THIS YEAR’s Open Door Drama Group pantomime transformed a panto sceptic into a panto enthusiast – with hilarity and fun for the entire family, writes our reviewer Sarah Cooper. Before anyone boos, let me clarify – I didn’t hate panto; I was just indifferent to it. Read more

LOCAL jewellery maker Karlin Anderson has donated more than £4,000 from the proceeds of her Freedom Collection to anti-slavery charity International Justice Mission (IJM). And thanks to a campaign by Big Give, a charity that matches public donations with larger philanthropic gifts, Anderson’s contribution towards the work of IJM will be doubled to £8,356. Read more

A US company behind phone-free concerts, schools and workplaces wants to help the Anderson High School (AHS) next.  Yondr has gained a name for helping massive music artists such as Madonna and Justin Timberlake perform at phone-free gigs, with audiences locking their devices in a pouch which they carry with them. Read more

INTER-ISLAND ferry travel will become free for people under the age of 22 – if the Scottish Government’s draft 2025/26 budget is approved. The budget, published today (4 December), contains the pledge: “We will extend free bus travel to asylum seekers and provide free inter-island ferry travel to children and young people under 22. Read more

THE DRAFT Scottish budget includes new capital funds for Shetland Islands Council to use on inter-island connectivity resilience – whether that be “ferries, flight or fixed links”. The news was announced by finance secretary Shona Robison as she unveiled the Scottish Government’s draft 2025/26 budget. Read more