Also in the news / Weisdale Burn, freediving and more…
SSEN says work is ongoing to strengthen control measures in Kergord after the Weisdale Burn was affected by sediment run-off last week.
The burn was pictured a brown colour following heavy rain on Thursday (8 August).
A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission, which has been undertaking work in the Kergord area, said: “Prolonged heavy rainfall affected ongoing reinstatement works close to our Kergord HVDC Converter station last Thursday, resulting in a temporary sediment runoff into the Weisdale Burn.
“We took immediate action to address the discharge, working with our contractors and with SEPA to undertake immediate remediation works and manage the incident.
“The burn has since returned to normal, with work ongoing to strengthen current erosion and sediment control measures.”
SEPA said it was aware of the incident, with investigations continuing.
THE FREEDIVING scene in Shetland had a boost earlier this month with a visit from two experienced divers to train locals involved in the sport.
Freediving instructors Steve Millard and Kate Goodwin took 12 local enthusiasts through sessions in the Clickimin pool and also in the open water.
A group formed in Shetland last year to grow the sport of freediving locally and to encourage more people to explore the waters around Shetland’s coastline.
Freediving is recognised as an international sport, with competition standards and records set for depth, horizontal distance, depth, and static breath hold endurance, among others.
Local freediver Péter Szűcs has now qualified as an assistant instructor through the International Freediving Association, and he hopes to gain his full instructors qualification later this year.
This would allow the group to carry out more activities and formally establish a club in Shetland. The Shetland freediving group wanted to thank NorthLink Ferries for generously sponsoring Steve and Kate’s ferry travel.
Szűcs said: “It’s been great to have Steve and Kate here this weekend, and so good to see so many people enjoying their time in the pool and in the sea – increasing their skills and learning more about freediving.
“We hope to establish a group that can carry out regular training year.”
MORE details have been revealed of changes to UHI Shetland’s student accommodation in Scalloway which looks set to create more teaching space in the main campus building across the road.
As previously reported, UHI Shetland plans to turn the upper floor of Scalloway’s Port Arthur House – which provides accommodation to students – into office space as part a redevelopment project funded by the UK and Scottish governments’ islands deal.
It all comes as UHI Shetland – which has had to make cuts to reduce its financial deficit – looks to move to a single campus in Scalloway instead of having another base in Lerwick.
A planning application for the Port Arthur project confirms that non-academic staff from both the Scalloway and Lerwick campuses would work from the new office space.
There would be space for 28 staff in single person offices, while there would be 24 open plan “hot-desk” spaces.
No changes are proposed to the building’s ground floor, which currently has 10 bedrooms. At the moment the top floor has 15 bedrooms.
A NEW exhibition inspired by Shetland’s scapes is set to open in the museum in Lerwick this weekend.
Twenty Shades of Blue, which will be on show in the Gadderie space from Saturday, is the work of local artist Sam Davies.
It features more than 50 oil canvases each by Davies, who has called Shetland home since the 1970s.
His connection with the sea, honed over years as an inshore fisherman, is evident in his work, the museum said.
“It is the inspiration for most of my paintings. It can be powerful or gentle, rough or calm, but it is always beautiful and mesmerising,” Davies said.
Karen Clubb, exhibitions officer at Shetland Museum and Archives said: “This is the second time we have had the privilege of sharing Sam’s work at the museum.
“His ability to capture Shetland’s unique weather and seascapes resonates deeply with those who live in Shetland, and those who simply love the sea.
“We believe this exhibition will be especially meaningful for anyone with a connection to Shetland.”
All pieces are available for sale, and the exhibition will be on display until 14 September.
LOCAL arts organisation Gaada is inviting people based in Shetland to apply for its annual workshop bursary and new access bursary awards.
These awards aim to support individuals to overcome barriers they may experience in accessing creative development in Shetland.
More information on what is on offer can be found here.
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