Shetland Islands Broadcasting Company

For the first time a Leonardo Agusta Westland AW189 helicopter, registration G-MCGU, is based at Sumburgh airport, taking over from the last of the Sikorsky S92 helicopters.

S92 helicopters had been based Sumburgh since 2007 and, in turn, they had taken over from the Sikorsky S61 helicopters Oscar Charlie and Lima Charlie, which both went to the Netherlands.

It seems likely now that the UK registered, but Spanish crewed, longliner Genesis, which grounded on rocks near the Old Man of Hoy on Thursday morning, will be allowed to eventually break up or sink.

The Great British Beach Clean, organized by the Marine Conservation Society, which ended last Sunday, saw events in Shetland, mainly in Fair Isle and near Scalloway.

Shetland-based author R R Boxall is to see the publication next month of her third and final novel in the Immutavi series, with the themes explored once again described as highly topical.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has finally decided to enter into discussions with the GMB Union over a voluntary recognition agreement for coastguard rescue officers.

The Shetland Islands Council, the Orkney Islands Council and the Western Isles Council have joined forces to propose a pay-on-entry levy for visitors to the islands, especially cruise ship visitors, to raise money for tourism infrastructure.