3.7.6	AREA 6 - SHETLAND ISLANDS
3.7.6.1	The Shetland Islands are a self-contained group of rocky islands at the northern-most apex of the British Isles. The port of Lerwick as well as being a fishing and commercial port, serves as the main ferry terminal for the islands. Fishing vessels of all sizes can be seen in several of the smaller ports. In the north, Yell Sound serves both as the approach to the busy oil terminal at Sullom Voe and as a passage channel for vessels on a north/south transit.
3.7.6.2	The islands attract large numbers of leisure craft, from the smallest sailing vessel up to and including international cruise liners. Shetland, which includes the bird sanctuary of Fair Isle and Noss, is not only a destination in its own right, but is also used by vessels travelling between continental Europe (especially Scandinavia) and destinations to the west. There is also a well-established Inter Island ferry service operated by Shetland Islands Council throughout the year; the navigation lights and marks are therefore a high priority to these users considering the long winter months common to Shetland.
3.7.6.3	In short, Shetland is a busy hub of all sorts of marine activity: oil, fishing, leisure and ferry. Its numerous islands hide small harbours, narrow channels, fish-farms and anchorages and do not enjoy the best of weather, hence they are well-marked by AtoN.
3.7.6.4	Since the last review a DGPS transmission and reference station has been established at Sumburgh Head, a high intensity PEL installed at Rova Head and the Rumble Rock beacon has been replaced by a Lit structure and Racon. It is intended to replace the unlit Inner Voder Beacon in a similar manner.
3.7.6.5	It is noted that Bressay light is well within the area of the Lerwick Port Authority and, as such, qualifies for transfer to that Authority.
3.7.6.6	The buoyage deployed by the Northern Lighthouse Board in and around the Shetland Islands is satisfactory and no representations have been received to increase or decrease current numbers.
3.7.6.7	The main proposals for change within this area are:

• Fair Isle South - It is proposed to discontinue the Fog Signal at this station.
  
• Bressay Lighthouse - Consult with Lerwick Port Authority with a view to handing over.
  
• Inner Voder - Establish a lit beacon with racon
  
• Firths Voe - Proposed reduction in range to 12 nautical miles
  
• Wether Holm - It is proposed to establish a light on this small island in response to a user request. This light will assist passage into Linga Sound (Whalsay) from the North. Suggest character of Fl W 5s and a range of 9 nautical miles.
  
• Bluemull Sound - It is proposed to establish a light in the vicinity of Head of Mula to mark the Sound Northerly entrance and to improve the lighting to the South in conjunction with the new Fetlar ferry terminal. Subject to user consultation it is proposed to establish a 10NM light with a character of Fl 5s, and a red sector <353 degrees.
  
• Balta Sound Beacon - It is proposed to approach the Shetland Islands Council with a view to handing over responsibility for this unlit beacon. The beacon has little or no navigational significance, and should otherwise be discontinued.
  
• Esha Ness - Proposed reduction in range to 20 nautical miles.
  
• Bullia Skerry - Establish a lit beacon with a large radar reflector. Suggest character of Fl W 5s and a range of 5 nautical miles.