Also in the news / Fishing quota reductions, winter fuel payment, Sandveien and more …
THE LOCAL fishing industry has warned of economic uncertainties for the sector because of reductions in some key quotas for shared whitefish stock in the North Sea.
The annual fisheries agreement between the UK, Norway and the European Union has resulted in a 20 per cent reduction of the cod allocation.
The quota for herring (-23.9 per cent) and haddock (– 5.5 per cent) is also down, while plaice (+14.2 per cent), saithe (+7 per cent) and whiting (+46 per cent) are all up.
Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Daniel Lawson said: “The quota cut for cod is due to a lack of understanding about the mixing of different genetic sub-stocks.
“The swing in herring quota is also disappointing. Despite it apparently being our best assessed fish stock and monitored for decades, it is a fishery beset by volatile scientific advice – even with continued investment from industry to supply scientists with good data.
“This is not the fault of fishermen, but it is they and their businesses which end up paying the price for scientific shortcomings.
“Fishing crews in Shetland appreciate that both UK and Scottish Government negotiators have worked hard in the national interest, but – until we see re-investment in fisheries science – these quota talks, and the livelihoods of our members, will continue to be hampered by uncertainties, unknowns and instability.”
HIGHLANDS and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has described last week’s move by the Scottish Government to partly reinstate the winter fuel payment from next winter as talk rather than action.
The Conservative MSP, who chairs the Scottish Parliament’s cross party group on islands, said: “Despite all the fanfare and self-congratulatory rhetoric from SNP ministers, this is not a reinstatement of what pensioners have lost and will barely touch the sides for many rural and island Scots.
“The grim reality is that this is still a cut for many older folk in the Highlands and Islands and, with any help delayed until next year, will still leave many of my constituents more vulnerable this winter.
“While they have both the powers and the funding to do so, the SNP Scottish Government has chosen not to deliver the support that rural and island communities need.
“Local pensioners deserve better than two failing governments – SNP and Labour – more interested in talking about action than actually delivering it”.
MEANWHILE, government agency Home Energy Scotland has said its team of expert advisors provide free and impartial advice to reduce energy consumption, save money, and create a warmer, more comfortable home this winter.
This can be done through energy efficiency tips, grants, or tailored support.
The agency’s Highlands and Islands advice centre manager Vicky Walker said: “In 2023/24 our centre provided free, impartial advice to over 15,000 households to help them save energy and money.
“We can help more households too so householders should get in touch on our freephone number or via our website.”
Home Energy Scotland can be contacted on 0808 808 2282 or https://www.homeenergyscotland.org
A LERWICK firefighter has been named the first winner of the Inspiring Leader award at a fire brigade awards ceremony.
YOUNG people and volunteers instructors from the isles received awards at the first ever Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Youth Volunteer Scheme prizegiving.
The event, held at the SFRS national HQ in Cambuslang, recognised the work carried out by all those involved in youth groups across the country.
Shetland’s combined youth volunteer scheme with Police Scotland were finalists in the partnership and teamwork awards, and were recognised for the unique partnershipbetween Police Scotland and SFRS youth schemes based in Lerwick.
Lerwick watch commander Jonny Wiseman won the Inspiring Leader award against stiff competition.
The award is for the instructor who encourages, motivates and supports othersin their team to get involved and contribute to a positive ethos within the scheme.
Wiseman was recognised for the support and guidance he provides to the youth volunteers but also to the other adult instructors.
The Shetland group also received the ‘excellence in first aid award’ for their actions in real life medical emergencies at the Tall Ships and the Remembrance event.
Youth volunteers Ava Cheverton, Charlotte Schofield, Elsie Crawford, Emily Scott, Jack Laurenson, Kelsi Shorrocks, Nayana Stephen, Shannon Watt and Joanie Mason were commended for their brave actions and providing first aid care.
SHETLAND Islands Council has confirmed the first tenants have move back into the completely rebuilt council houses at Sandveien.
Kyle Duncan and Kitty Horváth, and their two children, were the first to be handed the keys to their new three-bedroom property.
The council’s executive housing manager Anita Jamieson said: “Handing over the keys and seeing our tenants moving into these houses is a great moment and the housing service is really pleased to be able to celebrate the completion of this project.”
Work on the rebuild project, comprising six two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses began in March last year. The £2.5 million project, constructed by local building firm DITT attracted £700k of funding from the Scottish Government’s More Homes fund.
NORTHLINK welcomed its 400,000th passenger of 2024 aboard on Monday night.
Donna Fraser and her husband Raymond were greeted by NorthLink staff and presented with a bottle of champagne, chocolates, and complimentary travel vouchers as a token of NorthLink Ferries’ appreciation.
NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett said: “Achieving this significant milestone for a second consecutive year is testament to the strong relationship between Serco NorthLink Ferries and our loyal customers who opt to travel with us each year.
“I’d like to thank and express my appreciation to Donna and Raymond and to everyone who has voyaged on our vessels in 2024.”
CONSULTATION on the final draft of the new scheme for Shetland’s community council is now open with the SIC hoping for a good response from the public.
The amended scheme includes proposals for a number of material changes to the way community councils work, including: ·
- Creating a new funding mechanism based on remoteness, access to key services and population
- Reducing the minimum age of associate membership category and developing closer links between community councils and existing youth forums and groups
- Introducing new standing orders and a revised code of conduct
Development committee chair Dennis Leask, said: “We’ve been really pleased with the feedback that’s come from the first two rounds of consultation that has helped to shape this final draft scheme.
“Community councils do so much good work in Shetland and we’re keen to hear any thoughts on these final proposals.”
The online survey can be found here.
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