Also in the news / Important marine mammal area, Shetland’s got talent, employability roadshow and orchestra concert
SHETLAND and Fair Isle have been awarded important marine mammal area (IMMA) status recognising the importance of local waters to mammals specifically to harbour porpoises, orcas, minke whale and humpback whale.
The submission to the Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force, a partnership of a number of globally operating conservation groups, was made my local wildlife experts Karen Hall, Hugh Harrop, Rachel Shucksmith, Emma Steel, Debbie Russell and Peter Evans.
The application was submitted with a wealth of citizen science data collated from the Shetland Orca Sightings Facebook page.
Responding to the news, Harrop said: “As can be seen from the map here, this sits alongside other amazing areas such as Baja California, Patagonia, Antarctica and Madagascar.
“So, to everyone who has submitted sightings records – whether you are a visitor, work on a ferry, are a fisherman or just observing from your house – thank you!
“You’ve helped showcase what we’ve always known – that Shetland is amazing for marine mammals, and we are so lucky to have that on our doorstep.”
THE POPULAR Shetland’s Got Talent event is now open for entries.
Organised by the local Cancer Research UK Relay for Life committee, participants will vie for a £250 prize.
Past shows have featured everything from poets to singers, contemporary and traditional dancers and actors. Judges Morag Mouat, Jenny Teale and Bryan Peterson are returning for a third year.
Relay of Life Shetland chair Kerry Llewellyn said: “Shetland’s Got Talent is always a great night of entertainment and we have so much fun putting the event on.”
Shetland’s Got Talent takes place on 20 April and tickets will become available from the Shetland Box office on Friday from 10am.
A COMMUNITY roadshow offering guidance to anyone looking for employment support will take place next week.
Council staff will be visiting five locations across Shetland next month to help anyone looking for work, including assistance with completing job applications, updating CVs, or improving their interview skills.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
The roadshow dates and venues are:
- Monday 4 March – Yell Leisure Centre, 2.30pm – 5pm
- Tuesday 5 March – South Mainland Leisure Centre, 2.30pm – 5pm
- Wednesday 6 March – Scalloway Leisure Centre, 2.30pm – 5pm
- Thursday 7 March – West Mainland Leisure Centre, 2.30pm – 5pm
- Friday 8 March – North Mainland Leisure Centre, 2.30pm – 5pm
Free transport and childcare available. For more info please contact the council on 01595 744490 or employability@shetland.gov.uk
SHETLAND Community Orchestra (SCO) and Shetland Youth Orchestra are joining forces this weekend to take the audience on a musical voyage around the globe.
The programme for Saturday’s concert includes a much-loved Beethoven symphony, a taste of Latin America and a journey into outer space with both orchestras combining to present Mars from Holst’s The Planets.
The SCO is also premiering a new piece – Past Chords – by local composer Aleks McKay. Currently studying for a MA in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, McKay has composed in the classical, pop, videogame and jazz idioms.
The concert is on Saturday 2 March at Lerwick Baptist Church, Quoys, starting at 7.30pm.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.