News and Blogs
Shetland Wool Week patron awarded to Doull family
26Apr In a break from tradition, this year’s patron accolade has been presented to Addie and Margaret Doull from Islesburgh Farm in Northmavine, and their family, in recognition of their dedication to the Shetland Flock Book and commitment to preserving and championing the highest-quality Shetland wool.
Read moreEaster weekend events at Sumburgh Head as it opens for the season
18Mar Enjoy a family day out over the Easter weekend as Sumburgh Head lighthouse, visitor centre and nature reserve officially opens for the season on Saturday 30 March.
Read moreRegistration for Da Voar Redd Up 2024 is now open
13Mar Da Voar Redd Up (DVRU) will take place next month from Saturday 20 – Friday 26 April 2024, and you can sign up now
Read moreNew book of Shetland Fine Lace Knitting launched
13Mar A new publication, ‘Shetland Fine Lace Knitting – Recreating patterns from the past’ by Shetland Museum’s textiles curator, Carol Christiansen, has launched this week.
Read moreShetland Museum and Archives launches series of ‘Thursday Lates’ heritage talks
27Feb Evenings celebrating Shetland’s rich culture and heritage will begin next month as Shetland Museum and Archives launches its programme of ‘Thursday Lates’ talks.
Read moreBairns on the Bog
27Feb Our 2024 school visits have begun and we were delighted to be joined by the Aith Junior High School Primary 7 class for some Sphagnum moss planting last week in Tresta – they were a great help and it was a good chance for the bairns to find out more about the importance of peatlands and peatland restoration in Shetland.
Read moreWe're hiring
21Feb Do you love Shetland’s natural and cultural heritage? If so we would love you to join our team.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust celebrates Lerwick Up Helly Aa
05Feb It was all go at the Shetland Amenity Trust last week as we celebrated Lerwick Up Helly Aa with a series of fiery events and extended opening times at our sites.
Read moreA Fragment of Viking-Norse Life
05Feb One of the results of years of peat-cutting in Shetland is that occasionally interesting objects are revealed. So it was the case in Foula, our western-most island located 25 miles (40km) from the Shetland mainland, and currently home to about 40 people.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust’s heritage sites open for this year’s Up Helly Aa
10Jan The fiery season will soon be back and Shetland Amenity Trust is putting together a series of events as well as offering extended opening times to its main sites to appeal to locals and visitors alike.
Read moreResearch project commissioned to encourage locals to grow more oats
21Nov Shetland Amenity Trust has commissioned a research project with two local straw makers to understand more about the growing of traditional Shetland Aets - and they are looking for the public to get involved.
Read more‘Logical Confusion’, a retrospective exhibition of Mike McDonnell opens this weekend at the Shetland Museum
21Nov An ambitious new exhibition dedicated to the artistry of well-known local artist Mike McDonnell opens on Saturday 25 November at the Shetland Museum and Archives. The retrospective, ‘Logical Confusion’, shows the diversity of Mike’s work as an artist, community activist and creative initiator.
Read moreWinter weekend fundraiser as Sumburgh Head celebrates Christmas
20Nov Christmas is coming! Join us at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre as it opens for a fundraising winter weekend to kick off the festive season.
Read moreNew Vagaland poetry book launched
16Nov ‘Love in Human Herts’, a new publication celebrating Vagaland’s finest poetry has been launched today by the Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read moreFilm celebrating the achievements of Johnnie Notions launched by Shetland Museum and Archives
06Nov A new film which brings to life the incredible story of 18th century inoculation pioneer and Shetland crofter Johnnie Notions has been launched today by Shetland Museum and Archives.
Read moreHeritage Connections Project
25Oct A partnership between Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Heritage Association has been awarded a £12,000 grant from Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) to work collaboratively to secure a more resilient and sustainable heritage community.
Read moreStill time to get involved with Shetland Wool Week
12Sep The countdown to Shetland Amenity Trust’s annual Shetland Wool Week festival has begun, with the nine-day event set to kick off on Saturday 23 September.
Read moreTreasure Trove Comes to Shetland
29Aug Members of the public are invited to come along with their ‘treasures’ and meet experts from Scotland’s Treasure Trove Unit (TTU) at two drop-in events over the weekend of 9 & 10 September.
Read moreEvent provides detail on unlocking private finance for peatland restoration in Shetland
23Aug Local landowners and land managers are being encouraged to attend an event next week to help them understand the opportunities available for financing peatland restoration.
Read morePowerful exhibition featuring photography by legendary Diane Arbus opens at Shetland Museum and Archives
22Aug A new display of bold and iconic photographs by Diane Arbus, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, opened last Friday evening (18 August) at Shetland Museum and Archives in front of invited guests.
Read moreShetland Museum and Archives Launches New Online Archive Catalogue
08Aug A new online Archives catalogue has been launched today (Tuesday 8 August) at the Shetland Museum and Archives.
Read moreTree sale at the Staneyhill Horticultural unit
31Jul Drop along our Horticultural unit this Thursday (3rd August) - we have a great selection of native and non-native trees and shrubs for sale.
Read morePunds Water cairn
11Jul Dr Val Turner, has been working as Regional Archaeologist at the Shetland Amenity Trust for almost 40 years. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing 5 things she loves about Shetland's archaeology, second on the her list is the remarkably well-preserved chambered-cairn at Punds Water in the hills above Mangaster, Northmavine.
Read moreYear three of annual rewilding project
10Jul Shetland Amenity Trust are delighted to be involved in the annual rewilding project, working together with the Lerwick Port Authority and Bell’s Brae Primary School they have planted a further 150 trees.
Read moreOnline Survey: Have your say on our learning and outreach activities
04Jul From exhibitions and workshops to family activities and guided walks we would love to hear your thoughts on our current offering and ideas for the future.
Read morePinhoulland, Walls
04Jul Dr Val Turner, has been working as Regional Archaeologist at the Shetland Amenity Trust for amost 40 years. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing 5 things she loves about Shetland's archaeology, first up is Pinhoulland in Walls.
Read moreLighthouse Lives
27Jun An lovely evening of films, readings, talks and an interview with retained Lightkeeper Brian Johnson.
Read moreFilm premiere celebrates lightkeepers lives
13Jun A special film which captures the experiences of the keepers and their families who manned lighthouses over the years will be touring Shetland in June and will be premiering at Shetland Museum and Archives next week.
Read moreShetland Museum to host ARTIST ROOMS exhibition of legendary American photographer Diane Arbus
12Jun Shetland Amenity Trust is set to play host to a landmark exhibition this August featuring iconic work of Diane Arbus, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
Read moreAn evening with Craig Easton, Fisherwomen and Friends
05Jun Shetland Museum and Archives are hosting a special social evening to celebrate herring, heritage and art to coincide with the ‘Fisherwomen’ exhibition by award-winning social documentary photographer Craig Easton which is currently on display in Da Gadderie.
Read moreTalking Toevakuddis
29May Hazel Hughson, Barbara Ridland and Joan Fraser explored the use of cloth to pay taxes in a series of thought-provoking art forms in their recent Gadderie exhibition, inspiring us to consider why and how cloth was fulled in the sea and the hard work and dangers faced whilst producing this essential commodity. Many visitors to the exhibition were intrigued by the title and subject of the artists’ work – the word toevakuddi being as unfamiliar as the processes involved. Eileen Brooke-Freeman takes a look at the significance of the toevakoddi place names in Shetland.
Read moreBold new photographic exhibition celebrates the significant role of women in the fishing industry
08May A compelling new photographic exhibition that pays homage to the integral role women have played in the fishing industry will open this weekend at the Shetland Museum and Archives in a collaboration between Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Arts.
Read moreShetland Wool Week patron and nature inspired hat pattern announced
28Apr The Shetland Wool Week patron for 2023 has been named today as Shetland-based nurse and talented Fair Isle knitter, Alison Rendall, at a launch event held this evening at the Shetland Museum and Archives.
Read moreFantastic day at Sumburgh Head
19Apr Thank you to everyone who joined us at Sumburgh Head a few weeks ago to celebrate the start of the 2023 season.
Read moreOpening of newly extended tree nursery
06Apr We were delighted to see the official opening of our newly extended tree nursery at Staney Hill, Lerwick this week.
Read moreGet involved with a native tree planting and demonstration day
04Apr Shetland Amenity Trust’s woodlands team is hosting a practical demonstration day on correct tree planting practice later this month and the public are invited to come along and take part in the planting of over 200 trees.
Read moreHelp shape the future of the past at Old Scatness
29Mar Shetland Amenity Trust is beginning to gather thoughts and views on the long-term future of Old Scatness and is inviting the public to a series of free site tours and feedback opportunities over Easter on 7th and 10th April.
Read moreDa Voar Redd Up returns this April
23Mar Back for its 36th year, Da Voar Redd Up is Shetland’s most successful annual community beach and roadside spring clean-up.
Read moreSumburgh Head opening postponed to Saturday 8 April
21Mar Spring is nearly here which signals the start of the season at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre. Join in the celebrations on Saturday 1 April as the popular lighthouse destination reopens for 2023. The foghorn will be sounded to mark the start of the season and members of the public will get the chance to win a competition to be the lightkeeper’s assistant on the day.
Read moreShetland Heritage Conference
13Mar Last weekend over 80 delegates took part in discussions to help us shape the future for Shetland’s local culture and heritage. There were a number of presentations and group discussions which covered topics ranging from how we tell Shetland’s story to digital heritage. Discussions often highlighted concern that aspects of our heritage may be at risk of being lost such as oral traditions, traditional crafts and our living heritage. Shetland’s rare plants, breeds and crofting techniques were felt to be especially important to preserve and promote.
Read moreLocal knitwear designer to curate the fourteenth Shetland Wool Week
21Feb Shetland Amenity Trust’s annual Shetland Wool Week festival, the isles’ celebration of Shetland sheep, wool, and textiles, has appointed renowned local knitwear designer, Donna Smith, as the event curator.
Read moreShetland heritage conference – shaping the future together
15Feb Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Heritage Association have come together to host their first joint Heritage conference in March. Shetland’s Heritage – Shaping the Future Together will take place on Saturday 4 March in Shetland Museum and Archives.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust celebrates the return of Lerwick Up Helly Aa
07Feb It was so good to have Lerwick UHA back after two long years and welcome visitors from near and far to our sites at the Shetland Museum & Archives, Old Scatness Broch and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, the latter two of which are not usually open during the winter.
Read moreThe ‘Harriet’ unveiling honours phenomenal fundraising effort
30Jan Last night saw the official unveiling of the ‘Harriet’ portrait at a civic ceremony at Shetland Museum and Archives (Sunday 29 January) by renowned portrait artist Stuart Pearson Wright, as he presented his painting at the museum in front of invited guests.
Read moreNew watercolour exhibition at Da Gadderie inspired by the Shetland landscape
24Jan Shetland Museum and Archives will be unveiling a contemporary art exhibition in its Gadderie space this weekend that is inspired by the extremes of Shetland’s landscape. The exhibition which comprises almost 40 watercolours is called ‘Clear Sight’ and features the recent work of award-winning, Shetland-based artist, Peter Davis, who has worked using the medium of watercolour throughout his art career.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust sites open for the return of Up Helly Aa 2023
17Jan The fiery season is back and the Shetland Amenity Trust is putting together a series of events as well as offering extended opening times to its main sites to appeal to locals and visitors alike.
Read moreOn this Day in History - Braer Oil Disaster
05Jan It's hard to believe that today marks the 30th anniversary of the Braer oil spill. In this latest blog post by Shetland Museum and Archives we reflect on one of the world's worst environmental disasters in waters around Scotland.
Read moreShetland Museum and Archives Festive Opening Times
20Dec These are the Festive Opening Times for Shetland Museum and Archives and Hay's Dock by the Dowry.
Read moreShetland Museum and Archives - Closed Wed 14 Dec
13Dec Shetland Museum and Archives will be closed today due to the adverse weather conditions.
Read moreShetland Museum Straw Crafts Update
12Dec The Shetland Museum is into the fourth week of its winter evening craft sessions using oat straw, and it’s been really encouraging to see the groups progressing their skills in the endangered basketry techniques of kishie making, knotted straw (Fair Isle) and coiled stitched straw.
Read moreThe Guillemots are back
29Nov Given the horrors of bird flu last year it's great to see so many guillemots back on the cliffs today.
Read moreWinter weekend fundraiser as Sumburgh Head celebrates Christmas
21Nov Christmas is coming! Join us at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre on 3rd and 4th December as it opens for a winter weekend to kick off the festive season and raise money for a special cause.
Read moreSchool talent on display in new ‘Art’s Cool’ exhibition in the Shetland Museum
09Nov A colourful new schools’ art exhibition opens on Saturday 12 November in Da Gadderie at Shetland Museum and Archives
Read moreFree tree packs for schools and community groups
07Nov Shetland Amenity Trust in collaboration with Woodland Trust Scotland is encouraging schools and community groups in Shetland to plant native trees and help improve Shetland’s biodiversity.
Read moreNew exhibition celebrates the artwork of John Johnson: Hobby Artist at Sea
04Nov A new exhibition of paintings by Shetland resident John Johnson has been launched today in the Shetland Museum and Archives.
Read moreShetland Museum kicks off traditional straw crafts winter club
01Nov Shetland Museum and Archives is launching a series of winter evening sessions which will focus on craft techniques using oat straw and are inviting members of the public to come along to an open evening on Wednesday 9 November to find out more.
Read moreWe're Hiring - Finance Manager
19Oct In an exciting new collaboration with Shetland Arts we are recruiting a Finance manager to work across both Trusts.
Read moreBringing biodiversity and history into the (outdoors) classroom
11Oct The Crofthouse Museum has closed after a busy season and it’s been so good to see folk back again. One project we delivered over the summer months was an outreach partnership between our cultural and natural heritage teams and pupils from the nearby Dunrossness Primary School.
Read moreRise of the Relict Birch Seed
06Oct Downy Birch is one of Shetland’s few indigenous tree species left growing in the wild that has survived the challenges of both climate change and agriculture. There are now only five verified sites left. Our woodlands team recently made an exciting discovery of birch seed at Clubbi Shuns.
Read moreArchaeology is Rubbish….
27Sep Archaeology really is rubbish. It is the study of the things which people have left behind – and usually that is the things which people have discarded. Maybe not always literally though, because archaeology frequently includes looking at the ruins of buildings which have gone out of use. It also includes looking at objects which were lost accidentally, rather than thrown away, or – in the case of the St Ninian’s Isle treasure – objects which were deliberately hidden but then never retrieved.
Read moreShetland Wool Week Official Opening
26Sep The official opening of the thirteenth Shetland Wool Week took place last night at Shetland Museum and Archives welcoming guests from near and far.
Read moreShetland Wool Week returns this Saturday
22Sep This Saturday marks the return of Shetland Wool Week ‘in person’ with a packed nine-day programme of classes, tours, talks and events throughout the isles. The popular festival, which is organised by Shetland Amenity Trust, is now in its thirteenth year and will take place from 24 September – 2 October 2022.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust buildings closed on Monday 19 September
14Sep The Shetland Amenity Trust buildings will be closed on Monday 19 September for the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Read moreStories from Ukraine - with Jen Stout
13Sep Join Jen Stout, journalist and Shetlander on Tues 20 September and learn about her recent time spent in war-torn Ukraine. There will be accompanying pictures of the landscape and the people she met.
Read moreHRH Queen Elizabeth
09Sep We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Read moreArchaeology Talk: Hidden in Plain Sight? Finding Shetland's Picts
07Sep It’s Scottish Archaeology Month! And if you’re interested in, our would like to find out more about Shetland’s archaeology, then next Thursday’s talk is for you!
Read moreArchivist Brian Smith receives distinguished service award
05Sep We’re delighted that Brian Smith’s dedication to Shetland’s historical records has been recognised with a distinguished service award from the Archives & Records Association, the leading professional body for the record-keeping sector. His work is hugely important in preserving Shetland’s history and this recognition is well deserved.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust Annual Review and AGM
30Aug The Shetland Amenity Trust held their AGM on Tuesday 30st August. Trustees re-elected Alison Moncrieff for a second term and appointed a Chair and Vice-Chairs.
Read moreIt's raining ... moths!
11Aug Monday was ‘magical moth’ day at Boddam, a partnership event between Shetland Amenity Trust and The Shetland Community Wildlife Group. The wet, windy weather did little to put people off and over a dozen folk descended on Boddam to check out moth traps set the night before.
Read moreTickets to Shetland Wool Week 2022 go live on Wednesday
09Aug The much-anticipated tickets to this year’s Shetland Wool Week will go live on Wednesday 10 August at 2.00pm.
Read moreHunting Hawkweeds
27Jul July is the month that Shetland’s hawkweeds flower. Natural Heritage Officer, Paul Harvey tells us how they're so much more than a dandelion.
Read moreInternational Bog Day 2022 - Help Restore Shetland’s Peatland
12Jul To coincide with International ‘Bog Day’ the Shetland Amenity Trust is inviting people to find out more about peatland restoration and make a positive contribution to the restoration of an area of Shetland peatland on Sunday 24 July.
Read moreShetland Wool Week patron and hat pattern announced for 2022
13Jun The Shetland Wool Week patron for 2022 has been named today as Whalsay knitter, Linda Shearer, at a launch event held this evening at Shetland Museum and Archives.
Read moreSummer Nature Programme gets underway
30May The Shetland Amenity Trust are excited to launch a new programme of nature events taking place throughout Shetland this summer from June to September 2022. The events cover many aspects of Shetland’s unique natural heritage, with everything from guided walks to family days out, children’s activities and training courses, there's something for everyone.
Read moreNational Moth Night
19May Keep your eyes open - as it's National Moth Night! This event organised by Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and Atropos is an annual celebration of moth recording in the UK. It runs from May 19th-21st and everyone is encouraged to record any moths they see.
Read moreIntroduced Plants in Shetland
18May Around a third of the species of flowering plants that one might come across in the Shetland countryside are not native to the islands. That’s a staggering 300 or so species that were deliberately, or accidentally, brought into Shetland by humans! For 'Invasive Species Week' we hear from Paul Harvey, our Natural Heritage Project Officer, who focuses on introduced plants in Shetland.
Read moreVisualising Shetland’s Iron Age
17May Three of Shetland’s most prestigious archaeological monuments will be brought to life next week on 26 & 27 May at the Shetland Museum and Archives with the launch of interactive iBook Shetland in the Iron Age, together with a series of talks from five visiting archaeologists.
Read moreWe are hiring - Retail Coordinator
16May We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Retail Coordinator to join our team and develop our retail business.
Read moreHay's Dock by the Dowry opens at Shetland Museum and Archives
05May Food and drink is back on the menu at Shetland Museum and Archives, with the much-anticipated opening of ‘Hay’s Dock by the Dowry’.
Read moreHeritage sites opening for the summer
27Apr Shetland Amenity Trust is re-opening the doors to the rest of its heritage sites this May.
Read moreWe are hiring - Shetland Wool Week Event Coordinator
03Apr Join our team and become part of one of Shetland's biggest events. Attracting thousands of people from all over the world, Shetland Wool Week is an annual 9 day celebration of all things Shetland Wool and our outstanding textile heritage.
Read moreWe are hiring - Cultural Heritage Manager
29Mar We are hiring! We have an exciting new position for a Cultural Heritage Manager to lead our work in protecting, enhancing and promoting Shetland’s Cultural Heritage.
Read moreWe are seeking interested parties to help bring properties back into use
29Mar We are currently seeking interested parties to work with us to get some of our currently vacant properties back into use.
Read moreShetland Wool Week is back for 2022
28Mar Shetland Wool Week will finally be going ahead in person this September as organisers at Shetland Amenity Trust confirm the dates as 24 September – 2 October 2022.
Read moreSumburgh Head Lighthouse and Cafe to reopen for the season on 2 April
22Mar Join in the celebrations at Sumburgh Head on Saturday 2 April as the site reopens for the 2022 season. The foghorn will be sounded to mark the start of the season and members of the public will get the chance to win a competition to be the lightkeeper’s assistant on the day.
Read moreInternational Day of Forests
21Mar Shetland is not typically known for its forests, but there are in fact many plantations and woodland areas dotted throughout the isles.
Read moreDa Voar Redd Up Returns this April
14Mar Shetland Amenity Trust is pleased to announce that its award-winning annual spring clean up, Da Voar Redd Up (DVRU), is back and will take place next month from 23 – 29 April 2022.
Read moreWe're Hiring - 2022 Season!
11Mar Join our team. Vacancies available at the Shetland Crofthouse Museum and at Sumburgh Head.
Read moreThe Dowry set to open café/restaurant at Shetland Museum’s historic Hay’s Dock
01Mar Shetland Amenity Trust is pleased to announce that food and drink will once again be on the menu having reached an agreement with The Dowry to open a café/restaurant in May at its waterfront location Hay’s Dock at Shetland Museum.
Read moreWe are hiring - Peatland ACTION Project Officer
09Feb We have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated, experienced individual to join our team!
Read morePeatland Restoration Demo Day Event
09Feb Join us to find out more about our peatland restoration work and to see the team in action.
Read moreShetland Museum and Archives reopens
07Feb Shetland Museum and Archives is delighted to announce that it will reopen from tomorrow (Tuesday 8 February) following a temporary closure due to a fault with the heating system.
Read moreBusiness opportunity at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
26Jan We are offering an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual or business to partner with us and take on the role of managing our unique holiday accommodation at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, comprising two self-catered cottages.
Read moreA look back at 2021
05Jan We look back on a challenging and busy year and how we have had to adapt and find new ways of working to preserve and promote Shetland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Read moreArchaeology you must not miss!
18Nov Shetland’s wealth of archaeological gems is an all too well-kept secret and visitors frequently ask which sites they really should see on a short trip. Here regional archaeologist, Val Turner, recommends the best places to visit.
Read moreNew exhibition at the Shetland Museum to excite young readers and art lovers
28Oct A new exhibition opens this week at the Shetland Museum and Archives. 'A’ll Tell Dee a Story' is the work of local author and self-publisher Ann Marie Anderson, and her show is enhanced through a partnership programme of activities delivered by the Museum and Archives.
Read moreWe're Hiring!
20Oct We have vacancies for a Natural Heritage Officer and a Maintenance Technician.
Read moreOn the global trail: Shetland Geopark part of World’s first UNESCO trail
15Oct The world’s first ever UNESCO trail, bringing together some of Scotland’s most iconic, diverse and culturally significant sites, has been launched today (Friday, 15 October, 2021).
Read moreVIRTUAL SHETLAND WOOL WEEK KICKS OFF THIS SATURDAY
23Sep Shetland Wool Week is going virtual this year - with the nine day event kicking off this Saturday.
Read moreNew Chair Appointed and Annual Review published
01Sep We held our AGM on Tuesday 31st August 2021. Trustees considered the Annual Report and Accounts, elected new Trustees and appointed a new Chair and Vice-Chairs.
Read moreGingko tree planted at Lerwick Flower Park
06Aug A ginkgo tree has been planted in Lerwick Flower Park this morning, to mark the 76th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing on 6th August 1945.
Read moreBook launch and signing at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
02Aug The fascinating history of Scotland’s lighthouses is revealed through the stories and voices of keepers in a new book which is to be launched at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse on Sunday 8 August
Read moreHelp Restore Shetland’s Peatland
20Jul To coincide with International ‘Bog Day’ the Shetland Amenity Trust is inviting people to get involved with the restoration of an area of Shetland bogland on Sunday 25 July. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the valuable role peatlands play in tackling climate change and to take practical action in helping to protect these incredible carbon stores.
Read moreScaled up efforts for rewilding project
25May The Shetland Amenity Trust are delighted to be involved in this year’s rewilding project working together with the Lerwick Port Authority and Bell’s Brae Primary School. As well as supplying the trees, the Woodlands Team have provided advice and support on the planting as part of the Trust’s conservation and cultivation programme in the islands.
Read moreVikings Discovered in Sandwick
20Apr Hints of two new Viking sites have recently come to light in Sandwick, both made by sharp eyed young people, and both of which will be reported as Treasure Trove.
Read moreShetland Wool Week 2021 hat pattern launched
16Apr The new Shetland Wool Week 2021 hat pattern released today
Read moreSumburgh Head opens for the season this Easter weekend with a programme of family activities
30Mar Join in the celebrations at Sumburgh Head this Easter weekend as the site reopens for the 2021 season with a host of activities, events, and a new café.
Read moreDa Voar Redd Up to go ahead this April in collaboration with Marine Conservation Society
30Mar The Shetland Amenity Trust is delighted to announce that Da Voar Redd Up (DVRU) is back on and will take place from 24th – 30th April 2021. The annual beach and roadside clean-up was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Organisers have since been working on ways to make the event more efficient and COVID-safe for volunteers who wish to participate.
Read moreTrust Mourns the loss of a much loved colleague
24Mar It is with immense sadness that we have learned this morning of the passing of Davy Cooper, Head of Development and Assistant CEO at the Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read moreShetland Wool Week to go virtual for 2021
09Mar The Shetland Amenity Trust has announced today that it will be cancelling its leading event, Shetland Wool Week, which was due to take place at the end of September, due to the ongoing uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read morePlace Names - Women Immortalised in Place Names
08Mar Madge and Agatha, Charlotte, Baabie, Beenie, Belle Yorston, Jannie, Ola and Ellen Slater - who were they, when did they live and why were places named after them?
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Butter
03Mar A recent enquiry reminded Shetland place name expert Eileen Brooke-Freeman of research into butter names she carried out a few years ago. Da Butter Stane a large stone in the hills between Weisdale and Aithsting, a merch-stane (boundary stone) visible from miles around.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust reopens Shetland Museum and Archives
01Mar The Shetland Amenity Trust will reopen its doors to the public at the Shetland Museum and Archives this week following careful consideration of Government Guidelines and recent statements from Shetland NHS concerning the likely course of COVID 19 locally.
Read moreBlue Tits and Woodpeckers
22Feb At times this winter the bird-life in some gardens has been more in keeping with the Scottish mainland than Shetland. Last October saw the biggest influx of Blue Tits into Shetland in living memory. Along with these came a fair few Great Tits and the occasional Great Spotted Woodpecker too.
Read moreBirds and the Big Freeze
15Feb Its been a good few years since Shetland has faced a fortnight of freezing weather. Its not so bad for us – we can just put on the thermals, wrap up warm and get out and enjoy the snow and sun in the knowledge that we can come home to a warm house and a cupboard full of food. For our wintering birds though it’s a matter of life or death.
Read moreSumburgh Head secures support from Historic Environment Scotland
26Jan We are pleased to announce that Shetland Amenity Trust has secured funding for Sumburgh Head Lighthouse from Historic Environment Scotland as part of its recovery fund to support Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of Covid-19.
Read morePlace Names of the Week - Press hols
21Jan Shetland’s reputation of having many excellent seamen made the isles an obvious target for the Press Gang or Bluejackets, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. The Royal Navy had problems recruiting enough volunteers, particularly during periods of war, so they used the system of impressment right up to 1815.
Read morePlace Names of the Week - Playin da ba
06Jan Playin da ba was once a popular pastime at Auld Christmas (5th/6th January).
Read moreAward for iBook interpreting Mousa, Old Scatness and Jarlshof
22Dec An Interactive iBook which includes virtual tours around three of Shetland’s most prestigious archaeological monuments was Highly Commended in the Association for Learning Technologists Awards last week.
Read morePlace Names of the Week - Craigsaets
17Dec Craigsaets, also called craigstanes or craigs, are rocks along the foreshore used for line fishing and associated with the term ‘gyaain ta da craigs.’
Read moreSAT bids farewell to Chief Executive
10Dec The Shetland Amenity Trust’s Chief Executive, Mat Roberts, is leaving the Trust after almost three years in the job.
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Skerries
04Dec Skerries are small rocky islands, usually too small for habitation. They are often associated with shipwrecks and their isolation attracts bird colonies and seals. The word comes from the Old Norse word sker meaning an isolated rock in the sea. Examples occur throughout Scandinavia and the UK; particularly well known in the Britain are Skerries (Shetland), Sule Skerry (Orkney), Pentland Skerries (Scotland), and The Skerries (Anglesey).
Read morePlace Names of the Week - Personal names
25Nov Several place-names reflect people who have lived at or been associated with places in the past. Here we focus on a few less obvious and particularly interesting ones.
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Talking Taings
12Nov The Old Norse tangi, tungi means a point of land and is a common place-name in Norway, Faroe and Iceland. The names are easy to recognise and interpret because there are many parallel taing, teng, tung, tungi or tonga names in Shetland. The place-names describe the location, wildlife or buildings associated with the points.
Read morePlace Name of the Week - All about burning
06Nov This week as our minds turn to bonfires, I consider some of the many place-names that relate to burning. Old Norse brenna and brandr, a burning, burnt off piece of land, gives brunna, brenna, brenda or brenya place-names. These are places where patches of heathery moorland were set on fire to clear for grazing and encourage new growth
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Njuggls and Shöpilties
29Oct The njuggl is a water spirit similar to the kelpie, which frequents burns and lochs. It disguises itself as a horse and, by feigning tameness and affection, lures unsuspecting weary travellers onto its back and then gallops at lightning speed towards the nearest water.
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Bölin da Kye
23Oct Old Norse bú, oxi, kálfr, kýr and kví village, farm and field names all relate to cattle. Discover the Shetland place names related to cattle in our latest Place Names blog.
Read morePlace-name of the week blog – Neaps and Noups
12Oct Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. The Old Norse terms gnípa and gnúpr mean a steep mountain with overhanging top or a high mountaintop with a steep front. This gives rise to place-names like Nipa and Snønipa in Norway, Dalsnípa and Núpur in Faroe and Eiríksgnípa in Iceland. In Norse mythology, Gnipahellir was an overhanging cave where Garmr the hound was chained until the onset of Ragnarök.
Read moreAppeal: A Peerie Hansel Fae Hame
06Oct The Shetland Community would like to express its support by sending a peerie hansel (gift) from home to the estimated 400 students away from home during the pandemic. Can you help?
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust publishes 2019/20 Annual Report
06Oct The Shetland Amenity Trust has today published its Annual Report and Accounts for the 2019/20 financial year, which were approved at the AGM last month.
Read morePlace-name of the week – searching for sheep
02Oct Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. As this is Shetland Wool Week, I have been thinking about all the dialect words associated with sheep and wool and particularly the place-names that reflect where sheep grazed, rested or were caaed (rounded up).
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Grinds
24Sep The dialect word grind comes from Old Norse grindr a wicket-gate, usually in a fence or wall. Grind place-names denote where there have been such gates or describe features that resemble gateways
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Pursuing pirates
18Sep You may start talking like a pirate on “Talk Like a Pirate Day” on 19 September, but will you also go out and search for fellow pirates and if so, where will you go?
Read moreRemarkable Journeys
15Sep Autumn migration should now be in full swing here in Shetland but so far this September has proved disappointing for birdwatchers. This because the wind has largely been from the western quarter. Westerly winds do bring some migrants to the isles, notably those that breed to the north-west of us in Faroe or Iceland.
Read moreNew Chair and Trustees and farewell to Frank
14Sep The Shetland Amenity Trust held their AGM on Monday 14th September at which they appointed a new Chair, Vice-Chairs and four new Trustees. Long standing Trustee Frank Robertson stepped down after 21 years of service on the Board.
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Tings and Things
10Sep Things, from the Old Norse word þing meaning assembly, were an early system of justice and administration. When Vikings and early Norse settlers arrived in a new place, they brought with them their customs and legal systems.. Things were where political decisions were made, laws upheld and disputes settled. They acted as meeting places and were often the focus for trade and religious activity.
Read morePlace Name of the Week - Noosts
03Sep Noosts, nousts or nowsts, are places where boats are drawn up from the sea. They occur along the coastline of Northern and Western Scotland and Scandinavia and take their name from the Old Norse naust meaning a boatshed.
Read moreLook out for hoverflies
02Sep With summer drawing to an end, insects will soon start to disappear from roadside verges and our gardens but one group – the hoverflies – will be around for a while yet.
Read moreIt's bat time of year
01Sep Shetland’s cool, windy climate and the general lack of tree cover means the islands are hardly a haven for bats and there has never been any evidence that bats have bred in Shetland. Some folk, however, might be surprised to learn that bats are seen here almost every year and most occur in September and October.
Read moreSuper Saturday
25Aug Saturday was one of those days that wildlife watchers can only experience in a place as unique as Shetland. Paul Harvey's super Saturday comprised a moth, a bird and a habitat he'd not come across in Shetland before.
Read morePlace-name of the week – Quoys, quees and hwais
20Aug The re-use of place-names is sometimes confusing, especially when the same name is repeated near an original landmark, or the meaning of a name is totally inappropriate for a new house or road. However, applying old names to new buildings helps maintain links with the past, particularly when recalling what was formerly on the site.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 20 - West Side Crannogs
13Aug Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read morePlace-name of the week – Deep ida daals
12Aug Old Norse dalr place-names are commonly used for valleys in Norway and Iceland, as well as in Shetland and Orkney. In Shetland, although the map spelling is generally the same as the English dale, the pronunciation is usually daal, del or dil.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Burying Beetles
12Aug Once we get into late summer and the nights are relatively still and warm nocturnal insect activity reaches a peak. Paul Harvey tells us more about burying beetles.
Read morePlace-name of the week - Nesses
06Aug Ness place-names are common throughout the Viking world. Old Norse nes described headlands and was also used in both farm and village names.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 19 – Skaw
06Aug Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read moreWhat to Look for this week - Gentian Heaven
05Aug The gentians are among the most attractive flowers found in Britain. Yet sadly, they are becoming increasingly rare.
Read moreSuccessful Reopening of Sites
04Aug The Shetland Amenity Trust reopened its doors to the public at the Shetland Museum and Archives and the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre in recent weeks with a positive response from locals and visitors alike.
Read moreWe are seeking new trustees
31Jul Could you help lead Shetland’s heritage into the future?
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 18 - Eshaness
31Jul Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read morePlace-name of the week – Mills
29Jul Shetland’s horizontal watermills are often referred to as Norse mills as they were introduced here by the Vikings, but their origins lie in Ancient Greece.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Beautiful 'Weeds'
28Jul One group of plants that has declined more than any other in Shetland are the so-called arable weeds. Our Natural Heritage Expert Paul Harvey explains more and shares some of the best places to find them in Shetland today.
Read morePlace-name of the week – Landing places, docks and harbours
23Jul The Lodberrie has become an internationally recognised landmark since featuring as Jimmy Perez’s home in the TV drama ‘Shetland’.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 17 – Pinhoulland
22Jul It is almost impossible to go for a walk in Shetland without seeing a plantiecrub (krub), the small enclosures in the hill for kale seedlings.
Read morePlace-name of the week blog – Linga and Klingra
16Jul This week it’s been a joy to see both heather and wild roses coming into flower. Both beautiful plants are reflected in several place-names.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 16 - Eastshore, South Voe
15Jul Shetland’s South Mainland has one of the greatest densities of broch sites anywhere.
Read moreWhy Record?
14Jul This week our Natural Heritage expert Paul Harvey explains the significance of recording our wildlife.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 15 – Kebister
10Jul Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read morePlace name of the week – Brochs and Forts
09Jul Find out more about Shetland’s place names in our weekly blog. This week we visit brochs and forts.
Read moreWhat to Look for this week - Out of the Darkness
07Jul Our Natural Heritage Expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 14 - Dalsetter and Troswick
03Jul Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePlace-name of the week – a world tour
02Jul Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we go on a world tour.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Damsels and Dragons
01Jul Our Natural Heritage expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 13 - Whalsay
26Jun Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePlace-name of the week – Houlls
25Jun Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at Houlls.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Orchids are blooming
24Jun Our Natural Heritage expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 12 - Noosts
19Jun Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePlace-name of the week – Lerwick Lanes
18Jun Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at the history of the Lerwick Lanes.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - The trouble with lichen
17Jun Our Natural Heritage expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 11 - In search of Brochs
12Jun Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read moreOur commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity
11Jun The death of George Floyd has prompted a global outpouring of grief and anger that we, as an integral part of society, cannot ignore. Peaceful protest should be a catalyst for both self-awareness and action by organisations.
Read morePlace-name of the week – Garth, Gerdie, Gorsendi
11Jun Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at place names Garth, Gerdie, Gorsendi
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Beautiful Butterflies
09Jun Our Natural Heritage expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 10 - Miles of Prehistoric Landscapes
05Jun Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePlace-name of the week – birds
04Jun Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at place names inspired by birds.
Read moreProtect the environment and those who care for it - take your litter home
02Jun As the organisers of Da Voar Redd Up and the Dunna Chuck Bruck campaign we are urging people now more than ever to take their litter home with them, both to keep Shetland tidy and to protect those who pick up litter during Covid-19.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 9 - Ancient ritual and burial in the landscape
29May Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePlace-name of the week – beaches
29May Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at beaches.
Read moreVisiting Sumburgh Head during Covid-19
28May Potential visitors to Sumburgh Head urged to follow Government Guidelines as lockdown restrictions are eased.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 8 - Burnt Mounds
22May Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePlace-name of the week – kleber, klamel and klemel
21May Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at kleber, klamel and klemel.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Wildflowers
19May Our Natural Heritage expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 7 - In search of soapstone
15May Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePlace name of the week - gaets, gotts and veiens
12May Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at the 'gaets, gotts and veiens'.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Wonderful Waders
12May Our Natural Heritage expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 6 - Walking with Vikings
08May Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Bumblebees
06May Our Natural Heritage Expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read morePlace name of the week - Holms
05May Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at the 'holms'.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 5 - The Mysterious Picts
30Apr Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read moreWhat to look for this week - Wheatears
29Apr Our Natural Heritage Expert Paul Harvey shares an insight into what to look out for in the garden or when out for a walk this week
Read morePlace name of the week - Warts and Trigs
28Apr Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at the 'warts' and trigs.
Read morePlace name of the week - Bisters
21Apr Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at the 'bisters'.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 4 - Our past emerging as the coast erodes
16Apr Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read morePlace name of the week - Wicks
14Apr Find out more about Shetland's place names in our weekly blog. This week we look at the 'wicks'.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust postpones key events
13Apr The Shetland Amenity Trust have announced that its key annual events will all be postponed until next year. Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, Shetland Boat Week, Shetland Nature Festival and Shetland Wool Week will now no longer take place in 2020.
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 3 - Homesteads
10Apr Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 2 - Ness of Burgi
03Apr Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read moreOff the Beaten Track 1 – Punds Water
02Apr Walk Shetland’s Archaeological Secrets with Regional Archaeologist, Val Turner of Shetland Amenity Trust
Read moreDa Voar Redd Up Postponed
31Mar The Shetland Amenity Trust have announced that Da Voar Redd Up will be postponed until later in the year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The annual event which is now in its 33rd year was due to take place from the 25th to 26th April with an anticipated 4,500 volunteers cleaning up Shetland’s beaches and roadside verges. It is hoped that the event will now take place in the Autumn but the organisers are still encouraging people to pick up litter whilst they are out and about.
Read moreSHETLAND WOOL WEEK 2020 PATRON AND HAT PATTERN LAUNCHED
27Mar The Shetland Wool Week patron for 2020 has been named today as Shetland knitwear designer, Wilma Malcolmson, who is internationally renowned for her skilfully blended Fair
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust closes key sites
17Mar The Shetland Museum and Archives and the Shetland Amenity Trust’s head offices at Garthspool, Lerwick have today closed to the public until further notice. The upcoming seasonal opening of the Trust’s other sites at Sumburgh Head, the Crofthouse Museum, and Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village are also under review.
Read moreChair steps down from Shetland Amenity Trust
10Mar Chair of the Shetland Amenity Trust Ruth Mackenzie has announced that she is stepping down from the role for health reasons. Mrs Mackenzie joined the Trust in May 2016 and was appointed to the role of Chair of the Board in October 2017.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust reflects on a busy year
17Dec The Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) published its annual review this week looking back over the 2018/19 financial year. It has been a busy year for the Trust as it continued to deliver a range of services, projects and initiatives all aimed at caring for Shetland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Read moreA new direction for the Shetland Amenity Trust
14Nov At their meeting this morning, Friday 15 November, Trustees will launch ‘Caring for Shetland’s heritage’, their new Strategic Plan, which endorses a new direction for the Trust’s future activity.
Read moreA change in focus for Da Voar Redd Up volunteers
13Nov The final totals have now been tallied for ‘Da Voar Redd Up’ 2019, the annual spring clean of Shetland’s beaches, and the results have been surprising.
Read moreEarly Vikings discovered in Unst
22Oct There is a strong tradition of Vikings living in Shetland, but firm evidence of early Viking settlers has always been elusive – until now.
Read moreA call for ‘Pre-loved’ leaflets
22Oct Shetland Amenity Trust are encouraging local people, businesses and visitors to help them collect up visitor information leaflets so they can be re-used.
Read moreSeasonal Opening times change for key Visitor Attractions
08Oct Shetland Amenity Trust have announced that their key Visitor Attractions at Sumburgh Head, Old Scatness Broch & Iron Age Village and the Crofthouse Museum are all now closed for the Winter season. The Shetland Museum and Archives remains open with reduced hours.
Read moreFair Isle Friday Fun
08Oct Last Friday, 4th October 2019, saw the launch of ‘Fair Isle Friday’ as part of the Shetland Wool Week 10th year celebrations. People across the world wore their Fair Isle to mark the event and shared the pictures on Social Media. Lots of local organisations and businesses got involved posting pictures online using #SWWFairIsleFriday.
Read moreWool Week tutor helping to change lives in India
01Oct Young Shetland knitwear designer and Wool Week tutor Terri Malcolmson is travelling to southern India next week to teach fair isle knitting to women in the Tamil Nadu province. The two-week trip is part of an initiative to provide women in rural areas with the skills to gain sustainable, well-paid employment.
Read moreGet involved in 'Fair Isle Friday'
24Sep As organisers of Shetland Wool Week we are asking as many people as possible to get involved in ‘Fair Isle Friday’ as part of the Wool Week 10 year celebrations next week.
Read moreShetland Wool Week set for a very special year
24Sep This Saturday marks the start of the 10th Shetland Wool Week. The event has grown into one of Shetland’s biggest annual festivals and attracts people from all over the world for 9 days of workshops, tours, classes and events all celebrating Shetland Wool.
Read moreShetland retains its UNESCO Global Geopark Status
24Sep At their meeting in Indonesia earlier this week, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council announced that Shetland will retain its UNSECO Global Geopark status.
Read moreArchaeologist gather from across the world to discuss Shetland’s Archaeology
17Sep This Friday sees the start of a weekend symposium where the future Shetland’s past will be the main focus. The symposium will consider what archaeologists now know about Shetland from the time when people first settled here through to recent times, and what the key questions are for the future.
Read moreSumburgh Head Café to re-open
17Sep The popular café at Sumburgh Head is set to re-open this week. The café suffered extensive water damage earlier in the season as water leaked in through the spectacular curved windows. Repair works are now complete and Katja Stübiger of ‘Katja’s Cakes’ will be running a pop-up café for the remainder of the season.
Read moreTackling Climate Change through healthy Peatlands
16Sep To coincide with the Global Climate strike this Friday, 20th September, the Shetland Amenity Trust are inviting everyone to come along and take some practical action on climate change. The Trust has organised a peatbog restoration day where you can learn about the valuable role peatlands play in tackling climate change and to get involved in restoring these incredible carbon stores.
Read moreShetland Wool Week Stories Competition
20Aug Shetland Wool Week celebrates its tenth year this Autumn and with more people than ever booked on classes, tours and activities it is set to be the biggest and best yet. As part of the celebrations the Wool Week team are collecting stories from the people who have been part of Wool Week over the years - from participants to patrons, tutors to tea makers, communities to crofters.
Read moreHuge support for Shetland Boat Week 2019
13Aug Shetland Boat Week came to a close this weekend after a week long celebration of our maritime heritage. The Boat Week team welcomed over 500 people to Hay’s Dock each day with a range of people getting involved from toddlers to teenagers, and seasoned sailors to those who have never been on a boat before.
Read moreShetland Boat Week starts next week
31Jul Shetland Boat Week kicks off on Monday with a packed programme of events. The week long celebration of our maritime heritage has events to appeal to all, from toddlers to teenagers, and seasoned sailors to those who have never been on a boat before.
Read moreShetland Nature Festival enjoys a bumper year
16Jul The Shetland Nature Festival came to a close this weekend after a 9 day action packed programme. Shetland Amenity Trust run the annual festival and this year the programme was bigger than ever before with over 70 events throughout Shetland.
Read moreShetland Ponies: Choosing the best from the rest
16Jul The Shetland Pony is iconic around the world and will be the focus of a week long celebration of the breed this July culminating in the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society annual Breed Show. This is only the second time the show has ever been held in Shetland, the last one over ten years ago in 2009. In celebration of the event, the Shetland Museum and Archives are working with the Pony Breeders of Shetland Association (PBSA) to put on an exhibition about Shetland Pony shows and their history.
Read moreShetland Nature Festival starts this weekend
02Jul Shetland Nature Festival kicks off this weekend with Coasteering, open days at Noss and Sumburgh Head, family activities, guided walks, a talk on Seabirds by Will Miles, croft tours, botanical drawing classes, and much, much more. The Nature Festival starts this Saturday at Noss and concludes next weekend in Unst.
Read moreSeasons of the Shetland Crofter - Last chance to enter
02Jul Time is running out to submit your entry for the ‘Seasons of the Shetland Crofter’ competition. You do not have to be a professional photographer or a crofter to win, just submit a photo or video that reflects an aspect of life on a Shetland Croft. It can be a new image or video, or one from the past. You could win a luxury Vispring Real Shetland Wool Bed and a stay at the spectacular Sumburgh Head lighthouse.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust launches Heritage Season Ticket
25Jun Shetland Amenity Trust has announced the release of a new ‘Heritage Season Ticket’. The ticket can be used at Shetland Amenity Trust sites in the South Mainland including Sumburgh Head Lighthouse & Visitor Centre, Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village, and the Crofthouse Museum at Dunrossness. The ticket provides up to a third off the usual ticket price and means that you can visit the sites as many times as you wish throughout the season.
Read moreA native Shetland Hazelnut
25Jun Growing quietly in the Staney Hill horticultural unit, a relict of Shetland’s ancient woodlands is springing to life once more. The woodlands team at the Shetland Amenity Trust have successfully cloned and pollinated the last native hazel tree in Shetland and it has produced its first hazelnut.
Read moreShetland Nature Festival Programme Launched
12Jun Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th July will see the return of the Shetland Nature Festival with a bigger and better programme than ever before. Shetland Amenity Trust has just announced the bumper programme of events which stretch from Unst to Fair Isle, and Eshaness to Skerries, and many places in between.
Read more2019 Shetland Boat Week Programme Launched
11Jun Shetland Amenity Trust is pleased to announce the launch of the 2019 programme of events for Shetland Boat Week, to be held from 5th to 11th August. Sponsored by Ocean Kinetics, So Much to Sea, Lerwick Port Authority and Serco NorthLink Ferries, the event includes a number of new activities this year to complement the return of firm favourites.
Read moreSAT announces Geopark partnership with Mirrie Dancers
04Jun Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) has announced a partnership with Mirrie Dancers Chocolatier to celebrate and promote Shetland’s Geopark status.
Read moreLooking to the future
12May Shetland Amenity Trust is looking to the future of Shetland’s natural and cultural heritage and the future work of the Trust itself. They are now asking for feedback from groups, organisations and individuals on what the priorities should be for the Trust in the coming years.
Read moreOur Millionth Visitor!
22Mar Our team at the Shetland Museum & Archives welcomed their millionth visitor on Thursday 21st March.
Read moreShetland Wool Week 2019 Patron Announced
22Mar The Shetland Wool Week guest patron for 2019 has been named today as Shetland ‘Man of Wool’, Oliver Henry. The news was announced yesterday morning at the start of Scotland’s largest urban yarn and fibre event, the Edinburgh Yarn Festival, where the Shetland Wool Week team is exhibiting.
Read moreWelcoming tenders for Hay’s Dock Café
15Jan Do you have what it takes to deliver a great café offering in a 5 star Visitor Attraction? We work hard to feed the imagination of all our visitors at Shetland Museum and Archives - up to 90,000 of them per year - but sometimes they need something more. We are inviting tenders for the operation of our in-house café ‘Hay’s Dock Café’ for the period of 1 year.
Read moreMuseum loses a treasure
18Dec Shetland Museum and Archives lost one of its greatest treasures last week as member of staff Cathy Hallett retired. Cathy has been a Visitor Services Assistant at the Museum since its opening in 2007 when she welcomed Queen Sonja of Norway and the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to our Museum.
Read moreThe Mystery of the Three Kirks
03Dec A small sandstone altar found recently at Eshaness has sparked a mystery at the Shetland Museum and Archives. Shetland Amenity Trust staff were preparing the altar for exhibition at the Museum when they discovered that the sandstone was not in fact from Shetland.
Read moreBusinesses and Communities Redd Up Remote Areas
27Nov With marine industries and land owners realising the benefits of making positive change, this year saw a large increase in the number of remote areas cleared through Da Voar Redd Up.
Read moreThe Vikings are coming - prepare for a spectacular audio visual theatrical performance
14Nov Shetland Amenity Trust is delighted to announce that the international Follow the Vikings Roadshow is coming to Shetland on Saturday 24th November. Celebrations will begin with a Family Fun Day at the Shetland Museum and Archives from 10.30am to 4pm, followed by a unique contemporary show portraying Viking heritage in Mareel from 7.30pm.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust Appoints Head of Engagement
05Nov The Shetland Amenity Trust is delighted to announce that after a thorough and independent recruitment process conducted by external consultants, Sandy Middleton has been appointed to the position of Head of Engagement.
Read moreHay’s Dock Café Restaurant Closure
03Nov Hay’s Dock Café Restaurant, in the Shetland Museum and Archives, has closed in the face of recent, very challenging trading conditions. The decision was taken with regret, but the business is not currently profitable.
Read morePeerie Boat Week Proves Popular
21Aug Shetland Amenity Trust have released details of the numbers of visitors to the Peerie Boat Week event last week and are pleased with the turnout and public feedback on the miniature maritime festival.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust hopes to take on graduates
27Jul Shetland Amenity Trust, keen to explore the possibility of bringing graduates to live and work in the islands, is offering two graduate placements in key areas of its operations. These posts would be part of the ScotGrad Programme and would be part-funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.
Read morePeerie Boat Week Programme now online
24Jul Shetland Amenity Trust have published the first details of the Peerie Boat Week programme online this morning ahead of the maritime festival next month. The printed programme, sponsored by Serco NorthLink Ferries, will be available shortly.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust Leadership Team Reorganisation
23Jul The Shetland Amenity Trust is delighted to announce that after a thorough and independent recruitment process conducted by external consultants, the following appointments have been made to its Leadership Team:
Read more2018 Shetland Nature Festival Programme Launched
17Jul Shetland Amenity Trust, in partnership with RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage is delighted to announce that the programme for the 2018 Shetland Nature Festival has now been published online, with tickets available to book now. This year the Festival will run from Saturday 28th July to Sunday 5th August inclusive.
Read morePeerie Boat Week Programme to launch in July
16Jul Shetland Amenity Trust, organisers of the 2018 Shetland maritime festival are preparing to announce full programme details shortly for the August event.
Read moreThe National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2018
04May Five hundred years after the dazzling genius of Hans Holbein, a painting by one of the greatest portraitists of all time can now be seen in Shetland.
Read moreElection of Trustees
10Apr There are a number of vacancies on the board of trustees that the Shetland Amenity Trust is looking to fill. Applications are open until Monday 30th April.
Read moreTrustee applications welcomed!
08Mar Shetland Amenity Trust is still looking to recruit some new trustees.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust appoints new Chief Executive
05Mar The Trustees of the Shetland Amenity Trust are pleased to announce their appointment of Mat Roberts as the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer.
Read more31st Voar Redd Up Launched
27Feb Shetland Amenity Trust has announced the dates for Shetland’s 31st annual Voar Redd Up, with the main weekend to take place 28th and 29th April 2018.
Read more2017 Shetland Environmental Awards Presented
15Nov The winners of the 2017 Shetland Environmental Awards have been announced at a ceremony in Shetland Museum and Archives today.
Read moreEighth Shetland Wool Week begins this weekend
20Sep The eighth Shetland Wool Week will be kicking off on Saturday 23 September for a nine-day celebration of Shetland’s textile heritage and wool and crofting communities.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust Chair Retires
13Sep Brian Gregson, who has chaired Shetland Amenity Trust for the past decade, has decided to step down from the position ahead of the Trust’s annual general meeting next month.
Read moreBenefits of Small Scale Woodlands Event
04Sep The SRDP Farm advisory Service has arranged a series of presentations, including the Trusts Peatland Restoration Officer, Sue White.
Read moreStill time to apply for Environmental Awards
23Aug Shetland Amenity Trust is reminding local environmental projects that they have less than two weeks left to enter the Shetland Environmental Awards.
Read more2017 Shetland Environmental Awards Launched
28Jul Launched today, the Shetland Amenity Trust is looking for nominations for the Shetland Environmental Awards. Any environmental project is eligible to apply.
Read more2017 Shetland Nature Festival Programme Announced
01Jun The programme of events for the 2017 Shetland Nature Festival has been published online today, with tickets available from Monday 5th June.
Read moreShetland Museum and Archives Celebrates Ten Years
29May Shetland Museum and Archives will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the service on Saturday 3rd June with a day of special events.
Read morePeatland Restoration at Sandy Loch
21Apr Shetland Amenity Trust and local contractor Sean Mackenzie have recently been working on a peatland restoration project, funded by Scottish Water, at the Sandy Loch just outside Lerwick.
Read moreShetland Precast & Groundworks Ltd Leases Enviroglass
18Apr Shetland Amenity Trust is pleased to announce that its glass recycling enterprise, Enviroglass has been leased to a local family business experienced in the precast industry.
Read moreStill time to register for Redd Up
12Apr There is still time to register for the 2017 Voar Redd Up, due to be held the weekend of 22nd & 23rd April.
Read moreShetland Boat Week Sponsors Confirmed
12Apr Shetland Amenity Trust, organisers of Shetland Boat Week, is pleased to announce the key sponsors for this year’s event. Lerwick Port Authority have committed support alongside last year’s sponsors Ocean Kinetics and Serco NorthLink Ferries.
Read moreAccolade for Shetland Nature Publications
08Mar Shetland Heritage Publications title, Discover Shetland's Birds by Paul Harvey & Rebecca Nason, came third in the Favourite Scottish Nature Photography Book 2016 vote.
Read more2017 Voar Redd Up Launched
06Mar Shetland Amenity Trust has announced the dates for Shetland’s 30th annual Voar Redd Up, with the main weekend to take place 22nd and 23rd April 2017.
Read moreManagement appointment at Shetland Amenity Trust
13Feb Due to the sad death of Jimmy Moncrieff, Mr Andy Steven, Head of Strategy and Innovation, has been appointed interim manager at Shetland Amenity Trust.
Read morePeatland Project Highly Commended
06Dec The Shetland Peatland Restoration Project has been highly commended in the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards.
Read moreShetland Peatland Project Nominated for Award
07Sep The Shetland Peatland Restoration Project, run by Shetland Amenity Trust's Peatland Project Officer, Sue White, has been shortlisted for an RSPB Nature of Scotland Award.
Read moreLast Call for Environmental Award applications
07Sep Shetland Amenity Trust would like to remind local environmental projects that they have just over a week left to enter this year's Shetland Environmental Awards.
Read more2016 Environmental Awards Launched
19Aug The 2016 Shetland Environmental Awards are officially open for nominations today, Friday 19th August.
Read moreShetland Boat Week Success
16Aug Organisers of the first Shetland Boat Week have hailed the festival as a success, after hundreds of people attended planned events and activities last week.
Read moreBest Practice Award for Peatland ACTION
12Jul The Peatland ACTION Project has won the CIEEM Best Practice award for large scale practical nature conservation.
Read moreInteresting Features Identified in Surveys
11Jul Geophysicists from the University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment identified interesting features in a series of archaeological surveys in Shetland last week.
Read moreGeophysical Surveys in Shetland
21Jun Geophysicists from the University of Leeds, in collaboration with Shetland Amenity Trust, will be conducting surveys at Old Scatness and Sands of Sound this summer, to identify potential extensions to known archaeological sites.
Read moreTree Management at Kergord
20Apr Anyone passing Kergord recently may have noticed ongoing work to clear wind-felled trees and manage the woodland area.
Read more2016 Redd Up this Weekend
19Apr The 29th annual Voar Redd Up will take place this weekend, with thousands of volunteers taking to beaches and roadsides to clear bruck.
Read moreShetland Boat Week Launched
13Apr A new and exciting event is planned for Shetland this summer. The first Shetland Boat Week will take place between 8th and 14th August.
Read morePeatland Restoration Day
15Feb Ten volunteers plus 5 members of the Peatland Restoration Team set out on a snowy, but bright, Saturday morning this past weekend to the peat hills of the East Kames.
Read moreArchaeology Article Nominated for Award
21Dec An article about OId Scatness, inspired by an interview with Shetland Archaeologist Val Turner and colleague Stephen Dockerill has been nominated for an award.
Read moreShetland Heritage Book Shop
20Nov Shetland Amenity Trust is set to host a pop-up traditional style bookshop next weekend (28th & 29th November) to mark Book Week Scotland.
Read moreNew UNESCO programme recognises the UK’s seven ‘Global Geoparks’
17Nov UNESCO – the United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture – has announced a new programme, which creates “UNESCO Global Geoparks.” This is the first new UNESCO designation of its kind to be established in over 40 years and puts Global Geoparks alongside UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Read more2015 Shetland Environmental Award Winners Announced
11Nov Shetland Amenity Trust hosted the Shetland Environmental Awards at a ceremony held in the Museum and Archives today. Seven local environmental projects won an award for demonstrating sustainability, innovation and best practice.
Read moreViking Project Identity Contract
08Oct Shetland Amenity Trust is currently tendering for a creative agency to develop identity guidelines for the Follow the Vikings project.
Read moreNew Trustee Appointed
01Oct Following the recent AGM at Shetland Amenity Trust, Alastair Hamilton was elected as a Trustee, in place of Laughton Johnston who chose not to stand for re-election.
Read more2015 Environmental Awards Launched
24Jul Launched today, the Shetland Amenity Trust is looking for nominations for the Shetland Environmental Awards. Any environmental project is eligible and the Trust would encourage those who have undertaken these projects, or anyone who knows of a worthy project, to apply.
Read moreBruck Monster Goes on Show
17Jul The highly successful anti-litter campaign film, 'Curse of the Bruck Monster', is now on show at Shetland Museum and Archives along with the specially created model of the Monster.
Read moreFollow the Vikings Project Launched
15Jul The €3.92 million Follow The Vikings project was successfully launched in Lerwick on Friday 10th July. Twenty-eight delegates from the 14 partners participated in the first Steering Committee and contributed enthusiastically to the planning for the various project work packages.
Read moreNature Festival Launches with Photography Competition
02Jul Shetland Nature Festival kicks off this weekend for a series of great events, and the launch of a Nature inspired photo competition, with a return trip for two to Aberdeen supplied by Northlink Ferries as the prize.
Read moreViking Unst Summer Opening
01Jul The Viking Unst site at Brook Point will open this weekend for Living History demonstrations and to give details about the Viking Unst Project.
Read moreSumburgh Head Receives Five Star Award
19May Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve has been awarded a Five Star Visitor Attraction rating following a recent inspection visit by Visit Scotland.
Read morePeatland Restoration Project Shortlisted for Award
14May The peatland restoration project in the Cunningsburgh hills has been shortlisted for the 2015 Golden Plover Awards. The work has been carried out by Shetland Amenity Trust, Hazel and Kenneth McKenzie and local digger driver Sean MacKenzie and was funded by the SNH’s Peatland Action Fund.
Read moreScalloway School Redd Up at Burwick Beach
14May Pupils, staff and volunteers from Scalloway School will return to Burwick Beach on Friday this week for the third year running to carry out the annual Redd Up. The work done during this Redd Up is followed up by work in the classroom and with local businesses to help tackle the marine litter problem.
Read moreThe Shetland Boat: Lecture Live Online
29Apr Shetland Museum and Archives is set to broadcast its first live lecture online from the auditorium on Thursday 14th May. Marc Chivers will discuss the history, folklore and construction of Shetland Boats
Read more2015 Shetland Nature Festival Programme Launched
27Apr The programme of events for the 2015 Shetland Nature Festival has been published today, ahead of what is sure to be a successful 6th year for the event.
Read moreFollow the Vikings Project
16Apr Shetland Amenity Trust has been awarded €1.96 million from the EU Creative Europe Culture sub-programme for the project “Follow the Vikings”.
Read moreBards are back and speaking Bruck
12Mar Shetland Library, in partnership with Shetland Amenity Trust, is launching a new round of the popular Bards in da Bog poetry competition.
Read more28th Voar Redd Up Launched
06Mar Shetland Amenity Trust has announced the dates for Shetland’s 28th annual Voar Redd Up, with the main weekend to take place 25th and 26th April 2015.
Read moreGeopark Shetland Secures Project Funding
03Mar Geopark Shetland is pleased to announce the success of a funding bid to the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme for the ‘Drifting Apart’ project, involving partners from Canada to Russia.
Read moreShetland Traditional Boat Building Skills Project
26Jan Shetland Amenity Trust have been awarded £105,000 grant funding from the Coastal Communities Fund to develop an SQA accredited customised award in the building of traditional Shetland, wooden boats.
Read moreArchaeology collection awarded Status of National Significance
04Dec The Archaeology Collection cared for by Shetland Amenity Trust has become the latest Recognised Collection of National Significance awarded by Museums Galleries Scotland.
Read moreRenewable Energy enhances Sumburgh Head’s energy efficiency
03Dec Solar photo voltaic panels at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve are being used as part of a wider scheme, including geo-thermal ground source heating, to enhance the sustainability of the visitor attraction and lighthouse buildings. The success of this technology can be seen from the results of the first few months of electricity generation.
Read more2014 Shetland Environmental Awards Presented
12Nov 2014 Shetland Environmental Awards Presented. Shetland Amenity Trust hosted the Shetland Environmental Awards at a ceremony held in the Museum and Archives today. The awards acknowledged twelve local environmental projects demonstrating sustainability, innovation and best practice.
Read moreScalloway Museum foundations layed
29Oct The mild weather this morning enabled the foundations for the Scalloway Museum extension to progress.
Read moreEssential repairs commence on Nil Desperandum
23Sep Following a successful request for volunteers by the Shetland Amenity Trust, essential repair work has begun at Hay’s Dock to the ex-seine netter boat Nil Desperandum.
Read moreGeopark Shetland Educational August
03Sep It’s been a great month for education in Geopark Shetland, as the Geobus arrived to run a series of workshops with High Schools in the islands. This is a free educational outreach project for schools developed and run by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews.
Read moreLast Call for Environmental Awards
01Sep Shetland Amenity Trust is reminding local environmental projects that they have just over a week left to enter this year’s Shetland Environmental Awards.
Read more2014 Shetland Environmental Awards Open
25Jul Launched today, the Shetland Amenity Trust is looking for nominations for the Shetland Environmental Awards. Any environmental project completed during 2014 is eligible and the Trust would encourage those who have undertaken these projects, or anyone who knows of a worthy project, to apply.
Read moreDouble Gold in Green Tourism Awards
11Jul Shetland Amenity Trust and one of its core services, the Shetland Museum and Archives, have both, again, achieved Gold Standards in the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), following a recent assessment by inspectors.
Read moreNew Sumburgh Head Website Launched
03Jul The brand new website for Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve was launched today, following the official opening of the restored buildings in June.
Read morePeatland Restoration Project
02Jun A new Shetland Amenity Trust “Peatland Restoration” Project has been established with an aim to raise awareness of the importance of blanket bogs; not only for the wildlife they support, but also for the other ecosystem services that they can deliver.
Read more2014 Shetland Wool Week Programme of Events
23Apr Organisers of Shetland Wool Week are set to release the details of the 2014 programme on Thursday morning, with tickets for classes and events on sale from Monday 28th April. The festival takes place from 4th to 12th October.
Read more2014 Shetland Nature Festival Programme Announced
24Mar Organisers of the 2014 Shetland Nature Festival are pleased to announce the publication of the schedule for the 7th annual festival, to be held from 5th to 11th July.
Read more27th Voar Redd Up Launched
11Mar Shetland Amenity Trust has announced the dates for Shetland’s 27th annual Voar Redd Up, with the main weekend to take place 26th and 27th April 2014.
Read moreShetland Wool Week 2014 Patron Announced
05Feb Organisers of Shetland Wool Week have today announced Hazel Tindall as this year's guest patron of the festival, and invited local craftspeople with ideas for events to get involved in the 2014 event. This is the fifth year of Shetland Wool Week, which continues to grow in popularity, attracting a worldwide following and hundreds of visitors to Shetland every October.
Read moreScottish Parliament hears about Enviroglass
28Nov Last night delegates at a special session of the Scottish Government's Cross Party Group on Architecture and the Built Environment heard how Shetland is utilising its waste glass in an innovative way to produce high quality products.
Read moreARTIST ROOMS: Don McCullin Exhibition Announced
28Nov Shetland Museum & Archives and Shetland Arts Development Agency will show work by internationally acclaimed photojournalist Don McCullin in Da Gadderie and Bonhoga Gallery from 29 November 2014 to 22 February 2015 in a joint exhibition entitled Fallen.
Read moreShetland Museum and Archives Textile Collection is Recognised
15Nov Shetland Amenity Trust is delighted that the Shetland Museum & Archives' Textiles Collection has been awarded Recognised status by Museums Galleries Scotland, under its Recognition Scheme.
Read more2013 Shetland Environmental Awards
13Nov Shetland Amenity Trust hosted the Shetland Environmental Awards at a ceremony held in the Museum and Archives today. The awards acknowledged eleven local environmental projects demonstrating sustainability, innovation and best practice.
Read moreShetland Wool Week Looks Ahead
15Oct The fourth Shetland Wool Week concluded on Tuesday morning with the closing remarks of the North Atlantic Native Sheep and Wool Conference. This marked the conclusion of 11 days dedicated to the celebration of Shetland Sheep, Wool and all things textile which saw hundreds of people attending events throughout the isles.
Read moreShetland Textiles 800BC to the Present
22Sep Shetland Textiles: 800 BC to the Present traces the history of textiles in Shetland through fabrics and garments together with the fibres and tools used to craft them, and the people who made and wore them. It brings together in-depth research with personal memories of local people, lavishly illustrated by stunning images.
Read more2013 Environmental Awards Reminder
04Sep Shetland Amenity Trust is reminding local environmental projects that they have just over a week left to enter this year's Shetland Environmental Awards. The closing date for award applications is 12noon, Friday 13th September.
Read moreTransport Litter Week of Action
20Aug Shetland Amenity Trust and the Shetland Islands Council are to highlight the blight of roadside litter in the isles as part of National Transport Litter week, 19th to 25th August. They are also appealing for volunteers to help with a Redd Up along Da Black Gaet on Thursday afternoon. Anyone who would like to be involved should contact the Trust on 01595 694688 for further details.
Read moreViking Congress Highlights Shetland's Hospitality
13Aug Shetland AmenityTrust has been delighted with the delivery of the 17th Viking Congress, held at Mareel and Shetland Museum and Archives last week, showing that Shetland has the capability and experience to host large scale, international events.
Read moreShetland to Host Viking Congress
01Aug Shetland Amenity Trust is to host the 17th Viking Congress from 3rd to 10th August. This international academic event is a gathering of scholars of Viking culture and it is the first time the Congress has been back in Shetland since the first event was held in Lerwick, in 1950.
Read more2013 Environmental Awards Launched
26Jul Launched today, the Shetland Amenity Trust is looking for nominations for the Shetland Environmental Awards. Any environmental project completed during 2013 is eligible and the Trust would encourage those who have undertaken these projects, or anyone who knows of a worthy project, to apply.
Read moreScottish Government Announces Geopark Funding
25Jul The First Minister today confirmed funding of £280,000 to support two Geoparks in Shetland and the North West Highlands. This investment, which will be provided over two years, will allow the Geoparks – which play an essential part in promoting tourism – to continue as valuable members of the UNESCO supported Global and European Geoparks Network.
Read moreSkaill Hoard Exhibition on Loan
23Jul Shetland Museum and Archives will unveil an exciting new loan exhibition this week, comprising a number of pieces of the Skaill Hoard Treasure, courtesy of their partnership working with National Museums Scotland, and with sponsorship from Shetland Jewellery.
Read moreShetland Nature Festival Round-up
17Jul The 2013 Shetland Nature Festival took place recently, with nature themed events throughout the Isles including traditional favourites such as guided walks and the ever popular Noss Open Day, but there were also some new departures.
Read moreAxe Training at Viking Site
03Jul Shetland Amenity Trust's Architectural Heritage Team has been training this week in traditional Viking building techniques using hand axes. The training has taken place at the site of the recently constructed Viking Longhouse in Unst, where these methods would historically have been used in construction.
Read moreRedd Up Shortlisted for Award
25Jun Da Voar Redd Up has been short listed for the 2013 RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards. The awards, designed to recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in Scottish nature conservation, aim to recognise projects which protect and enhance the nation's natural heritage.
Read moreEarth Science Entertainment with Geopark Shetland
19Jun Geopark Shetland is preparing to host a visit from the Tectonic Studies Group for an evening of earth science entertainment, aimed at all ages and levels of scientific understanding. The Group, which is part of the Geological Society, will be spending a week in the isles to explore the structural Geology of Shetland.
Read moreTHING Project Presented
12Jun Shetland Amenity Trust is presenting the activities and findings of the 3-year NPP funded THING Project at an event in Shetland Museum and Archives on Saturday 22 June. The afternoon will include presentations about the project, the relevance of the thing system today, and how Nesting Primary School was inspired to create their own thing site in the school grounds.
Read moreTrust Teaches Dry Stone Dyking
10Jun Shetland Amenity Trust recently held introductory training courses in the art of Dry Stone Dyking, where participants were given a basic understanding of the principles and skills required to get started.
Read moreDunrossness Primary Pupils Complete Sumburgh Graffiti Project
22May Pupils from Dunrossness Primary School have been taking part in an art project which will see their work preserved in the fabric of the newly restored buildings at Sumburgh Head for future generations to discover.
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust Hosts UK Maritime Heritage Forum
21May Shetland Amenity Trust hosted the 2013 UK Maritime Heritage Forum annual meeting at Shetland Museum and Archives last week. Local delegate, Sandra Laurenson, of Lerwick Port Authority said "It was good to meet some interesting guests from other Maritime Heritage sites and they were all very positive about their visit to Shetland."
Read moreSumburgh Head Progress
01May The Sumburgh Head Project continues to make good progress towards completion, on schedule, in Spring 2014. An appeal has been issued for more information on wartime keepers.
Read moreWriting the North
01May Shetland and Orkney's literature will take centre stage in a major new project being launched this weekend in Edinburgh. The project will culminate in spring of 2014 with a specially designed exhibition at Shetland Museum and Archives, and will include activities for school pupils, new contemporary writing and a series of public events.
Read moreDry Stone Dyking Training
23Apr Shetland Amenity Trust are seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to attend a training course covering the principles and basic skills of Dry Stone Dyking.
Read moreShetland Wool Week 2013
17Apr Shetland Amenity Trust is proud to be a partner in the ever growing Shetland Wool Week. Held every October, this event is a celebration of celebration of Britain's most northerly native sheep, Shetland's textile industries and rural farming communities. Organised by a committee of local public, private and voluntary organisations, this community led event has a world-wide following, and attracts ever increasing numbers of wool and knitting enthusiasts to the isles every year.
Read moreHavera Book Launched
12Apr The latest title from Shetland Heritage Publications was launched today at Shetland Museum and Archives. Havera: the story of an island, recounts the history of the small island of South Havera, and the people who lived there before it was finally abandoned in 1923 after originally being settled in the 1770's.
Read moreSkerries ‘Boathouse’ to be Restored
11Mar A lifeboat from the Ugie Brae, which has served as a lambie-hoose in Skerries for many years will be restored in the coming months.
Read moreRegistration is open for the 26th annual Voar Redd Up
08Mar Originally launched in 1988, Da Voar Redd Up quickly became the largest community based voluntary clear up throughout the UK, with over 20% of Shetland’s population regularly volunteering for the event. Last year 4,849 participants volunteered more than 10,000 man hours to collect over 56 tonnes of bruck from roadside verges, beaches and coastline.
Read moreHazelnuts Grow in Shetland
05Mar On a recent routine visit to the Loch of Voe Community Woodland (at the A970 Vidlin junction), Shetland Amenity Trust Woodlands staff were surprised to come across a few ripe hazelnuts on a shrub, in a stand of about one or two dozen hazels.
Read moreSkidbladner Longship Relocated
13Feb The Viking Unst replica longship, Skidbladner was last week moved to it's permanent location, adjacent to the newly constructed Longhouse.
Read moreVisitor Numbers Boosted by Divine Cat
06Feb Visitor numbers at Shetland Museum and Archives increased to the highest ever level in 2012. Numbers released this week show that 88,963 people visited the building during the year, an increase from the previous year when the Lewis Chessmen and Tall Ships visitors had already boosted numbers to an all-time record.
Read moreNominations Sought for Inspiring Award
25Jan Shetland Museum and Archives are seeking public nominations for the title of the UK's most inspiring Museum. The Guardian Cultural Professionals Network has teamed up with the Museums and Heritage Awards for 2013/2/13 to award this accolade.
Read moreFormer Keeper Returns for 192nd Anniversary of Light
16Jan Tommy Eunson, from Virkie, yesterday visited Sumburgh Head tower to commemorate the 192nd anniversary of the light first being lit. The occasion was also an early birthday celebration for Tommy who will be 81 on 28th January.
Read moreWinter Storms Reveal Archaeological Sites
16Jan South-westerly storms which affected Shetland over the festive period have revealed an exciting new archaeological site in Dunrossness, which was assessed by Trust archaeology staff
Read moreShetland Amenity Trust Achieves Gold Again
30Nov Following a comprehensive assessment Shetland Amenity Trust and one of its core services,the Shetland Museum and Archives, have again achieved Gold Standards in the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).
Read more2012 Environmental Awards
16Nov Shetland Amenity Trust presented the Shetland Environmental Awards at a ceremony held in the Museum and Archives today. The awards acknowledged four local environmental projects demonstrating sustainability, innovation and best practice.
Read moreFive Stars Retained by Museum and Archives
14Nov Shetland Museum and Archives has again maintained a five star grading following a recent assessment by Visit Scotland.
Read moreViking sites lead the way in global treasure hunt
13Nov Shetland is part of an innovative new tourism initiative linking sites in Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland, Orkney, Highland Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The Thing Sites GeoTour, which launched this week, has been developed as part of the EU Northern Periphery Programme funded THING Project and was created with the assistance of the team at Geocaching.com.
Read moreChalara Dieback of Ash
06Nov Most people will probably be aware from national news programmes or newspapers that a serious fungal disease, Chalara fraxinea, affecting a native tree species, ash (Fraxinus excelsior), has spread into the UK.
Read moreCommon Seal Study
30Oct Local photographer Jim Nicolson recently encountered this Common Seal at Sandsayre. Photographs of the seal, which showed the animal to be sporting an orange, numbered tag on its hind flipper, were sent to Shetland Biological Records Centre.
Read moreViking Longhouse Reconstructed
29Oct Shetland Amenity Trust are pleased to announce the completion of the replica Viking Longhouse in Unst which the Trust’s Architectural Heritage team have been working on during the past three summers.
Read moreMuseum's Art Collection goes Live
29Oct A group of oil and acrylic paintings from Shetland Museum's collection of art can now be viewed on the BBC's Your Paintings website. The 187 paintings range from 18th century portraits of eminent Shetlanders, to 21st century landscapes by contemporary artists.
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