The Shetland Times

1 week ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Ryan Taylor

Events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day are drawing near. A flotilla of historic vessels are due to visit the isles this week, ahead of VE Day on Thursday. The convoy is expected to arrive in Lerwick on Tuesday, and will be made open to the public on Wednesday. The largest in the convoy is the 60-metre cargo ship S/S Hestmanden known as the “Norwegian War Sailor Museum”.  On Wednesday evening crews from the vessels, veterans and guests will form a procession led by Lerwick Pipe Band.

3 weeks ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Chloe Irvine

An eastern bonelli’s warbler has been found in Whalsay today (Saturday) — marking only the third time the species has been recorded in Shetland and an eighth record for Britain. The warbler was discovered at the Skaw plantation by John Lowrie Irvine this afternoon. The first Shetland record of the eastern bonelli’s warbler was recorded on 27th August 1998 outside the Sumburgh Hotel.

1 month ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Ryan Taylor

Shetland Central councillor Moraig Lyall has joined the Liberal Democrats – and could represent Shetland at Holyrood. The chairwoman of the council’s environment and transport committee has put her name forward for selection as the party’s candidate in next May’s Scottish elections. Mrs Lyall has updated her declarations of interest to include her Lib Dem membership.

1 month ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Ryan Taylor

NHS Shetland has cancelled non-urgent surgical procedures as it tackles a continuing strain on resources at the Gilbert Bain. The health board warns the hospital is operating at full capacity following a sustained period of high demand across both hospital and community services. All available inpatient beds have been opened. But NHS Shetland says maintaining this level of care requires careful consideration of which services it can safely continue to deliver based on available staffing.

1 month ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Chloe Irvine

A documentary which showcases a heartwarming relationship between an otter and West Side man has won a prestigious national award. Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story won the Science and Natural World award at the Royal Television Society Awards at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Tuesday. The film first aired on National Geographic on 15th November – following the life of a wild otter in need of help when it washes up on a jetty.