Energy Act #1: Small Fry in Oil (1973)
“A reference to an exchange between two local businessmen, this act hinged on the words of a verse sung to the tune of “The Norsemen’s Home.” The story goes that, asked how his business was faring, a local businessman replied: “I’m in oil now.” “Ah yes” replied his acquaintance. “But so are sardines, and they’re just small fry.” The squat were dressed as sardines – with fibreglass heads – and they circled the hall singing the wittily constructed verse with gusto.”
– The Shetland Times, Friday 2nd of February 1973
Energy Act #2: Ness Monstrosities (1976)
“A reference to both the recent furore about the Loch Ness monster and about the proposals to put oil in underground caverns on Calback Ness, this squad appeared as a team of monsters each bearing the legend “Loch Ness Migrants – Calback Ness Caverns Dweller.” Members wore long black necks topped by dragon type heads in green and yellow, with black bodies and yellow spots. Fins and flippers completed the suit.”
– The Shetland Times, Friday 30th of January 1976
Energy Act #3: Shel(l)tie (1978)
“The squad represented the well-known oil firm. Six members were dressed as the character seen on the tv advertisement and the remainder in bright yellow boiler suits with various Shell insignia attached. Cars describing various oil firms had a race with many mishaps.”
– The Shetland Times, Friday 3 February 1978
Energy Act #4: BP Pigs (1979)
“Recent pipeline testing by the oil industry using Pipeline Inspection Gadgets (PIGs) was used by the squad to illustrate the problems when a pig gets stuck in the pipeline. Twelve members were dressed in pig costume complete with large head and snout. Two were dressed as oil technicians, who, after failing to persuade the pig through the pipeline, had to call for assistance which came in the form of the Muppet pig – Miss Piggy – who danced seductively before the entrenched pig who immediately shook himself free and gave chase to miss Piggy followed by the remainder of the pigs and two confused boffins.”
– The Shetland Times, Friday 2nd of February 1979
Energy Act #5: WINDerful Lights (1983)
“These guizers in Fair Isle jumpers had croft houses, a lighthouse, and a church for heads. Three engineers brought in a windmill and when they got it going the lights in the building came on. But the windmill exploded, plunging the buildings into darkness again.”
– The Shetland Times, Friday 28th of January 1983
Energy Act #6: Da Freefield Arabs (1983)
Unknown (news reporter missed the act)
– The Shetland Times, Friday 28th of January 1983
Energy Act #7: Dales Voe Raiders (1984)
“An up-to-date version of the Viking theme, modern-day raiders, dressed in blue thermal wear, red kirtles, gold cloaks and adorned with safety helmets, spanners and welding torches, dragging an oil rig instead of a galley descend on Dales Voe to the tune of “The Norseman’s Home”.
– The Shetland Times, Friday 27th of January 1984
Energy Act #8: Sting in the Tail (2003)
“The setting is Yell Sound, and the Stingray tidal generator enters the hall accompanied by two scientists to begin a test phase. Once assembled they monitor its performance and Tom Stove and Peter Malcolmson arrive to award the team a prize for their work. Happy with their success the scientists are unaware of two hideous sea creatures called aquaphibians observing the generator. These scary sea creatures armed with spectacular guns have only one problem- if they stay out of the water for long, they begin to lose the use of their legs and are unable to walk in a straight line. With the flick of a fin, they signal the rest to attack and with a bang the aquaphibians burst in and chase the councillor and scientist away. They then perform a victory dance on the generator (…)
– The Shetland Times, Friday 31st of January 2003.
