Ofgem delivers boost to wind developers with approval of Shetland-mainland electricity link BusinessGreen: A proposal to build a 600MW subsea power cable between Shetland and the Scottish mainland has been given preliminary approval by energy regulator Ofgem, in welcome news for renewables developers hoping to tap the northerly island’s powerful winds. A final decision will […]
Review rejects conservation groups’ complaints that use of dredging gear damages seabed Guardian Severin Carrell Scotland editor ‘A scallop fishery in Shetland has retained its coveted eco label after an independent review rejected allegations that it damaged the marine environment. The marine conservation charity Open Seas and the National Trust for Scotland protested that the fishery’s use of […]
The fortunes of seabirds around the UK at present are prompting different coverage. In two articles the worrying nature of sea bird populations off Shetland is highlighted whilst Defra announced new protection for Yorkshire’s seabird colonies. Changes to water temperature, plankton and sand eel populations are having very significant effects on different seabird colonies. […]
Sumburgh Head lies at the southern tip of mainland Shetland. This dramatic 100-metre-high rocky spur has a reputation for being one of the biggest and most accessible seabird colonies in Britain. Thousands of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars gather there every spring to breed. Or at least they used to – for this year Sumburgh […]
A pod of humpback whales has been photographed underwater for the first time in Britain. The rare moment was witnessed off the Shetland Islands, Scotland, by wildlife photographers Richard Shucksmith and Brydon Thomason. The Shetland Islands locals had spotted the whales feeding in the area over the previous three weeks, and were anticipating an opportunity […]
‘Information is power’ Two ways of looking at the UK’s fisheries statistics; MMO produce the year on year details stats on UK fisheries, whilst in Shetland Ian Napier has produced a comparison of UK and EU fleet catches for the SFA. Not surprisingly the report has provided ammunition to fishermen’s groups campaigning for a more […]