Published on: Aug 6, 2021
With a background in managing maritime related events, we are pleased to be involved in the creation of Shetland Maritime Heritage Society - a group where the core objectives are to promote, protect and preserve Shetland’s maritime history and traditional skills.
The Shetland Maritime Heritage Society is appealing for anyone with an interest in Shetland’s Maritime Heritage to sign up as a member.
The Society aims to carry out a number of activities including the development of a training programme for squaresail skills, enabling safe public access to sixareen sailing aboard the Vaila Mae. Permission has been granted by Shetland Amenity Trust for this activity to resume this summer.
The Group will bring together local service providers, skilled craftspeople, and others with relevant knowledge and experience to develop a series of public facing maritime activities, including a bi-annual festival.
Membership is open to any individual or organisation from 1st August for a token contribution of £10 per year. Members will receive regular updates and invitations to participate in events, as well as having the opportunity to join the Committee, overseeing the activities of the Society.
One of the founders of the Shetland Maritime Heritage Society, Brian Wishart, said “Those of us driving this new Society wish to see more opportunities for all ages to engage with sea and land-based activities, learning about the skills, history and traditions of Shetland’s maritime past and present.
It’s important that we build on the positive outcomes from previous Shetland Boat Week events and bring people together to enjoy and experience our maritime connections. We hope to work with Shetland Museum and Archives on future events to tie in with the important maritime collections held there and using the befitting setting of the historic Hay’s Dock.”
Early discussions with Dr Ian Tait of the Shetland Museum and Archives have been positive, with Dr Tait expressing support for the Society: “A Society such as this can only be a positive force for the promotion and celebration of Shetland’s Maritime Heritage. Those with a real dedication to the subject will naturally encourage others and develop a strong community, capable of great things.”
To apply for membership, download the sign-up form HERE. Send payment (£10.00) to: Shetland Maritime Heritage Society, c/o Realta Events Management, 14 Alexandra Buildings, Lerwick, ZE1 0LL. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Shetland Maritime Heritage Society’. You can also make a bank transer to RBS account 00781652, sort code 83-24-22. (please use your name as payment reference)
For enquiries, contact shetlandmhs@gmail.com.
Privacy Notice for sign up
Please note that Shetland Maritime Heritage Society will hold your contact details on file for the purposes of providing you with information in regard to the Society operations and other events and activities in relation to Shetland's maritime heritage. These details will be held securely and not shared with any third party for any other purposes without your express permission. You may request a copy of any information we hold on you at any time, and you may also request to be removed from the mailing list at any time.