Red Pool of Shetland & the fire

The Red pool can be seen down near Virkie and the best time to see this is July when the algae bloom is at its height.

Even from distance the red pool is very evident.

Once down at sea level the smell is very noticeable

We had a big fire in Shetland up at Brae when the Moorfield Hotel burnt to the ground, fire crews from various mainland fire stations and Sullom Voe fire crews attended but couldn't save the building

Shetland continues to keep away from the virus now 18 weeks since the last case which is good news, we are just hoping that no visitors bring in the virus. With Northlink now taking up to 50% capacity lots more people are coming to Shetland to get away from the virus. 

In fact a number of people have decided to move here to get away from the main places where the virus is spreading

One problem is that Aberdeen is in lockdown, this means people need to head straight out of Aberdeen without stopping as they leave or come to the ferry.

It has been a great spring and summer up here with very little rain, some lochs have even dried up. The heather is very purple, lots of cotton grass has been seen and wildflowers beside the road brighten up every trip.

One disappointment is that Viking Windfarm has been given the go ahead to start building the windfarm and interconnector, several other wind farms will also go ahead. Lots of protests have taken place.  We have been stitched up by the Shetland Island Council, the Shetland people have not even been asked about this massive, non green project.

The destruction of Shetland's moorland starts as Viking moves in, 9 excavators seen as we passed through the area

Phone line back up and working after being hit by lightening 

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