Also in the news / Wind farm access, salmon rises and more…
SSE RENEWABLES says restrictions on the public accessing tracks on the large Viking energy wind farm in the central mainland will remain in place for the time being.
This is because some final construction activity is still taking place.
It comes after councillors approved plans for a public car park at the former ‘north compound’ of the site.
The aim is for people to be able to park there before walking, cycling and horse riding among the tracks.
The plans also include storage space for an all-terrain wheelchair and adapted e-bikes, with SSE working in collaboration with Ability Shetland.
Stephanie Bain of Ability Shetland said: “Enjoying the great outdoors is one of the most popular activities in Shetland, whether you’re visiting or are resident here.
“By having a dedicated parking area and storage space, it will allow people to access equipment such as the all-terrain wheelchairs, which hopefully removes any barriers from them being able to explore the outdoors.”
SALES OF salmon soared to £1.5 billion last year ensuring it remains the UK’s favourite fish.
Salmon now accounts for almost a third of all fish sales in the UK, according to new figures, with sales of the species leaping by 5.5 per cent in the 12 months to December 2024.
It also sold nearly three times more than cod, its closest competitor, with 73,000 tonnes sold across the year.
Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott hailed the figures, and said Scottish salmon continued to be “the leading food export and a preferred choice for British shoppers.”
“This demand is great news for the nation’s health and the economy, supporting thousands of jobs across Scotland’s rural and coastal communities,” he said.
“Even with loud, well-funded campaigns trying to shut down farms, the popularity of Scottish salmon keeps growing, both here and abroad.
“Shoppers continue to trust its quality, with Scottish salmon renowned for its superior taste and responsible farming practices.”
Salmon Scotland said the industry “remains confident in international demand”, despite the 10 per cent import tariff on UK goods imposed by US president Donald Trump.
Exports increased by 45 per cent to a record £844 million last year – equivalent to £2.31 million per day – cementing its position as the UK’s largest food export.
Growth of more than 60 per cent was also recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan.
THE TOTAL cost of Shetland Islands Council’s recent review of its community council scheme was around £2,275.
Results from a freedom of information request received earlier this month highlighted how this spanned advertising, additional staffing costs and admin fees.
The review, which concluded three phases of community consultation resulted in few key changes – with the status quo remaining for many aspects of community council life in Shetland.
More background on the changes can be found here.
THE RESURFACING of the road near the Scalloway Hall has been completed ahead of schedule.
Shetland Islands Council said the road has reopened and the bus service has gone back to its normal route.
A DOCUMENTARY film about a Shetland couple and the otter they befriended has enjoyed more awards delight.
Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story scooped three prizes at the Royal Television Society West of England awards, including for best documentary.
Sam Rogers also won for best editing, while cinematographer Johnny Rolt was given the ‘Flying Futures’ gong for emerging talent behind the camera.
And there was more success for the film too over the weekend, after director Charlie Hamilton James won the best director prize at the Craft BAFTA awards.
The film is also in the running for the Specialist Factual award at next month’s full BAFTA awards, which are televised on Sunday 11 May.
THE SHETLAND flag was flying at half-mast at Lerwick Town Hall yesterday to mark International Workers Memorial Day.
Shetland Islands Council said this was a day to “remember all the workers killed, disabled, injured, or made unwell by their work.
“Most workplace incidents are preventable. Safe and healthy workplaces should be a fundamental right for workers everywhere,” it added.
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