Fiddles raise the roof in Hamnavoe
The roof was raised on the Hamnavoe Hall last night as a veritable fiddle frenzy got under way. The Ringin’ Strings with a Twist concert…
The roof was raised on the Hamnavoe Hall last night as a veritable fiddle frenzy got under way. The Ringin’ Strings with a Twist concert…
Skerries residents have expressed a deep desire for fixed links – and strongly believe there would be huge benefits in a tunnel between Whalsay and the Mainland.
The financial challenges at UHI Shetland are likely to see its Lerwick campus close as it focuses its operations in Scalloway.
A man whose mobility was seriously impacted by an accident years ago is attempting to row the distance from Lerwick to Aberdeen for charity. Ritchie…
Four fire appliances are continuing to battle a heather fire near Girlsta loch.
Scottish Fire and Rescue said they were called to the scene at around 9.55am.
As of 12.30pm, fire crews from Lerwick, Sandwick, Brae and Walls were in attendance.
No further details were provided by Scottish Fire and Rescue.
In today’s (Friday, 3rd May) edition of The Shetland Times:
The 42nd Shetland Folk Festival has got under way in great fashion today.
Musicians gathered for the launch event this afternoon (Thursday), with an array of concerts planned over the coming days.
Norwegian ban Gangar added a bit of folk, rock and metal at the opening, and were joined by The Fretless with Madeleine Roger and the Tenement Jazz Band, tipped to be one of the star acts of the event.
There are 15 visiting acts joining local performers in entertaining the crowds all over Shetland.
Concerts tonight take place in Lerwick – Da Big Kirk Concert, the Legion and Mareel – and at Hamnavoe and Vidlin.
Dar Mlodziezy has left Lerwick after three days of welcoming visitors.
READ FULL STORYA visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
A visually stunning book showcasing Shetland’s natural history by one of the islands’ most renowned naturalists and photographers. Thomason’s passion for both the wildlife and the islands exude from every …
FIND OUT MOREOur bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
Our bestseller now reprinted for a fifth time. A classic story of secret wartime missions across the North Sea. Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway …
FIND OUT MOREThe call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
The call of the running tide has greatly influenced Louis Johnson, his family and friends and is the common thread throughout this life story spanning almost 90 years from boyhood …
FIND OUT MOREFirst published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
First published in 1979, A Shetland Pattern Book became a global bestseller, with numerous reprints and revisions. Since the last edition went out of print in the early 1990s it …
FIND OUT MOREAlec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
Alec arrived on Britain’s most inaccessible inhabited island of Foula at a critical time, the last cattle had been sold, the shop was due to close and several young people …
FIND OUT MOREA History of the Shetland Hand Knitting Industry 1600-1950 First published 1995. This facsimile edition first published 2021. This book traces the history of the Shetland hand knitting industry from …
A History of the Shetland Hand Knitting Industry 1600-1950 First published 1995. This facsimile edition first published 2021. This book traces the history of the Shetland hand knitting industry from …
FIND OUT MOREPAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
PAPERBACK EDITION Spanning decades as well as the seasons, thirty well known figures of the local bird scene share what Shetland’s birds mean to them and recount their best days. …
FIND OUT MORELerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
Lerwick born author and local historian, Douglas M. Sinclair, is well-known for his detailed and informative writing about Old Lerwick. In this publication however, he proves to be a witty …
FIND OUT MOREThe popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
The popular view is that Shetland’s graceful double-ended boats are direct descendants of the Viking longship. This unbroken linking of the Shetland boat to the Norse era was fuelled by …
FIND OUT MOREGrottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
Grottie-Buckie lives alone in his little old house with only the company of mouse Tirli-Wirli, with whom he shares his food and conversation. Tirli-Wirli feels sorry for Grottie-Buckie, who has …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing the huge success of Volume One, the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers are back with 12 new designs. Patterns range from peerie projects to full size …
Following the huge success of Volume One, the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers are back with 12 new designs. Patterns range from peerie projects to full size …
FIND OUT MOREIn the hungry 1840s, the town of Lerwick is struggling with massive social problems, and Kirstie Jamieson, widow, is trying to feed three children. Like the town she lives in, …
In the hungry 1840s, the town of Lerwick is struggling with massive social problems, and Kirstie Jamieson, widow, is trying to feed three children. Like the town she lives in, …
FIND OUT MOREFollowing on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
Following on from 1914 Peace and War. Extracts from the Shetland Times. Compiled by Gordon Johnston Paperback 236 pages …
FIND OUT MOREA Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
A Shetland Knitter’s Notebook is the companion volume to the bestselling A Shetland Pattern Book. First published in 1991, it contains more words and pictures from Mary Smith and photographs …
FIND OUT MOREJames Pottinger’s travels from his birthplace in a croft house in pre-war Burra have taken him full circle and he is “home” again, after a career in engineering, the merchant …
James Pottinger’s travels from his birthplace in a croft house in pre-war Burra have taken him full circle and he is “home” again, after a career in engineering, the merchant …
FIND OUT MORESSE has withdrawn their application to close the Kergord to Sandwater road for over two months after being accused of creating “absolute mayhem”.
READ FULL STORYLerwick has been bustling with tourists after two cruise ships called on one of the busiest days of the bumper season so far.
READ FULL STORYA cyclist was almost knocked over by an overtaking vehicle, police said.
READ FULL STORYThe health board has confirmed it is reviewing health centre staffing levels after almost 500 people signed a petition calling for a GP’s reinstatement.
READ FULL STORYWeʼre looking for an enthusiastic graduate – or someone with relevant experience – to join our busy and expanding marketing agency. This is an exciting…
Full-time Sales Advisor (44.5 hours per week) Part-time Showroom Assistant (25 hours per week) Full-time Yard Operative (44.5 hours per week) Are you based in…
APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER Lerwick Harbour is the principal commercial port for Shetland and a key component in the islands’ economy. The management, maintenance…
Part-time Project Officer (Athletics) An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new role within Shetland Amateur Athletics Club. Employed by Scottish Athletics, this 14 hour…
SITE JOINERS and WORKSHOP FOREMAN We are looking for: About the role: DITT’s Employee Ownership Trust ensures that the company is run in the best…
We have a number of vacancies for various hours at locations throughout Shetland. Jobs on offer this week include… You can also follow us on…
Noss Nature Reserve will re-open to the public tomorrow (Wednesday) with a new-look visitor centre.
The Noss ferry will resume service for the summer season on 1st May.
And new information panels on the island’s marine life and seabirds, thousands of which will return to breed on the cliffs, will await those coming to visit.
Wardens Jen Clark – returning for her seventh season – and new recruit Aidan Doherty said they were looking forward to welcoming visitors to Noss.
However, measures introduced in the wake of the 2022 bird flu outbreak will remain in place to protect the seabird populations.
Visitors will be asked to clean their footwear on disinfectant mats when they arrive at and leave Noss.
NatureScot, which runs Noss Nature Reserve, said that no bonxies and only one gannet were recorded with bird flu last year.
But bonxies were down by as much as 85 per cent after a difficult year in 2022.
The council’s environment and transport chairwoman Moraig Lyall confirmed she was unaware of plans to close the B9075 for over two months to lay an underground cable.
READ FULL STORYA fisheries scientist will launch a new research centre in Scalloway today, helping the venue set its sights on innovation and sustainability.
Professor Ray Hilborn, of the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Washington, will unveil the Centre for Sustainable Seafood at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Scalloway campus.
It comes as UHI Shetland seeks to advance the understanding of what sustainability means as it operates in partnership with industry and other stakeholders.
The new centre will draw on strong relationships and collaboration with others operating in the marine environment and their communities.
Using the knowledge and expertise of these partners to co-create research, staff will gather data and inform policy grounded in real-world knowledge and experience.
The centre will also work with industry and stakeholders to develop new educational courses and tools to encourage a wider interest in the seafood sector, and address gaps in skills and knowledge.
Principal of UHI Shetland Jane Lewis said: “The Centre for Sustainable Seafood will be a unique centre that will provide credible, robust, and targeted science, education, and training to meet the needs of a sustainable seafood sector.”
Prof. Hilborn is the author of several books and over 200 peer-reviewed articles.
He is noted for his expertise in understanding global fish stocks and in 2016 received the International Fisheries Science Prize.
A search for a person reported missing in Lerwick is being stood down overnight.
The Sumburgh-based rescue helicopter and Lerwick lifeboat were called out just before 7pm after a report regarding the concern for a person’s welfare.
Coastguard teams were also involved, as were the police.
A coastguard spokesman said they had carried out extensive searches around Lerwick and they had not been able to locate the person concerned.
He added that the search was being stood down for the time being.
Kristie Williamson,14, from Burra was named Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year 2024 at the Mareel last night.
She took home the Frank Jamieson Memorial Trophy at the 42nd awards, as well as both the trophies for the Open and Traditional competitions. She was also awarded The Cat Gut and Ivory trophy for the best played reel.
The Young Fiddler Intermediate and Traditional Intermediate went to Lexi Tulloch.
Tom Williamson was named Junior Young Fiddler and Zara Nicolson Traditional Junior winner.
The Shetland Wool Week patron for 2024 has been named today (Fri) at a launch event held at the Shetland Museum and Archives.
In a break from tradition, this year’s patron accolade has been presented to Addie and Margaret Doull from Islesburgh Farm in Northmavine, and their family, in recognition of their dedication to the Shetland Flock Book and commitment to preserving and championing the highest-quality Shetland wool.
The keenly awaited hat pattern, which is synonymous with the launch of the patron was also released.
This year’s hat has been designed by Addie and Margaret’s daughter, Anne, and takes inspiration from the family’s Flock Book roots and the location of their farm and is called the ‘Islesburgh Toorie’.
Shetland Wool Week is delighted to shine a spotlight on the Doull family and to celebrate Shetland oo, the product on which Shetland Wool Week is built. The Doulls are frequently invited to judge shows across the UK, drawing on their expertise in sheep and wool evaluation.
As avid knitters, Margaret, and more recently, Anne, produce exceptional garments of the highest quality too, winning prizes both locally and nationally. Margaret, in particular, is renowned for her hand-knitted Shetland lace.
Anne said: “It’s an honour for the family to be asked to be patrons of this year’s Shetland Wool Week. I’m extremely proud for mam and dad to be recognised for their work with the Shetland Flock Book, which works to preserve and promote the native breed, and it’s something that all the family is committed to.
“We have been farming at Islesburgh, Northmavine, since 1970. The whole family, and Addie’s brother Kenny are involved with the farm and crofts, all helping each other to get the work done.”
The Islesburgh toorie, which is named after the family farm, features a distinctive Shetland Ram motif, a tribute to the family involvement with the Shetland Flock Book.
The inclusion of the print of the wave lace pattern celebrates Margaret’s skilful knitted lace. The colourways are inspired by the many natural shades of their Shetland flock and the heather filled hills and sunset views from the farm.
Hazel Sutherland, chief executive of Shetland Amenity Trust, which manages the event, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Doulls have agreed to take on the mantle of Wool Week patron. Our outgoing patron, Alison Rendall, has done a sterling job for us and I would like to sincerely thank her for the commitment she gave to the role.
“Her beautiful Buggiflooer Beanie was a fantastic celebration of Shetland’s natural world, and it inspired many folk to attempt fair isle knitting for the first time and experiment with colour. We’re looking forward to sharing more of the Doull family story and we wish them all the very best for what I’m sure will be a very busy year ahead.”
The Islesburgh Toorie is available in three different colourways using Shetland yarn from Jamieson’s of Shetland; Jamieson & Smith; and Uradale Yarns.
The hat pattern is available to download from the Shetland Wool Week website for £1 and is also available as a printed version for £2 from the Shetland Museum and local wool shops.
Turns out even puffins like splashing in puddles.
This image by Kiera Munro has been shared by Sumburgh Head Lighthouse.
Passengers aboard the ferry to Skerries were left rubbing their eyes in disbelief after spotting the Easter bunny yesterday (Sunday).
The elusive rabbit was seen waving to the ferry from the Grunay pier as he made his Easter rounds.
And the ferry crew reported adults and children had been left agog at the unexpected sighting, with one said to have declared it as “like something out of a storybook”.
The Easter bunny produced a sign wishing everyone a “Happy Easter”, leaving behind a trail of smiles in his wake.
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A warm welcome awaits you at Sheepfold. This well equipped, modern house is located in the popular, peaceful village of Bigton, on the west side of the South Mainland of…
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Welcome to Windhouse Croft self-catering cottage. This new build is on the site of the original croft and is finished in traditional stone from a local quarry. A modern, fully-equipped…
The first cruise ship of what is hoped to be another record season arrived into Lerwick yesterday (Saturday).
Ambassador’s Ambition arrived on an 11-day Easter tour of the British isles, leaving from and returning to London Tilbury.
She is the first of 149 cruise ships booked to come to Shetland between now and mid-November, with roughly 130,000 passengers due to arrive.
There are also 11 maiden calls expected this year, including the largest yet to visit – the MSC Virtuosa in May – which has a capacity of between 4,000 and 6,000 passengers.
Crowds of hundreds turned up to watch the procession led by Guizer Jarl Daniel Johnson and the galley burning in Brae last night (Friday)
It’s now down to the big burn in Delting.
Guizer Jarl Daniel Johnson, who is Hakon Galinn for the day, will be preparing for the procession and burning of the galley.
Daniel, who was nominated onto the committee by his uncle Stuart Robertson, lives in Muckle Roe with his wife Karen and their two children, Mitchell, 8, and five-year-old Ada. His children joins him in a squad of 45.
Do kids have too much free time outside of school term? Are parents driven to distraction? Or do school pupils need quality time away from the classroom?
These are just some of the points to be raised at this month’s Althing debate – “the school year is too short”.
Speaking for the motion is Caroline Henderson and Joe Smith. Against is Chris Horrix and Barbara Dinnage.
The debate is due to take place on 16th March at the Lerwick Town Hall.
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