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Your Council Newsletter - August 2025

Lease and Community Benefit payment agreed for new Green Hydrogen Scheme at Scatsta

Shetland Islands Council has agreed a lease with Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy generator, to develop a green hydrogen and ammonia production hub adjacent to the former Scatsta Airport. The project will bring in over £1.13 million a year in rent, plus a community benefit payment of around £2 million annually, alongside new jobs and income from shipping through Sullom Voe. Funds will be managed by the Council to support strategic projects for Shetland.

Changes to plastics recycling mean you can now recycle more than ever.

From this week (Monday 18th August) you can now include plastic pots, tubs and trays with your bottles in your grey lidded bin. Collecting more types of packaging helps boost Shetland’s recycling rates and helps us to meet the targets of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in Scotland. Click on the thumbnail to find out more about how it works with our Climate Yarns team

Be alert to suspicious calls

We’ve had reports of scam calls from people impersonating telecare staff. Please remember — you will never be asked for bank details or payment over the phone. If you’re unsure about a call, hang up straight away and contact Duty Occupational Therapy on 01595 744319 (Mon–Fri, office hours) or Hanover on 0131 557 7488. Scam calls can also be reported to our Trading Standards team on 01595 744887 or by emailing trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk.

Free call blockers available to reduce scam calls

Working with Citizens Advice Bureau, we’re installing a further 25 free call blockers for people most at risk of financial harm. These devices quietly block over 90% of scam and nuisance calls before the phone even rings, reducing anxiety and the risk of fraud. They plug into existing phone lines — analogue or digital — and work alongside broadband and telecare alarms. To request a free unit for yourself or someone you know, email trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk or call 01595 744887.

Reminder to test personal telecare alarms

We’re urging anyone with a personal telecare alarm to test their device monthly to make sure it continues to work. The UK’s move from analogue to digital phone services has caused connection issues in some cases, so regular checks are important for safety and reassurance. If problems arise, contact your landline provider first. Our Community Occupational Therapy team will also be moving clients onto digital alarms in the coming months.

Celebrating Shetland pupils’ exam achievements

615 secondary pupils across Shetland have received their SQA results, with strong passes across National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications. A record number of students also completed vocational partnership courses and apprenticeships in areas such as Engineering, Hospitality, Energy, and Maritime Skills. Congratulations to all pupils for their hard work, and thanks to the teachers and staff who supported them! More details on our website

Don’t lose your vote – check your registration

Shetland residents are being urged to check their electoral registration to make sure they can vote in upcoming elections. All households should have received an email, letter, or form to confirm their details. If you’re not registered or need to update your information, follow the instructions you’ve received or register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Questions? Contact the Electoral Registration Office at 01595 745700 or ero@shetland.gov.uk. Read more about the annual voting canvass on our website

Back to School – Drive Safely

School pupils are returning across Shetland this week after the summer break. Please take extra care on the roads: 20mph zones are active near schools at the start and end of the school day. Drive slowly, park responsibly, and watch out for children on foot or on bikes. Thank you for keeping our schools safe!

Let's Keep Shetland Sheep Scab Free Show season is upon us, and the sales are just round the corner. Due to the increased frequency of sheep scab mites resistant to injectable products the Shetland Vets are primarily planning to use plunge dipping as it is the most effective treatment to prevent sheep scab from entering Shetland. The animal health pages on our website contains detail on dipping facilities and how to obtain a dipping certificate for any animal treated 30 days prior to import.

Dates for the diary

Shetland Climate Festival - Sat 13th September, Clickimin

Join us for the Shetland Climate Festival on Saturday 13th September at the Clickimin in Lerwick.

Young people’s views are the forefront of this year’s event with a book launch, film launch and visual art piece resulting from the Council’s first Schools Climate Roadshow. Come along and hear their thoughts on climate change, as well stalls, workshops, practical advice and children’s activities. This year’s festival runs from 10am to 4pm.

Click on the thumbnail above to watch our video and find out more. 

Join us for the Lerwick Summer Cycle!

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon for all ages at the FREE Lerwick Summer Cycle on Sunday 24th August, 2–4pm. Enjoy cycling on a safe, closed-road circuit, try the Bike Skills Obstacle Course, or borrow a helmet or bike for free—including adapted and wheelchair bikes from Ability Shetland.

There’s plenty for everyone beyond cycling, including a Pop-Up Cafe in Flower Park run by CRUK Relay For Life – Shetland, free tennis and putting, and soft play for little ones.

Pre-register online to save time on the day  More info and registration

Recovery Month 2025

September is #RecoveryMonth – a chance to celebrate and support recovery in all its forms.  Keep an eye on the Recovery Hub Facebook page for more information about upcoming events.

International Overdose Awareness Day

• Join us this Sunday 31 August at Lerwick Flower Park between 8 and 10pm, to remember all those affected by overdose.

Recovery BBQ

• On 20th September, join us in the Pitt Lane Gardens for a community BBQ, celebrating recovery. All welcome

Recovery Walk

• Join us on 27th September to join the Scottish Recovery Walk. We will be walking a route around Lerwick to celebrate recovery!

Work with us

If you want to help make a difference, there's no better place to work than for Shetland Islands Council. Grow your skills, support your community, and be part of what makes these islands work.

We currently have vacancies for a range of roles, including Executive Manager for Education and Learning, Social Care Workers, Modern Apprentice Social Care Worker Maintenance Handyperson and more. Take a look today and see where a career with the Council could take you.