Shetland Islands

You are in Lerwick. This is the capital of the Shetland Islands. It grew around a harbour and the fishing industry so of course has a maritime history. This is not unexpected but did you know it has a Norse history. It was owned by Norway and the people spoke Old Norse. How did it become Scottish, it was pawned by a the King of Norway and Denmark for his daughter’s dowry.

Buildings in Lerwick are of stone and this has been the preferred building material since prehistoric times as stone not wood is plentiful.

Some buildings have appeared on television in the show “Shetland “.

Other buildings show all materials can be put to good use.   This house has an unusual garage. The roof is a boat that travelled for  many years with supplies to one of the smaller islands.

Buildings have been repurposed many times. Churches have become flats, halls and even a library.This church was designed to hold 2/3 of the population. Dutch seamen would come to church, leave their clogs at the door and then found their clogs had been mixed up.

This church is still a church. It has an active congregation who have made tapestry kneelers ( stone floors are cold).There are magnificent windows that have been designed by the same artist who made the windows in Westminster Abbey. Some have a strawberry symbol to remind him of his father who died from a bee sting while handing out strawberries to some poor children,

Shetland people are proud of their Norse history. This is reflected in the design of the Town Hall.

Now there are other quirky sites such as double  names on buildings and streets. This happened because in the old town some areas had become unsavoury. It was thought having a better name might improve the area, A novel , if impractical idea that didn’t work.

These two buildings perhaps shouldn’t be wise by side. 

Shetland is known for its knitwear and textiles. We saw these in the textile and heritage museums. Just a few photos for you to ooo and  ahhhh over because I know you must be overwhelmed by your Museum visits.

There were were a few more things you may have found interesting such as buildings, and this car.

Following lunch, we are off to the former capital Scalloway. From here we will see the countryside.

An early start tomorrow. Islands to see , ferry’s to catch. Off to bed . See you tomorrow.