Also in the news / No hospital timescale, duathlon and more…
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart has voiced her frustration at no timescale being offered by the Scottish Government for a possible replacement Gilbert Bain Hospital.
She asked the question in parliament but health secretary Neil Gray was unable to provide a timescale.
It comes after the government put a pause on new NHS construction projects as a result of a financial squeeze.
Speaking afterwards, Wishart said: “We need a facility that is fit for the 21st century, fit to meet the needs of clinicians and those working in it as well as for patients.
“It is deeply disappointing that the cabinet secretary could not give a timetable today of when Shetland residents might receive care in a modern facility.”
PEOPLE are being invited to sign up for Shetland Triathlon Club’s annual duathlon event, which is taking place on Sunday 28 April.
Starting and ending at the Cunningsburgh Hall, it will feature two 3km runs with a 17km bike ride in between.
All entry money will be donated to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The event was started in memory of Jake Porter who accessed support from the charity along with his family.
All abilities are encouraged to take part in the event and help the cause, with both team and individual entries encouraged.
The Cunningsburgh Hall will be providing teas in the hall afterwards.
THE SECOND phase of consultation on a new scheme for community councils in Shetland has opened, and is due to run to 28 June.
It includes proposals for a number of material changes to the way community councils work, including merging grant schemes and introducing a youth membership category for 12 to 16 year olds.
More details and a link to an online survey are available here.
THE SIGNING of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Scotland’s enterprise agencies and the world’s largest shipbuilding company could bring economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands.
That is the view of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) after the singing of the MoU with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a manufacturer of equipment such as the floating substructures that form a critical part of the offshore wind supply chain.
HIE and Scottish Enterprise signed the MoU with the company in Edinburgh on Tuesday (16 April), committing each other to pursue opportunities for floating offshore wind projects in Scotland.
HIE chief executive Stuart Black said: “This new MoU with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is a great opportunity to explore and facilitate the company’s interest in Scotland.
“We look forward to working with Scottish Enterprise in taking this forward and ultimately securing economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands region and Scotland.”
Two offshore wind farms are proposed to the east of Shetland as well as elsewhere around the coast of Scotland.
A BLEND of “gig theatre, storytelling and striking visuals” is coming to Mareel later this month.
When Mountains Meet is described as a cross-cultural tale following the true story of musician Anne Wood, as she meets her father, family and heritage for the first time.
A live score combines alap, raag, reel and strathspey, as well as English, Gaelic and Hindustani vocals.
Shetland Arts said: “Drawing on the tradition of generous Pakistani and Scottish hospitality, audiences experience a warm, intimate, almost village-hall style friendliness, while simultaneously being offered superb entertainment.”
The show will take place at the Lerwick venue on Tuesday 30 April, with tickets available now.
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