Shetland move and experiences: March 2020

Sunday 22 March 2020

Shetland - what is happening

With more and more restriction coming into force I don't think we will be getting away this year. A lot of folks coming onto my Facebook groups want to come to Shetland and have asked advice, unfortunately some folk have lost their rag and been very negative to say the least.

People are not thinking clearly, its not the time to be travelling and you can also see it from the other side, one person has planned their journey for three years and have paid for the trip. Cancelling is a big disappointment but its better safe than sorry, you could end up in a lockdown, which will come soon

I have two lots of friends abroad and caught up in this so not the best thing to happen. Re-plan your trip after things calm down, hopefully getting a refund, its more time for planning and looking at Shetland photos

I do feel sorry for those moving either to Shetland or within the isles. Don't forget about all the people loosing their jobs and businesses going bust with a lot more to come.

While a lot of people are pulling together there are many who aren't, just look at the supermarkets, bedlam. Why are people buying all the toilet rolls? looks like some pubs in Scotland will also be closed down

One good thing living in Shetland is that we still get out and have a walk, there are many places where you will see no one else. I do need this it certainly a big tonic to get out, all of his could change if we get a lock down

How long can Northlink go on running near empty Ferries, was told that only 4 passengers on last one, flights down by 75%, both the lifeline of the islands. We still need to receive food and post.
Today it was announced that Ferries will only carry people who have an 'essential' need to travel.
Also today a Shetlander who has the virus was transported down to Aberdeen by an RAF Hercules transporter plane

Sunday 15 March 2020

A New World coming soon

Its like being in a dream or more like a nightmare at the moment. With 11 cases of Corona virus confirmed in Shetland at present, I can only see this getting worse

Channerwick

Friday was the real start of the Cruise liner season and although everyone coming ashore should be tested I wonder if this is being done. Someone I know who was in a Lerwick cafe when a couple off the cruise liner came in coughing and sneezing, the place cleared quickly.

Quendale

Its difficult to keep your self away from others especially if you have to go out to work or shopping. Although I do know a couple of folk on Yell and Fetlar who have said they are just self isolating even though they don't have any symptoms. What are you doing?

Quendale

So as we started the holiday season some cruise liners have now said they will not be calling off anywhere, Norway and America have stopped anyone from entering and with increasing numbers of infected people in the UK this may well end up being the same story here. Logan air have reduced the number of flights to Shetland as booking drop. Lots of smaller businesses will be forced to close down and staff may not get paid for time off, its going to have a big knock on effect.

Scatness

Panic buying is going on everywhere, Toilet rolls are being cleared off the shelves very quickly as is Pasta, rice and hand sanitizer. We did notice less people shopping and a couple had masks on, the town deserted.

Islesburgh in Lerwick

Hayfield House

Its estimated that a large number of people could die that's the most worrying thing

We have booked a trip south in a couple of months and are not sure what will happen, with many saying this will be the worst period.

So for the time being, I am still going to work and on Friday completed a 1:1 photography course with the best days weather this year. We are still having lots of gales and heavy rain or hail so it was good to have a still dry at time sunny day photographing.