Storm in Shetland

Before Storm Aiden hit Shetland i managed to get down to Scatness in the sun. The sea had been whipped up by a gale a day before but the sea was not as spectacular as expected

Looking across to Sumbugh Hotel

Looking south as the sun was setting with foam flying about

Waves coming about 1/2 way up the cliffs at Scatness

Dramatic lighting over the bolder strewn beach

The following day the storm hit with winds in excess of 60mph and heavy rain as well

The Aurora has shown well , join Shetland Aurora Hunter for more information

 

Lerwick in autumn

Its always good to get into Lerwick, lot to see and photograph even if no boats have come in

No body about when i took Jimmy Perez's house, famed for being used in the BBC1 drama `Shetland'. They are supposed to be back early next year to start filming again.

Like the top of this gate down at the Lodberries, anchors galore

The Doctors house

Looking back towards Lerwick harbour

With the sun setting the reflection can be seen on the clouds in the east over Bressay

Dramatic clouds looking SE with the Lerwick lifeboat in the foreground and Seal & Seabird cruising in the background

 Still a few people moving to Shetland, although there are less job opportunities now with Scatsta closing, Moorfield Hotel burnt to the ground and several hotels laying staff off.

If you believe Viking energy, jobs will be created as they build the massive windfarm that most locals don't want and are completely ignored. Already problems as they pollute a SSSI Loch near the half way house.

We are seeing lots of good Auroras, join us on facebook at Shetland Aurora Hunter for photos and latest information

Shetland Big changes

 Shetland has changed a lot this last year some for the good but others not so good.

Quendale sun halo

The Viking wind project is now in full progress thanks to our councillors and this government. Lots of people still protesting about the way its progressing. 

Peatland is such a precious thing, storing large amounts of carbon but to see how deep they are digging and that's just the test hole or quarry building, its heart breaking

Dalsetter

If a few years our roads will be blocked as they bring in parts of the massive turbines and more of our peatland will be destroyed. Rare protected? birds will have lost their nesting place , it doesn't seem to matter. Will our tourism economy suffer? Viking think not but when i have talked to tourists many said they wont come back when its finished. 

You have to feel for those people stuck in the middle, unable to sell their house and will soon be surrounded by turbines

Nesbister Bod

Brexit progress may see Shetland expand the fishing grounds and that will be good news but just recently the government has giving permission for a large offshore wind farm off the eastern side of Shetland, the direction for many incoming migrants.

Burra

Good news in that enough money has been raised to buy an MRI scanner and to train staff so no longer will Shetland folk have to travel to to mainland.

Will the virus ever go away, may be not. We might have to adapt to a new way of life with a lot higher unemployment. A number of businesses have closed, the hotel business in bits with all but two up for sale. If tourism and fishing fail that will be bad news for Shetland. 

Lower Voe

Sunset at home in Sandwick

Already we have seen the north mainland badly hit with the Moorfield burnt to the ground and Scatsta airport closed people already leaving the area.

Moorfield hotel no more

At least the Aurora season is progressing well, join Shetland Aurora Hunter (Facebook) for more photos and information

                                                       Aurora looking north from Sandwick

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