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Welcome to the Christmas 2016 Fetlar Community Newsletter

Wonderful Wildlife !This year has been epic in terms of the variety of wildlife spotted on or around Fetlar. In addition to the Otters, dolphins, seals etc. There were Orcas spotted on a number of occasions and recently a pair of Humpback whales were seen around Fetlar. They were seen both on the west coast near Brough Lodge and in Tresta wick. These were part of a larger group which spent a couple of weeks in the waters around the North Isles, but in mostly in Colgrave sound which lies between Yell and Fetlar. Dramatic pictures of the whales taken by Fetar native Brydon Thomason owner of Shetland Nature, were featured in a number of national newspapers. Thanks to Andy Cook for the picture above.Rare bird bonanzaDue to the unusual weather conditions in Autumn we were also treated to an amazing selection of bird varieties including; 2 booted warblers , Swainson’s thrush, White’s thrush, red-flanked bluetail, great snipe and the icing on the cake a Siberian accentor, one of a small number which arrived in Shetland this Autumn, the first sightings of this species in the UK !

Comings and goingsWe extend a warm welcome to Paul & Vee. Ernie, Neil, Juliet & Lucy, and Paul and Lou. We said farewell to James, Jade and Carolyn.

STAR STORY our Nativity by Fetlar school The staff and pupils welcomed the community into the school for an enchanting performance of the Nativity. All the children did really well and there were lots of opportunities for the audience to join in during the carols .

Everyone was then treated to tea and cakes. The proceeds of a raffle and donations, which totaled £85, will go towards next years school trip.

Celebrate EventFetlar developments has secured funding from the Lottery Celebrate fund for a community celebration event. We will be organising a meeting early in the new year to confirm the final format and details. It is presently planned for sometime during the easter holidays which would be between Friday the 31st March and 17th April

Properties availableWhile there are no private properties currently actively for sale. Do keep checking on the website as things change regularly.

Shetland Island Council still have some properties for rent at the Stakkafletts estate. These are currently classed as low demand housing. Visit the following link for more information.http://www.shetland.gov.uk/housing/housing_options_low_demand.asp

Examples of a one bed and three bed property are shown above. Check out the area on google street view

Raffle in aid of the British Heart FoundationInksters solicitors are holding a Big Shetland raffle to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. There are some excellent prizes including a weekend for two in Aberdeen with hotel accommodation and return flights, A return trip on Northlink for a car and a cabin for two passengers. An overnight stay at Busta house for two people and many other great prizes. To buy Raffle tickets online visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teaminkstersshetlandor by contactin evonne@inksters.comFull details of all the prizes are available on the just giving page.

OUTRIGHT 2016

Fetlar Primary school who have previously obtained their UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award level 1, have been working towards their level 2 RRSA award. Pupils have been learning about children’s rights and the current refugee crisis in Europe. This was part of the Outright campaign through Rights Respecting Schools. They worked with Cullivoe Primary school, and made a video which was shared with Alistair Carmichael and Tavish Scott, asking them to share in Hollyrood and with Amber Rudd the Home secretary in Westminster.

Fetlar Community AssociationPlans are progressing to provide a number of caravan hook up points at Fetlar Hall along with upgrades to the halls facilities which will include upgraded toilet facilities, incorporating showers. A stage 1 application was successfully submitted to LEADER and the work to complete the stage 2 application is currently ongoing. It is hoped to get the funding bid submitted in the first part of next year. If successful the work would begin later in the year. Exact timescales are not yet know as they will be dependant on various factors.

Post Office festive opening hoursWednesday 21st 11-1

Friday 23rd 11 - 1

Saturday 24th 9 -10.30

Tuesday 27th CLOSED

Wednesday 28th 11 - 1

Friday 30th 11 - 1

Saturday 31st 11-1

Tuesday 3rd CLOSED

Wednesday 4th and

on, open as normal.