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Councillors back new approach to deliver affordable mid-market homes
Councillors have agreed to move forward with plans to create an arms-length external organisation to deliver and manage tenancies for local properties at mid-market rent.
The new approach is designed to fill a gap in the local housing market, offering more options for people who don’t qualify for social housing but find it difficult to buy or rent at full market rates.
Councillor Dennis Leask, Chair of Development, welcomed the decision:
“I’m delighted that councillors today agreed to progress this project to create affordable homes available for mid-market rent in Shetland. There’s a very small private rental market locally, affordability is challenging, and it’s well known that the housing market is under pressure.
This is an innovative project for Shetland that will increase local housing diversity and help some of those looking for a home who might otherwise be unable to do so. We need more affordable homes, and this mid-market rental project is part of the solution to achieve that.”
The proposal marks a significant step toward improving access to affordable housing and ensuring a better range of rental options for local residents.
📸- new affordable homes under construction at North Road
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 Be winter ready!
The winter weather has arrived, and with it an increase in chances of power disruption. We've put together this handy video guide on how to prepare so you're not caught out if the power goes out.
Call blockers help to prevent financial harm
More than 250 call blocking devices have now been installed across Shetland, helping to stop scam and nuisance calls before they reach people’s homes.
The Council’s Trading Standards team, working with Citizens Advice Shetland, says the devices are blocking over 90% of scam calls, reducing the stress and risk of financial harm for residents.
📖 Read our latest blog to find out how the call blockers work and how to request a free device for yourself or someone you know.
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Modelling work underway on fixed links
 Work on the Council’s Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme has reached a key phase.
Following approval of funding of £990K earlier this year, consultants Stantec and COWI have been engaged to develop a Fixed Link Model (FLM) – essentially looking at whether tunnels can be delivered in Shetland and, if so, how.
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Framework for bus services published
 Shetland Islands Council and ZetTrans have published a new procurement framework to plan how public bus, school, and social care transport services will be delivered from August 2026.
The framework sets out how local bus and taxi operators can bid to provide these services, helping ensure reliable, good-quality transport for residents across Shetland.
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Share the warmth this winter!
Following the success of last year’s event, Shetland Islands Council and RSPB Shetland are once again inviting everyone to take part in the Outdoor Clothing Appeal, helping make sure more people across Shetland have the gear they need to enjoy the outdoors this winter.
Throughout October, you can donate good-quality outdoor clothing and footwear for children and adults, from waterproof jackets and trousers to wellies, boots, hats and gloves.
All items will be shared at a free Outdoor Clothing Swap Shop at Gilbertson Park Games Hall, Lerwick, on Sunday 16 November 2025, where everyone’s welcome to come along and find what they need for the colder months.
🧤 Drop your donations into any ‘Kit for All’ collection bin at Shetland Recreational Trust leisure centres and pools.
Let’s help each other stay warm, dry and connected with nature this winter — one jacket at a time!
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Shetland Sports Awards 2025 – Nominees announced!
The nominees for this year’s Shetland Sports Awards have been revealed!
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 14 November at the Clickimin Centre, celebrating the incredible achievements of local athletes, teams, volunteers and coaches across eight categories, including Sportsperson of the Year, Team of the Year, and Lifetime Endeavour Award.
Jack Clubb, Sports Development Officer, said:
“The strength and depth of nominations this year highlight what a successful year it’s been for Shetland sport. It’s wonderful to celebrate both the achievements on the field and the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes.”
The Shetland Sports Awards are hosted by Shetland Recreational Trust, supported by Shetland Islands Council, Ability Shetland, sportscotland, and The Shetland Times.
👉 See the full list of nominees at: www.shetland.gov.uk/sport-leisure
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New Chief Education Officer to lead learning in Shetland
Fiona Robertson has been named the preferred candidate for Shetland Islands Council’s new Chief Education Officer post — a senior role created to shape the future of education across the isles.
Currently Headteacher at Perth Grammar School, Fiona will take up the role in December leading work to strengthen learning, attendance, and attainment across Shetland’s schools.
Council leaders say her appointment marks an important step in building a modern, resilient education system rooted in Shetland’s community values.
Find out more about the role on our website
📸Image courtesy of Perth Grammar School
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Have your say on the Shetland Energy Strategy
Have your say on a revised, draft Shetland Energy Strategy.
Led by Shetland Islands Council, the strategy is designed to act as a framework for decision makers when it comes to energy transition projects in Shetland.
This latest version continues from the work of Shetland’s first Energy Transition Taskforce and its
The Shetland Energy Strategy has five key aims:
- Put people at the forefront of energy transition
- Act as a blueprint for developers, funders and decision makers
- Holds the key partners in Shetland’s energy transition to account
- Provides information and awareness on how the energy transition will impact Shetland
- Influence and inform the development of national (UK and Scotland) energy renewables policy, plans and strategies
It also contains three main visions.
By 2045 Shetland will have:
- A just transition – we have a fair and managed energy transition, with no one left behind
- We have an efficient, integrated energy system where impacts on the environment are minimised
- A fair share – Shetland has a fair share of the value of energy production, distribution and its use
You can read the draft strategy on our website
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Strap in for another episode of Climate Yarns as the team hears about the origins and importance of the Shetland Car Club.
The car club offers flexible, affordable and short-term hires with vehicles stationed across mainland Shetland. Our Shetland Car Club cars and vans are perfect for use by community groups and the public too.
Why not join up for as little as £10 and try out one of our six-seater electric combi vans.
For more information go to or email car.club@shetland.gov.uk
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Upcoming events at Shetland Library
There's something for everyone at Shetland Library this winter.
Highlights include:
- Shetland Library Makkers - Fridays 11am-12pm. If you can knit or crochet, come along and make items for charity.
- Book Launches
- Scattered Brightness by Sheenagh Pugh, in conversation with Mary Blance. Shetland Library, 12th November 6.30 - 7.30pm
- Seabirds and Seals by Jonathan Wills -stories from 25 years of wildlife guiding around the Shetland islands of Bressay. Shetland Museum & Archives, 18th November 7- 8pm
Plus our regular programme including Lego Club, Bookbug, Shetland Memories and Lunchtime Learning.
👉 Check out what's on on our online calendar
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Looking for support to start or develop a business?
Our Economic Development Service, alongside Business Gateway Shetland will be delivering a series of drop in events in the coming weeks.
Pop along to learn more about the range of services on offer to help you achieve your goals.
- Tues 28th Oct: Uyeasound Hall
- Wed 29th Oct: Mid Yell Hall
- Thu 30th Oct: North Roe Hall
- Tues 4th Nov: Cunningsburgh Hall
- Wed 5th Nov: Walls Hall
- Wed 5th Nov: Scalloway Hall
- Thu 6th Nov: Voe Hall
- Tues 11th Nov: SIC, Solarhus, 3 North Ness, Lerwick (6pm - 8pm)
- Thu 20th Nov: SIC, Solarhus, 3 North Ness, Lerwick (6pm - 8pm)
An event is also planned in Fair Isle
More information on business advice and support can be found on our website at: www.shetland.gov.uk/business-advice-support.
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Grow Your Idea – Funding for Climate Action in Shetland!
Do you have an idea to make your community greener, more resilient, or more sustainable?
Join us for Grow Your Idea: Funding for Climate Action in Shetland, a free event to help you turn ideas into fundable projects and learn how to apply for up to £7,500 through Shetland’s Green Participatory Budgeting programme.
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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 Social Care Workers, Learning Support Workers, Roadworkers, ICT Analysts, Engineers and much, much more. Take a look today and see where a career with the Council could take you.
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