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First Mid-Market Homes Transfer to New Partnership in Lerwick
Six new one-bedroom properties on North Road, Lerwick, have now transferred to Shetland Mid-Market Homes LLP, marking the first homes to be delivered under the new mid-market rent initiative. The partnership — formed between Shetland Islands Council and Scottish Futures Trust Investments Limited — aims to expand affordable private rental options in Shetland.
With pressure on the local housing market and limited private rental availability, these homes will offer an alternative for people on low to middle incomes who would not otherwise be able to access social housing or be able to afford market rents. The properties are currently being fitted out, with further details on how to apply coming soon.
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Tender published for new Inter-Island Relief ferry
 Expressions of interest are being invited to build a new 33-metre Class B Ro-Ro passenger vessel for the inter-island fleet.
Designed to meet Maritime and Coastguard Agency standards, the new relief ferry will operate on all current routes except Foula, using existing terminals and crew certification. The project, approved in September 2025, is a key step in strengthening ferry resilience.
Interested companies can find full details and submit documentation via Public Contracts Scotland by 2 March 2026.
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Public consultation on proposed Scord Quarry extension
 Two public drop-in sessions will outline proposals to extend Scord Quarry near East Voe by 4.94 hectares to the north-east, at the south end of Outnabreck Hill.
The events will take place at Scalloway Public Hall from 3pm–8pm on Monday 23 February and Monday 2 March 2026. Council Roads Service staff will be available to discuss the plans and gather feedback.
The consultation forms part of the formal pre-application process, with further opportunities to comment once a planning application is submitted.
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Join the Shetland Climate Conversation Survey 2026
Residents are invited to take part in the second Shetland Climate Conversation Survey, helping to shape future action on climate change. The six-week survey, open until 9 March, asks for views on priority areas such as transport, energy, health and the environment — and how climate change is affecting Shetland.
More than 800 responses were received in 2021, with feedback helping to inform projects including the Brae Rural Energy Hub supported by Innovate UK.
Have your say and help guide future local action by completing the survey online.
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EV drivers asked to prepare for charging network Change
Electric vehicle drivers in Shetland are being urged to download the new ScottishPower Recharge app and/or order a new charging card before the beginning of March, as 28 public charge points transfer from ChargePlace Scotland to ScottishPower.
ChargePlace Scotland cards will stop working once the changeover takes place. Drivers can use the new app, a ScottishPower card, or roaming cards from partner providers to access chargers. Contactless payment will remain available where currently offered.
Find out what you need to do to stay connected and where to get further information.
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Early Learning & Primary One registration week reminder
Parents and carers are reminded that registration week for early learning and childcare runs from 13–20 February, with primary one enrolment open from 16–20 February.
Children born between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024 should be registered for an early learning and childcare place during registration week. Online forms will be available from the morning of 13 February.
Families with children starting primary one after the summer holidays should complete the online enrolment form from 16 February. Placing requests and deferred entry applications must be submitted by 15 March 2026.
Find full details and access the registration and enrolment forms on our website.
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Anderson High School achieves Silver Reading Schools Award
Anderson High School has become the first school in Shetland to receive a Silver Reading Schools accreditation from Scottish Book Trust.
The award recognises the school’s work to build a strong reading culture, with pupils in “The Book Dragons” group leading activities to promote reading for pleasure across year groups. Support from library staff and teachers has helped embed reading more widely in school life.
The Reading Schools programme supports schools across Scotland to foster a lasting love of books and reading. Find out more about the award on our website.
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Climate Yarns: Eco School
Join the Climate Yarns team as they head to Cullivoe Primary School in Yell to hear about the school's Green Flag status. It's a long-standing winner of the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, which is internationally recognised, and delivered by charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The school has also been shortlisted for the Sustainable School of the Year Award at The Scottish School Food Awards.
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Safer Internet Day 2026 highlights responsible AI use
2026 Careers & Opportunities Fair
Next Tuesday (24th) at Clickimin Leisure Centre, over 90 employers, universities, armed forces and third‑sector organisations will gather for Shetland’s biggest Careers & Opportunities Fair yet. The event runs 9.30am–12.30pm and 1.15pm–7pm, giving young people the chance to explore career paths, apprenticeships, training and further study. There are also evening information sessions (5–7pm) for parents and carers who want to understand more about graduate and modern apprenticeships, Academy Programmes and Foundation Apprenticeships.
On Wednesday, two free employer workshops take place at Shetland Museum & Archives — a morning session on recruiting untapped talent, and an afternoon session on sustainable business development and the support available locally. Registration is required, and lunch is provided.
Find out more, including how to register, on our website
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Local reads lead a lively year at Shetland Library
Shetland‑connected books dominated borrowing in 2025, with Malachy Tallack, Marianne Brown and Jen Hadfield battling for the top spot — and Storm Pegs ultimately taking No.1 when eAudio and eBook loans are counted. New releases like An Imposter in Shetland and Vod made a strong mid‑year splash, while classics such as Shadowed Valley continued to resonate.
Across the wider collection, Scottish favourites shone, eAudio surged in popularity, and children stuck loyally with Jeff Kinney and Julia Donaldson. From chart‑topping non‑fiction to rising crime authors, the full “Most Borrowed 2025” list offers a fascinating snapshot of what Shetland has been reading — and listening to — this year.
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 Malachy Tallack
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 Jen Hadfield (Credit: Dave Donaldson)
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 Marianne Brown (Credit: Emma Daniels)
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 Whalsay Ferry timetable changes in early March
There will be temporary timetable changes on the Whalsay route from Monday 2 March to Thursday 12 March while MV Hendra is in dock.
The service will operate to a single-vessel timetable, following the MV Linga schedule. Bookings will remain available, and it is hoped that additional sailings may be added if possible.
Passengers with existing bookings on MV Hendra are asked to contact the Booking Office to rebook. Full details are available on the ferries page of our website.
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 Changes to Services 23 and 24V during North Mainland roadworks
Temporary roadworks on the A968 north of Voe and at Nesting Junction mean Services 23 (Lerwick–Toft) and 24V (North Isles Integrated Service) will divert through Brae until 29 May 2026.
To maintain ferry connections, some departure times will change from 2 February, including an earlier 17:00 departure on Service 23 from Viking Bus Station (Monday–Saturday). Service 23 will not serve Nesting Junction during this period, with alternative connections available via Service 20 (booking required).
Service 24V departure times will also vary through February and into the spring. Passengers are encouraged to check the updated timetables on our website before travelling.
Full details available on our website.
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“Cruise Forward” event to explore Shetland cruise tourism opportunities
A free, day-long event at Mareel on Thursday 12 March 2026 will support small businesses and community groups looking to grow opportunities in Shetland’s cruise tourism sector.
“Cruise Forward – Maximising Shetland’s Potential” will cover market trends, future cruise tourism opportunities, and how communities can collaborate to create visitor-ready experiences. Guest speakers include international and local cruise experts, with networking, Q&A, and a panel session throughout the day.
The event is open to anyone interested in cruise tourism, with lunch provided. Prior registration is required.
Image courtesy of Lerwick Port Authority
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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 Administration Support Workers, Depute Headteacher, Social Care Workers, Youth Workers, Quality Improvement Officers, Enviromental Health Officers, Relief Teachers and much more.Take a look today and see where a career with the Council could take you.
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