Support independent journalism - become a member

Orkney and Shetland

Europe’s only fully licenced vertical launch spaceport declared open

WESTERN Europe’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport is officially ready for take-off after it ...

By Hans J Marter, Shetland News

Read full story
Jen Stout. Photo: Polygon

‘Warmth and determination’: Jen’s masterful reports from inside Ukraine now available as a book

When a young local journalist fulfilled her lifelong dream of living and working in Russia, ...

By Hans J Marter, Shetland News

Read full story

Clarity on wood burning stoves urgently needed

In her letter, Rhoda Grant has called for the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Patrick ...

By The Orkney News

Read full story
Orkney

Inclusions and exclusions as Visitor Levy Bill passes stage 2

Which visitors to Orkney should be paying a locally administered tax for staying here and ...

By The Orkney News

Read full story
Young troubled woman using laptop at home

Students urged to check their loan statements to avoid unpleasant surprise

In some cases, former students have found the amount of money they owe to the ...

By Hans J Marter, Shetland News

Read full story
The Bay of Skaill Orkney, Photo by OrkneyNewsLtd

Climate Change in Orkney: Power of – and from – the Sea

The islands of Orkney are home to some of the finest archaeological sites in the ...

By Fiona Grahame, Orkney News

Read full story
A view of the Viking wind farm from the Vidlin junction at the weekend. Photo: Shetland News

Viking Energy bond well worth waiting for says Shetland council chief executive

THE LONG-awaited and overdue financial bond for the Viking Energy wind farm has finally been ...

By Hans J Marter, Shetland News

Read full story
The jarl squad marching up Commercial Road in Lerwick for Up Helly Aa | Photo from Shetland News

A historic Up Helly Aa in Lerwick as women join the jarl squad

After a long wait to become guizer jarl of Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa, local Richard ...

By Chris Cope, Shetland News

Read full story
A view of Orkney

Visitor levy passes Stage 1 in Scottish Parliament but cruise ships not included

A bill which would give Scotland’s local authorities powers to charge a visitor level, or ...

By Fiona Grahame, The Orkney News

Read full story
Shetland Women's Aid

Island victims of domestic abuse disadvantaged by justice system

The island-specific obstacles for victims of domestic abuse in finding access to appropriate legal representation ...

By Hans Marter, Shetland News

Read full story

Rural & island communities facing a housing crisis

Rural and island communities are facing a housing crisis with second/multiple home ownership, holiday lets ...

By Fiona Grahame, The Orkney News

Read full story
SIC political leader Emma Macdonald. Photo: Shetland News

Shetland Island Council warns of workforce challenge as 10% of jobs remain vacant

SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) is warning of its workforce challenges and the need to potentially ...

By Chris Cope, Shetland News

Read full story