The Shetland Times

1 week ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Andrew Hirst

A multimillion pound project has been announced to enhance Shetland’s deep-water port capabilities. Lerwick Port Authority said the first phase involving soft-dredging of the harbour would begin this month, followed by a hard dredge to be completed by the end of the year. The £3.2m development will see 450,000 cubic metres of material removed and disposed of at a site north of Bressay. It will deepen the central area of the port, in addition to areas at Dales Voe.

1 week ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Andrew Hirst

Volunteers have been urged to help with the reopening of the tourist centre – or risk seeing it close for good. Shetland Tourism Association issued the appeal in the hope of saving the service. The tourist centre has been closed since November when VisitScotland left as part of its nationwide closure of all iCentres. New owners Elaine Nicolson and Netta Simpson completed the purchase of the building from Shetland Islands Council in April following a number of frustrating delays.

4 weeks ago | shetlandtimes.co.uk | Ryan Taylor

Shetlanders are all too familiar with the dead hand of distant government – whether it be in Edinburgh, or London – and the unken bureaucrat in Whitehall has done it again by greatly underestimating the value of access to the island’s productive fishing grounds. This new Labour government is burning through bridges quickly: disinherited farmers, colder pensioners, poorer disabled people, burdened small businesses, and now deeply frustrated fishermen.

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

A popular Lerwick eatery which has showcased the best of Shetland’s culinary offerings has gone on the market. Fjara Cafe Bar is for sale through Anderson Strathern. Established in 2014, Fjara quickly built a strong reputation for being a vital part of Lerwick’s social and culinary landscape. It was extended in 2021, and is now said to be one of Lerwick’s longest-serving food establishments.

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

There has been a U-turn over plans to close the post office in Burravoe. Earlier this week, Post Office Ltd said it was not looking to replace the branch once Burravoe’s postmistress steps down from the role. However, the company confirmed this afternoon it was reversing this decision. “With the retirement of the long-serving postmistress in Burravoe in July, we have now agreed to advertise the vacancy to try to maintain Post Office services in this remote community.