Beautifully presented, three bedroom, detached property enjoying magnificent panoramic views over the voe of
Olna Firth. Situated in Lower Voe, the property is within easy reach of Brae & Sullom Voe yet still within commuting distance of Lerwick (18 miles).

In addition to three double bedrooms including master bedroom & en-suite, the single storey, ‘walk-into’ accommodation also includes a dual aspect sittingroom, attractive kitchen / dining room with range cooker & doors to a timber deck overlooking the voe, bathroom with roll top bath & separate shower, & utility room. Oilfired central heating supplemented by electric underfloor heating in the bathroom.

Half acre site with ample parking, double garage & polytunnel.

Early viewing of this very desirable property is recommended – please telephone 01806 588396.

A wave power energy scheme behind a green project off the Shetland coast has been shelved, marking a set-back for isles’ renewables.

Swedish energy giant Vattenfall has concluded a six-month review of its ocean-energy interests, and has opted to focus its investment on wind energy instead.

The company says its research and development team in Stockholm will maintain a “watching brief” on the wave power sector.

Vattenfall and marine renewable company Pelamis Wave Power (PWP) are major shareholders of Aegir Wave Power Ltd, which was behind a 10MW wave power pilot a few miles off Bigton.

But doubt was cast on the project in November when Pelamis entered administration. Now, an announcement has been made that Aegir is being wound up.

Pelamis, meanwhile, has been sold by administrators to Wave Energy Scotland, which has taken over PWP’s assets and hardware.

The move now means a memorandum of understanding reached with the council and charitable trust in 2012 to jointly develop the potential of ocean energy around the islands is being reviewed.

Vattenfall’s Bjorn Bolund said: “In 2009 when we launched Aegir with PWP we had high hopes for wave power off Shetland.

“Unfortunately the wave sector has not developed as planned. Set against Vattenfall’s pressing need to decarbonise our own power supply it has proved difficult to continue investing heavily in wave power in the absence of a commercial technology.”

Mr Bolund said Vattenfall continued to have an interest in Scotland’s wave energy sector.

“Vattenfall’s six-month review of our work in the wave power sector concluded that there remains long term potential – not least because of the strong support provided by the Scottish government and the unrivalled resource off the Scottish coast – and so we will watch the sector very carefully in the hope that there will be progress toward securing a commercial technology.

“The voluntary liquidation of Aegir is a logical outcome of our six month review and the recent delays experienced by the sector.”

Anyone wanting to register a birth, marriage or death will have to attend Lerwick Town Hall, rather than County Buildings.

The registrars’ office is moving today to a bigger space in what is the main civic building.

From next week chief registrar Marilyn Williamson and depute registrar Andrea Jeromson will be based in an office next to the council chamber. They will also have access to a room on the upper floor with a private space when necessary.

The move means the “marriage room” for civil marriage and partnership ceremonies will be the council chamber or, for smaller events, Lystina House at the rear of the building. The first floor of the town hall will continue to be used as a venue for wedding receptions.

Citizenship ceremonies take place throughout the year, attended by Lord Lieutenant Bobby Hunter and council convener, Malcolm Bell. These will also continue to take place in the council chamber.

The registrars’ notice board outside County Buildings, where marriage notices are posted, will remain in use for the time being.

Shetland Times news editor Jim Tait (right) collects his Feature Writer of the Year award from Keith Miller, sponsor Diageo’s director of distillation and maturation.

Shetland Times news editor Jim Tait was named Feature Writer of the Year at last night’s Highlands and Islands Press Awards.

His portfolio of work included an interview with convicted drug dealer Paul Grant who spoke about his jail sentence and return to the Shetland rugby team. A profile of D-Day veteran Geordie Mainland and a colour piece about the 2014 Up-Helly-A’ celebration completed his entry.

Jim Tait is the Highlands and Islands Feature Writer of the Year.

Mr Tait said it was a privilege to have won the award and he thanked both Mr Grant and Mr Mainland for their help in compiling the respective features. Mr Tait also had praise for former Shetland Times editor Vaila Wishart, who helped him make the transition into the newsroom.

He said: “It’s both an honour and a privilege to win an award such as this. First of all I’d like to thank my former editor Vaila Wishart for the support she gave me when deciding on a career change all those years ago.

“She was and remains a highly respected figure in Highlands and Islands journalism, that was evident from those asking after her at last night’s event.

“I’m also grateful to the current editor Adam Civico and the rest of the staff at The Shetland Times for their support. I think the paper continues to uphold the high standards folk have become accustomed to.

“Finally, any decent feature needs people to tell their story, and I’m immensely grateful to Paul Grant and Geordie Mainland for sharing theirs with me.”

Mr Civico said the award highlighted the strength in depth among the newspaper’s editorial staff.

“Jim speaks of the high standards readers expect of The Shetland Times. As a news editor and writer he provides a fine example of how to uphold those standards and his award is well deserved.

“His victory follows Ryan Taylor’s win in the Reporter of the Year category last year, while this year photographer Dave Donaldson was also shortlisted in the final of two categories: Photographer of the Year and Shot of the Year.

“Unfortunately, he missed out but deserves great credit for the standard of photos which took him to the final.

“It shows what a fantastic editorial team we have at The Shetland Times. Week in and week out they work incredibly hard to bring readers the most comprehensive coverage of what is happening in Shetland.”

Former bomb disposal officer Kevin Bryant led a squad of 22 on Friday as Guizer Jarl of the Nesting and Girlsta Up-Helly-A’.

Kevin adopted the character of Swedish Viking leader Jarl Ingvar Vittfarne, who was the last Viking to invade Persia.

The squad, including two princesses, looked superb in burgundy kirtles worn under steel-riveted black breastplates and boar skin cloaks. The shields were decorated with an intricate Celtic design and the 20 warriors carried swords and six foot spears.

Kevin’s galley was named Fighting Spirit in honour of friend and former member of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Paul Burns. He was one of six soldiers who survived a roadside bomb in Northern Ireland in 1979, which left 17 dead. His biography was of the same name as the galley.

Fighting Spirit was painted red and blue, the colours of Kevin’s former Royal Engineers’ regiment.

For full coverage of the Nesting and Girlsta Up-Helly-A’, see Friday’s Shetland Times. All photos by Kevin Osborn.

More than three quarters of Shetland premises could be connected to “superfast broadband” by next year, a meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee heard today.

Development director Neil Grant said 76 per cent is the projected target, with most of these premises having “next generation” broadband speeds greater than 24 Mbps. The Lerwick, Quarff and Sumburgh exchanges were connected last year in the first phase, the second phase is planned for this year and the third for 2016, which will take in all but the most remote locations.

The rollout of so-called superfast broadband is ahead of target, according to Mr Grant, and is progressing well, with the ultimate aim of 100 per cent coverage in Shetland.

The project is being carried out by Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) together with the council’s communication technology service and Shetland Telecom.

The meeting heard that Shetland Telecom, comprising two council staff, generated a turnover of around £500,000 in the current year, with £200,000 net income going back to the council.

However this may go down next year as oil and gas construction projects scale down.

The Shetland Telecom project fibre network connects from the Faroese Telecom subsea SHEFA 2 cable at Sandwick, and links Lerwick, Scalloway, Brae and Sellaness.
Community Broadband Scotland has been set up by the Scottish government and managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to help remote communities to get connected.

Meanwhile the government’s rollout of superfast broadband has reached two million more homes and businesses, figures published today reveal. Of these, more than 220,000 properties in Scotland are enjoying access to faster speeds, with attention turning to the hardest to reach areas.

The rollout is delivering superfast access – internet speeds greater than 24 Mbps – to those properties not covered by existing commercial networks and is on track to take superfast access to 95 per cent of the UK by 2017. The UK already leads the EU “big five” nations when it comes to superfast access and take-up and the programme will ensure it stays ahead.

The government’s £1.7bn investment in the rollout is part of its long term economic plan.

Around 80 per cent of the UK already has access to superfast speeds, and the rollout is currently reaching an additional 40,000 homes and businesses every week.

Secretary of state for Scotland Alistair Carmichael said: “Whether you live in one of our major cities or in one of our most remote communities, the UK government is working to ensure Scotland is at the heart of the UK’s digital transformation.

“From banking to government services, in everyday life we are using more and more services online and today’s announcement is proof the substantial investment by the UK government is making a difference to businesses and the lives of families and communities across Scotland.”

A final legal challenge against the Viking Energy windfarm by campaigners has failed.

The UK’s highest court of appeal, The Supreme Court, this morning dismissed the final attempt by Sustainable Shetland to prevent the 103-turbine development from being built.

Shetland Charitable Trust holds a 45 per cent stake in the windfarm development. Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Viking Wind Ltd, comprising the four developers of the Burradale windfarm, are the project’s other partners.

The lobby group had argued against the Scottish government’s consent for the controversial development.

But judges also declined to refer it to the European Court of Justice.

Chairman of Viking Energy, Alan Bryce, said: “We are delighted the Supreme Court has endorsed the planning consent for Viking windfarm, granted in April 2012.

“We can now concentrate on developing what would be one of the world’s most productive windfarms, to generate renewable energy and significant income for the Shetland community.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported us in reaching this positive outcome. Viking Energy looks forward to making progress during 2015.”

Shetland Charitable Trust chairman Bobby Hunter – “delighted” by the decision.

Chairman of Shetland Charitable Trust, Bobby Hunter, said: “I am delighted by this decision. The Supreme Court is the highest tribunal available for any UK appeal, and this decision is a model of clarity.

“I very much regret the amount of time which has been wasted, but of course, that is now water under the bridge.

“At the Shetland Charitable Trust we now look forward to working with our advisers to establish the best options for trustees to consider. Viking Energy is a huge and complex project, and I am confident that any decision will be based on the best available advice.”

Meanwhile, Sustainable Shetland, has voiced its disappointment by the ruling, and insisted its opposition to the windfarm remains “undiminished”. The group now faces legal costs of up to £50,000.

A joint statement compiled by chairman Frank Hay, vice chairman James Mackenzie and secretary Robina Barton said: “We are naturally very disappointed to hear that our appeal to the Supreme Court has been unsuccessful, and are keenly aware that it will be distressing for our many members and supporters who enabled us to challenge the Scottish Ministers’ planning consent for the Viking windfarm.

“Our opposition to the windfarm – and its dire implications for the Shetland community and environment – remains undiminished.

“What we do next, as far as that is concerned, depends to a certain extent on a properly considered reading of the judgment, on what options are available to us outwith legal action, and on the wishes of our members.

“Our main priority for now, however, is to honour our financial commitments which are considerable, and for which we shall continue to fund-raise.

“Finally, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us, and continue to do so, in a campaign which is surely unprecedented in Shetland’s history.”

The group set up in support of the Viking Energy project, the Windfarm Supporters Group, has welcomed the news.

Spokesman Chris Bunyan said: “The highest courts in Scotland and UK have now both strongly backed the Scottish government’s approval for the windfarm.

“The legal actions have resulted in a delay of nearly three years – and a delay in the charitable trust getting new income – and achieved little or nothing except huge bills from lawyers for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“With an end to the legal arguments, the value of the Viking project, even as an undeveloped windfarm, will have soared. The charitable trust will no doubt take the best professional advice on the economics of the project and whether it should continue with its investment and if so how it can be financed.

“The UK and Scottish governments, both of which back the Viking project, are confident of sorting out issues of connecting the islands to the national grid and supporting a new renewable energy industry in the islands.

“Finally, how long will opponents keep up the divisive campaign? When can we all begin to work together for the good of the islands and ensure Shetland gets the best and safest deal possible from the windfarm?

“An environmental advisory group is proposed for the windfarm – similar to the respected and successful one at Sullom Voe – and I wonder if Sustainable Shetland should be invited to nominate an expert to be part of it.

“Some might say let’s make the best of a bad deal – we would say lets make the best of a good deal.”

The legal battle began when Sustainable Shetland brought a judicial review against the Scottish government’s decision of April 2012 to grant consent.

The Court of Session upheld Sustainable Shetland’s appeal, with Lady Clark of Calton ruling that planning consent should be set aside. Lady Clark’s ruling also found that Scottish ministers did not take sufficient heed of the 2009 EU Wild Birds Directive, and specifically the impact on 290 breeding pairs of a rare wading bird, the whimbrel – of which Shetland is home to 95 per cent of the UK population.

That was overturned last summer by the Inner House of the Court of Session, which said ministers acted lawfully in giving the project consent. And it emerged that if a windfarm was built, that would not necessarily preclude the area being declared a special protection area in future.

Sustainable Shetland then decided to take the fight on, appealing to the Supreme Court.

Shane Jamieson, shown scoring the winning goal during last year’s Senior Inter-county clash was on the scoresheet again at the weekend. Photo: Kevin Jones

Blues coach Niall Bristow hailed a strong team performance, after his troops battled for a 4-2 victory against Golspie Sutherland this weekend and earned a place in the semi-final of the Jock Mackay Memorial Cup.

In reality Bristow believed it could have been 4-0, but to be pegged back to two-all and then go on to win the game was “very satisfying”.

The last couple of years Shetland had relied on more mature players such as James Johnston and Leighton Flaws, he said.

Both were still “massively influential” but the Shetland boss praised Erik Peterson and Shane Jamieson and said players were coming out of the shadows.

“The movement of our front players was really good, three of our four goals came from open play,” said Bristow, and all four were from different scorers.

Scoring for Shetland were: James Aitken, Shane Jamieson, Connor Regan and Greg Tulloch.

More in Friday’s Shetland Times

Inter-island ferry passengers face another morning of disruption on Wednesday despite hopes that industrial action had been suspended ahead of the trial of a pilot scheme.

And trade union Unite has been told by Shetland Islands Council political leader Gary Robinson that it needs to “get its act together” following confusion over whether or not the strike would go ahead.

At lunch time today the council held a press briefing announcing that this week’s strike had been called off with scheduled talks due to take place on Tuesday 17th February.

But this afternoon a further statement was released from the SIC saying it had been informed by the Unite union, which represents the ferry mates who are in dispute over their pay grades, that the strike was going ahead. It will be the fourth week of disruption.

In the latest statement the council said it had initially been informed by Cosla (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) that the union would not undertake industrial action or stoppages till after a Tuesday’s meeting.

SIC political leader Gary Robinson said he had been shocked to hear the planned six-hour strike on Wednesday would be going ahead.

He said: “Unite really needs to get its act together. We were told by the most senior Unite official in Scotland Willie McGonigle that the strikes were off.

“It’s most bizarre and not helpful to service users, the council or Unite’s members. The union needs to speak with one clear voice because we’re getting mixed messages.”

Infrastructure services director, Maggie Sandison, said: “Our understanding from Cosla was that the union had confirmed it would lift the threat of industrial action till after next week’s meeting; however, that does not appear to be the case.

“I’m disappointed that the action will be proceeding when there are talks scheduled for next week.”

The dramatic turnaround comes after the council’s policy and resources committee discussed the ongoing industrial action in private. It was thought the strike has been suspended ahead of the introduction of the trial of a pilot scheme which includes a revised job evaluation.

The policy and resources committee today rejected a proposal from Unite, as presented by independent conciliation service Acas. Councillors agreed that they could not make local changes to the national job evaluation scheme in response to the mates’ grievance.

Local government organisation Cosla (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) has reinforced the position that this is a matter for national agreement.

Ferry mates argue their pay grades have not been assessed correctly.

The grades had been assessed nationally and local change was not possible, the SIC insisted today.

Next Tuesday Unite union representatives will meet SIC officials in Edinburgh at a meeting hosted by Cosla.

According to Mrs Sandison, Cosla has put “robust pressure” on Unite to cease industrial action ahead of the pilot, which will trial nationally revised job evaluation proposals.

Mrs Sandison said Unite had been aware of the upcoming pilot scheme before Christmas. She said there had been “strong advice” from Cosla that the council could not change the nationally-agreed job evaluation scheme, and Cosla has said it was “inappropriate to imply change could be made at local level”.

Mr Robinson said he “firmly believed” the job evaluation had been right, and Unite had not been as aware at local level as it should have been.

He said: “The grievance by mates is really misdirected at the council. We have agreed today that we can’t change the national scheme to suit a local issue.

“Unite have been part of the national working group, the Scottish Joint Council, which worked up the detail of the job evaluation scheme at length, along with Cosla.

“We await the outcome of the discussions hosted by Cosla on Tuesday.”

The AHS netball team have progressed to the quarter finals of the Scottish Schools Cup Open Silver competition following Saturday’s 40-12 victory over Edinburgh based Balerno High School at the Anderson High School Gym Hall. From left: Heather Marshall, Aimee Strachan, Lori Smith, Curstaidh MacKay, Tahnae Maclennan, Ava Williams, Emma Niven, Claire Johnston, Bethany Anderson, Holly King, Leanne Fullerton and Libby Fox. Photo: Kevin Jones

The Anderson High School netball team progressed to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Schools Cup Open Silver competition following Saturday’s 40-12 victory over Edinburgh-based Balerno High School at the AHS gym hall.
The team will find out this week whether they will have to travel to St Ambrose High School in Lanark or the High School of Dundee in the competition. The quarter-final matches have to be played by Friday 6th March.

Scottish Schools Cup
(Open Silver)

AHS 40, Balerno 12

The teams took to the court with determination, with Balerno taking the first centre pass. An interception from Heather Marshall allowed the AHS players to get the ball up the court to score the first goal.

AHS were able to increase their lead through the first quarter with some excellent shooting from Bethany Anderson.

AHS stayed strong in the second quarter, with good movement around their attacking circle from Anderson and Tahnae Maclennan.

Balerno’s attack worked tirelessly to get away from their defenders. AHS centre Emma Niven had an energetic first half, working well with Marshall and WA Holly King, to move the ball up the court. The second quarter ended with AHS having a considerable lead.

At half-time a few changes were made to the AHS side with Libby Fox coming on at WA. Both teams came back on with fighting spirit and the pace increased. Niven worked well with Libby Fox in the mid-court despite Balerno’s strong defending.

Another few changes were made by AHS in the fourth quarter with Ava Williams coming on for Heather Marshall at WD, Leanne Fullerton coming on at GA and Lori Smith on at centre.

Balerno’s determination showed in the last quarter, with their shooters working hard around AHS’s defence to secure the first three goals of the quarter.

Balerno’s defence applied a lot of pressure, making it difficult for attackers Aimee Strachan and Leanne Fullerton to find a space in the circle. Excellent interceptions from GK Curstaidh MacKay and GD Claire Johnston prevented Balerno from catching up too much by the end up the last quarter, resulting in a final score of 40-12.

AHS centre Emma Niven considers her options before passing the ball ahead of Balerno centre Emily Johnstone. Photo: Kevin Jones

AHS goal shooter Bethany Anderson reaches for the ball ahead of Balerno goal keeper Emma Wright. Photo: Kevin Jones

A fisherman fell overboard from his Banff-registered vessel 20 miles west of the isles.

However, the radio message from the Beryl to the coastguard service was picked up by the stand-by vessel, Caledonian Victory, which was only five miles away.

She rushed to the scene after the incident happened at around 9.30am to pick up the casualty. The fisherman was wearing a lifejacket but was prevented from getting back onboard the Beryl because of the sea-state.

The man was soon picked up by a so-called Autonomous Rescue and Recovery Craft, or ARRC, belonging to the Caledonian Victory within 15 minutes. The ARRC’s are highly equipped with modern medical equipment.

The rescue helicopter was dispatched and picked up the crewman, before taking him to the Lerwick landing site at the Clickimin at around 11.25am. The casualty was then transferred to the Gilbert Bain Hospital for treatment.

Independent Highlands and Islands MSP Jean Urquhart has welcomed the “great news” that progress can be made on the Viking Energy windfarm.

After a three-year legal battle, the Supreme Court yesterday ruled that Scottish Government ministers acted lawfully in granting planning permission for the 103-turbine development.

Ms Urquhart said the windfarm will create 140 jobs in the construction phase and around 35 permanent jobs in operation.

“It’s great news that the Viking project is now able to go ahead. Scotland has the potential to be a world leader in clean energy, and ambitious developments like this will help us get there.

“Shetland is especially well-suited for wind energy; in fact the developers hope Viking will become the most productive onshore wind farm in the world.”
Referring to Shetland Charitable Trust’s 45 per cent stake in the project she said: “I’m particularly pleased that

Viking will be part-owned by a community charitable trust – ideally, all energy projects should have a community stake. Our renewables revolution should be about more than just replacing big oil corporations with big windfarm corporations.

“It is essential now that the Shetland Islands Council makes plans to allow for more local and community involvement in further developments. This decision should provide real opportunities for communities and not open the flood gates to wholly owned commercial companies.

“From energy to land reform, creative use of the new Community Empowerment Bill could see even greater benefits to some of the most vulnerable parts of Shetland.”

The skipper and fellow crewman of the stricken vessel Diamond were intoxicated by illegal and controlled drugs when the vessel sank last year, killing crewman Leonard Scollay.

The skipper and fellow crewman of the stricken vessel Diamond were intoxicated by illegal and controlled drugs when the vessel sank last year, killing one of them.

Findings released from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch show the ability of the crew to function was

“significantly impaired” when the two men entered the freezing dark waters near West Burrafirth on 25th March last year.

Skipper Christopher Smith survived the 3am incident, however the 37-year-old’s friend, Leonard Scollay, died as a result of the tragedy.

It happened after the 12.2 metre vessel began taking in water after hitting a rocky outcrop east of Snarra Ness.
Now, an MAIB report has shown both men were “under the influence of illegal and controlled drugs that would have compromised their ability to operate safely, and to react appropriately after the collision.”

It points to an investigation from a forensic pharmacologist who was commissioned to analyse how the quantities of drugs might have affected their decision-making behaviour.

Mr Smith was tested for drugs and alcohol after the accident. The results showed he had a “significant amount of benzodiazepine and morphine in his system”. The skipper was a known user of Class A drugs.

Talented fiddler Leonard Scollay died when the Diamond sank in March 2014.

Mr Scollay was also a known user. The report said the 40-year-old had been on morphine. Other substances were in his system “consistent with using heroin”.

It stated the crew’s reaction-times would have been impaired as a result of their drug-use.
“The physiological reaction times of the skipper would have been delayed significantly, and the combination of benzodiazepines and heroin would have diminished any recognition of danger to a level of passivity.

“It is important to note that, given the potential consequences of illegal and controlled drug use, the evidence provided by the skipper has to be treated with caution.

“Leonard had levels of morphine and other chemicals in his system that were consistent with him being an habitual user and this would have had a detrimental effect on his cognitive and motor functions. Leonard’s capacity for survival would have been adversely affected by morphine intoxication.”

The report raises questions about the skipper’s competency. It found Mr Smith had no formal navigation qualification, but had gained experience on various vessels over 20 years, primarily as a deckhand. He had owned and previously operated another boat, so had limited experience as a skipper.

“There are many aspects of this accident that raise questions about the skipper’s competency. Specifically he had taken his vessel to sea, at night, with an untrained and inexperienced crewman who was ill-equipped to operate in such an environment, let alone to survive the sinking of the vessel.

“The Fishing Vessels (Safety Training) Regulations 1989 (as amended) require skippers to ensure that crew members have the appropriate training and qualifications. However, the skipper allowed Leonard to work on the vessel knowing that he was not qualified and had no experience of commercial fishing.”

The incident began to unfold as the vessel approached fishing grounds at the North Shoals 20 miles west of Scalloway.

Mr Smith uncovered a problem in the engine room, and decided to abort the planned fishing trip and return to West Burrafirth.

From the North Shoals, the skipper headed east-north-east, aiming to pass through the Sound of Papa. But as Diamond rounded Snarra Ness, the crew of another fishing boat noticed the <i>Diamond</i> close inshore and to the west of the expected track into West Burrafirth.

A short while later, Diamond hit the obstruction. Mr Smith kept the engine running and headed towards West Burrafirth pier.

Mr Scollay went to the galley area and looked down the ladder into the accommodation space, before reporting back that there was a lot of water below. The skipper told Mr Scollay that they were sinking and had to get ready to abandon the vessel. Mr Scollay then went outside to the Diamond’s aft deck.

Mr Smith broadcast a mayday on VHF Channel 16 and told the coastguard of their plight.
Forty-one seconds after he started the distress message, the skipper said, “we’re going over” and ended the radio transmission.

The skipper joined Leonard at the aft deck, with Diamond down by the bow and nearly vertical. Mr Smith told Mr Scollay to jump into the water and swim for shore. Both men then abandoned the boat and, once in the water, lost contact with one another.

The Aith lifeboat was scrambled as well as the Sumburgh-based coastguard helicopter.

Another fishing boat, Diane Maxwell, attended the scene.

Her crew spotted a life raft, but found it empty. Fourteen minutes later, at 3.34am, the crew found Mr Scollay lying face-down in the water, and not wearing a lifejacket. They took him onboard and attempted CPR. Mr Smith was found a short time later by the lifeboat crew. He was breathing, but cold and disorientated.

The force of the grounding taken on the Diamond’s stern displaced several planks on both sides, particularly the starboard side. Damage caused to the hull allowed the water to flood the hull.

Diamond’s two lifebuoys sank with the vessel because they were too firmly wedged in their stowages to float free. However, the liferaft deployed as designed and its light operated. But neither crewman made it to the liferaft. There was no other buoyant material to cling to.

Mr Scollay’s post mortem report indicated the most likely cause of death was drowning. But a heart-attack due to cold water shock, or hypothermia, was not ruled out.

The teenager who was sentenced to three years in custody after threat­ening people with an air rifle is appealing against his sentence.

Father of 16 year-old Samuel Barlow, Paul Barlow, says his son hopes to receive a reduction in his custodial term, or a community-based sentence as an alternative.

It follows an online campaign in support of the teenager, who suffers from learning difficulties.

Last week the young Barlow, who is being kept at the Polmont Young Offenders Institution, was handed the sentence by sheriff Philip Mann after he admitted wreaking havoc in Lerwick last September.

He aimed his weapon at police in the Scord, Scalloway, before heading into Lerwick on foot and pointing the gun at people.

At the height of the drama Barlow became involved in a tense stand-off with armed police officers. But although the incident caused height­ened tension, with armed back-up flying up from Inverness by heli­copter, no-one was injured, and no trigger was pulled.

Sentencing him, sheriff Mann said he had “no alternative” to a custodial sentence, although he added it was “with no great joy” that he sent him to prison.

The court case resulted in an on­line petition being launched, which attracted widespread support.

Speaking to The Shetland Times, Bar­low’s father said an appeal was being launched.

“We want either a reduction to the sentence or a community order,” he said. “That is my hope”.

He said the support that there had been for his son was “very im­pressive”. He added the family were in regular contact with Samuel.

“We’ve been talking about this quite a lot,” he said.

Local inspector Lindsay Tulloch said: “The sentence passed at Ler­wick Sheriff Court demonstrates
the significance of this incident, [and] the threat to public safety. Emer­gency services responded to the incident, and the danger that Mr Barlow put himself at as a result of his actions.”

Required for busy Garage, to work alongside mechanics and body technicians to help in the efficient running of the workshop.

Must have full driving licence, a willingness to learn and be a good team worker.

Potential to further career in the motor industry.

Hours negotiable, hourly rate depending on experience.

Please apply in writing to:

Mark Gair,
M.R. Gair Ltd,
7 Blackhill Industrial Estate,
Lerwick,
ZE10PZ.
email mrgairinfo@btinternet.com
Or telephone 01595 693246 for further information.

This single storey property situated in an elevated position within a large plot provides fine views towards Lower and Upper Voe, and is within a short walk of the local shop and village hall. The house provides a spacious living room and fi tted kitchen with both off ering access to the dining area. These and the 3 double bedrooms make it an ideal family home.

ACCOMMODATION: Vestibule, Toilet, Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Area, Three Bedrooms, Bathroom & Garage.

VIEWING Contact our Reception

Shetland Amenity Trust requires a Custodian for its self-catering holiday accommodation at Eshaness Lighthouse. Duties will include ensuring that the property is in a clean and tidy state at the start of each let and being the first point of contact for guests to the accommodation.

The rate of pay is £1,000 per annum, plus £12.50 per let. Additional payments are made for laundry
services.

For an application pack, please contact:

Shetland Amenity Trust,
Garthspool,
Lerwick,
Shetland,
ZE1 0NY.
Tel. 01595 694688,
Fax. 01595 693956,
e-mail: info@shetlandamenity.org

The closing date for applications is 4.00 p.m. on Friday 27th February, 2015

The Shetland Amenity Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, No:SC017505

Lerwick Power Station
Circa £9,324 with yearly increase and company benefits

Thinking about life after school or perhaps a change in career? Maybe you enjoy fi xing things? Maybe you prefer doing hands-on practical work? Or perhaps you are looking for an opportunity to learn a new skill? An opportunity has arisen at Lerwick Power Station for a Mechanical Apprenticeship. Choosing our Apprenticeship Programme will allow you to continue earning whilst you’re learning.

Our Apprenticeship Programme offers the chance to learn new skills whilst working towards gaining your qualifi cation. You are supported every step of the way by our Apprentice Programme Team, your SSE colleagues who you’ll work with during your on the job training and also by the support you will receive from your college tutors. The majority of our apprentices attend college on a block release arrangement for several weeks at any one time; this will mean you may have to live away from home for short periods of time.

By the end of your three or four year programme you’ll have achieved a Modern Apprentice qualification, City & Guilds Technical Certificate and NVQ (or SVQ in Scotland) level 2 and 3. Plus you will have a guaranteed job with SSE on completion with potential for career progression.

You don’t need any experience to apply. You just need to have an interest in the work we do at SSE, an appreciation of our core values, particularly safety and the desire to do well. To meet the college requirements you’ll need a minimum of 4 GCSEs (grade C or above or a minimum of a grade 4/ 5 Nationals in Scotland) to include Maths, English and a Science or Craft subject. Successful applicants will be asked to supply copies of certificates.

For more information about the Apprenticeship Programme please visit www.sse.com/career/apprentices or contact the Local Power Station on 01595 693005.

The recruitment process for this programme involves completing an on-line application form at www.ssejobs.co.uk and if successful, we’ll ask you to take some further assessments and meet with us at Lerwick Power Station between March and June, 2015.

Closing date for applications is Sunday, 15th March, 2015.

If you are offered a role with SSE your Apprenticeship will begin anytime from the middle of August, 2015. Successful candidates will be subject to the Company’s verifi cation and vetting process which includes a basic
criminal record check.

Various salaried hours available including Full Time £16,165 to £18,120 (Pro Rata inclusive of £1,928 islands allowance)

You will work as part of the Box Office and Customer Service team to deliver a professional, customer focused service representing Shetland Arts in Mareel, the Garrison Theatre, Bonhoga Gallery and at external events.

Closing Date: Saturday 28 February 2015

JOIN US
This is a exciting opportunity to join an innovative and entrepreneurial organisation that supports the creative life of Shetland as we enter a new era in our development.

Do you want to join us?

APPLY
More information & application details: shetlandarts.org/opportunities or jobs@shetlandarts.org

Mareel,
Lerwick,
Shetland,
ZE1 0WQ.
www.shetlandarts.org
T +44 (0)1595 743 843
Email info@shetlandarts.org