Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) presented the Shetland Environmental Awards 2011 at a ceremony in the Shetland Museum and Archives yesterday. The awards acknowledge environmental projects demonstrating sustainability, innovation and best practice, and is judged by the Shetland Environment Group (on which RSPB sits). This years winners were DITT Construction Ltd, Dunrossness Primary School, Shetland Field Studies Group, Foula Communicty Electricity Scheme, Lea Gardens, Northmavine Community Development Company (NCDC), Sandwick Junior High School, Seabirds and Seals,
Thanks to Austin Taylor for the photo below, showing the winners with Laughton Johnston who presented the awards. Even the awards themselves are environmental-minded - made of reclaimed wood and moulded Enviroglass (a branch of SAT). Congratulations to all.
Thanks must go to Sita at SAT who has done an excellent job again at co-ordinating the awards. Long may they continue!
Away from the glamour of the awards... it's been a grey old day here at Sumburgh Head. I'm a bit vexed about the weather, as it has prevented me from reaching Mousa to monitor seal pups. Fingers crossed for the weekend being a bit better. One good thing about this anticyclone that has been hanging over Scandinavia is that there have been a lot of birds still turning up. Never have I seen so many robins, blackbirds and woodcocks at Sumburgh Head. They've really brightened up my days. A bird which has brightened up my nights is long-eared owls. I've been bumping into one or two on the way home nearly every night lately. I've always been quite scared of owls (it's a childhood thing!), but my fear turned to a respectful glee on Sunday morning when I saw four perched together in a tree. What a piece of luck to see those stunning birds. So, if you are out and about in Shetland, keep alert and hopefully you'll catch sight of some of our more unusual visitors joining our lovely locals.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers eenoo, Helen