Also in the news / ‘Shetland’s Future’, Hjaltland back in service, energy saving event and more …
Produced by the council with the help of Edinburgh-based PR company Message Matters, the Shetland’s Future document highlights the contribution the islands make to the wealth of Scotland and the UK.
At the same time the islands suffer from higher than average cost of living, lack of investment in its infrastructure and a general sense of not receiving a fair share of the energy wealth that is produced locally.
Produced by council officers with input from Shetland Fisherman’s Association, SaxaVord Spaceport, Lerwick Port Authority and Scottish Sea Farms, the 24-page document was launched at the Scottish Labour conference last month.
Council leader Emma Macdonald said: “The document is targeted at an outside Shetland audience to highlight the opportunities for key industries whilst also recognising the need for substantial improvements in the islands infrastructure.
“We have had positive feedback from politicians and civil servants on our previous brochures and I am sure this will be equally well received.”
The document can be found on the council’s website here.
AFTER an absence of almost a month, NorthLink’s passenger ferry Hjaltland re-entered her nightly service on the Northern Isles route on Saturday evening.
The vessel was due to come out of dry dock two weeks ago but a flooding in the pump room meant the ship had to be kept out of service for longer to allow repairs to be made.
NorthLink confirmed that an investigation into what caused the incident is underway.
While out of action for an extended period NorthLink did not put on a replacement vessel.
WITH the voting age at 16, the Electoral Commission is expanding its work with schools and youth groups to give young people to learn about democracy and how to get involved in the political process.
To coincide with the Welcome to Your Vote Week, research carried out by the commission revealed that nearly three quarters of young people in Scotland think they should learn more about politics in schools and colleges.
With the next Scottish parliamentary elections a little more than a year away, young people are most interested in learning about political parties and the difference voting makes.
Electoral Commission Scotland head Andy O’Neill said: “Young people should feel empowered to take part in our democracy, yet too many in Scotland feel disconnected from politics and uncertain about how decisions that affect them locally are made.
SIC convener Andrea Manson added: “It’s so important for young people to get involved in local elections and local democracy, to have their say on things that matter to them and to influence decision-makers.
“Welcome to Your Vote Week 2025 is a great opportunity for young people to take the time to get involved and understand more about how they can have their voices heard.”
ENERGY company Ovo has reminded islanders of an energy saving event in the Sound Hall later this week which will also provide information on the upcoming Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch off.
The drop-in event, which is hosted by the local Citizen Advice Bureau, will be held on Thursday 13 March between 10 am and 3pm.
In addition to energy saving tips, residents are encouraged to attend to find out more about the upcoming RTS switch off, including essential information to help them prepare and avoid having their supply disrupted.
OVO vulnerability lead Steven Donovan said: “We know that people are worried about their energy bills. OVO in the community events are designed to provide support to those that need it most.
“We also know many in the Shetland community are concerned about the RTS switch off, so we will also be providing additional support and guidance on this, and encourage people to come along and ask questions.”
OVER £2.5 million in Scottish child payments has been paid to local recipients since it was launched in 2021.
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick said that 865 local children are benefitting from the financial support that is unique to Scotland.
As of April the weekly payment to those who are eligible to receive the assistance will rise from £26.70 to £27.15.
Roddick said: “The Scottish Child Payment is one of the SNP’s greatest and most transformative achievements in government. “That’s what you get under a Swinney government: delivery for people across Shetland as we work to eradicate child poverty.”
THE LINE-UP for Friday night of the returning Rising North music festival has been announced by organisers, with a host of local favourites joining the bill.
Bands such as (the) 3310, Fully Licensed, Scaldin Bragg and The Fiction will join previously announced Edinburgh-based headliners High Fade on the Friday at the Clickimin.
Calum Beattie will headline the Saturday night, and will be joined by Rack and Ruin, The Dead Pans, Shipyard Riot and Hound.
The festival will return to the Clickimin on 15 and 16 August, with other events planned on the 14th and 17th too.
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