’s Church in Lerwick to raise money for live-streaming equipment.
The event will be held at the church on Wednesday 8 November, with acts like The North Ness Boys, Violet Tulloch and Maggie Adamson on the bill.
The fundraising will allow Sunday services and events like funerals to be streamed live on the church’s YouTube channel, letting those who cannot attend to still be part of worship.
DEAN Owens will return to Shetland alongside his band The Sinners for two gigs later this month.
The group, who perform a “unique blend of Scottish roots and Americana”, will play the Cullivoe Hall on 10 November, with a gig at Mareel the next night.
Tickets are available online.
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