‘A ticking time bomb’ – concerns about groups of tourists cycling

Large groups of tourists cycling on Shetland’s roads are “a ticking time bomb”, one councillor has claimed.

There have been numerous concerns raised about cruise ship groups taking off in great numbers.

That has made it difficult for drivers to pass the groups, with some even cycling in thick fog recently.

Neil Pearson asked what could be done about this – including possibly staggering the groups, or asking them not to travel in such numbers.

SIC roads safety officer Elaine Skinley said they would be speaking to cruise companies about this.

Mr Pearson said he had almost had an accident with a cyclist who he “could not believe” was on the road in thick fog without any hi-visibility clothes on.

Chief inspector Stuart Clemenson said cruise ships were now bringing their own bikes for tourists to use.

And he added they would be asking Lerwick Port Authority to give some basic guidance to visiting ships – like Orkney Islands Council has done.

‘Honest’ drink driver banned for a year

A drink driver who told police officers he was over the limit was banned from the road and fined £400.

Daniel James O’Callaghan, 28, whose address was given as Busta House Hotel, was driving a car with 36 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath. The legal limit is 22mg.

O’Callaghan was stopped by police after driving between the Brae Inn and Brae Marina.

Procurator Fiscal Duncan MacKenzie told the court that O’Callaghan was “honest with the police officers” when he was pulled over.

“The first thing he said was that he was over the limit,” Mr MacKenzie added.

The accused subsequently failed a roadside screening test.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had only intended to drive a “short distance” but added losing his licence would be an “inconvenience”.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank fined O’Callaghan £400 and disqualified him for a year, with the possibility of a three-month reduction if he completed a drink driver’s rehabilitation course.

Fisherman airlifted to hospital in medical evacuation 

A fisherman was airlifted to hospital last night (Tuesday) in a medical evacuation 36 miles nautical southeast of Sumburgh.

Changes to essy kert schedule after breakdowns

There will be changes to the SIC’s waste and recycling schedules after breakdowns with its smaller essy kerts today (Monday).

Collections of black bags from side roads in the North Mainland will now be made on Thursday.

Today’s planned recycling collections of plastic and cans in Lerwick will also now be picked up on Thursday instead.

And tomorrow’s (Tuesday) planned collections of black bags on West Mainland side roads will now happen on Friday.

The SIC apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Update: Lifeboat crew respond to rescue call at Sumburgh

The two-man crew of a fishing vessel are safe and well after the Lerwick lifeboat were called out to their aid Saturday evening.

Fishing boat Maggie Paterson was taking on water when off Sumburgh Head and made a distress call to the coastguard for help.

Lerwick lifeboat launched at 5.15pm to go to the aid of a seven-metre vessel

Lerwick Lifeboat launched and in calm sea conditions averaged around 25 knots to reach the vessel just
after 6pm.

The vessel had taken on water but still had engine power and the skipper was able to make her way unaided to the Pool of Virkie.

Lifeboat crew were able to pass a salvage pump aboard to help reduce the volume of water below deck.

Once the water level had fallen, it became clear that a hose clip from a pump had failed, leading to the rising water level.

The vessel had run aground at low tide on a sand near Ness Boating Club and is likely
to refloat on the next high tide.

Coastguard rescue teams and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

Sea conditions were good, with a calm winds and an air temperature of around 13
degrees Celsius.

The lifeboat stood down at 7.30pm and returned to Lerwick Harbour around 8.30pm to
refuel and made ready for service.

Coxswain Stephen Manson said: “Despite the calm sea conditions, this could have been a different outcome with the vessel taking on water in open seas near Sumburgh Head.

“We’re glad that the vessel was able to make her way to the relative safety of the Pool of Virkie and that the two crew on board are unharmed.

“We were able to assist with a salvage pump and the skipper did the right thing by calling the Coastguard as soon as they realised they needed assistance. ”

The crew is now being looked after by the local boating club.