Shetland Museum and Archives

The galleries integrate Shetland’s museum and archives collections for the first time to tell Shetland’s story in the most complete and accessible way. 

We have a wide range of tours, talks, films, workshops, trails and resources that will help you discover more about Shetland’s Past.

In the lower gallery you will discover Shetland’s journey from its geological beginnings to circa 1800, finishing in the dramatic Boat Hall which spans both floors.  Once upstairs take time to admire the boats from the viewing balcony before entering the upper gallery to discover Shetland from circa 1800 to the present day.

Hay's Dock

Hay’s Dock is the last remaining area of original dock on the Lerwick waterfront and a category B listed building.  When Shetland Amenity Trust acquired the dock in the late 1990s it was in a poor state.  Following the decision to locate the new Museum and Archives here, it was restored to its former glory and now provides a fitting gateway to Shetland’s Heritage Hub.

Textiles Collection

The Textiles Collection cared for by Shetland Amenity Trust is a Recognised Collection of National Significance in Scotland.  The quality collection held at Shetland Museum and Archives portrays the iconic significance of Shetland textiles on an international scale.

Archives

The Archives collect, care for and make available records about past and present life in Shetland.

We make them available in a comfortable, quiet searchroom. Our collection contains all kinds of documents, books and sound recordings.  It covers a large range of specialist areas including textiles, fishing and maritime history, literature, music and natural history.

You can find information on the main types of records by clicking on the headings in the left hand navigation bar.

We also hold:

• A collection of maps and plans - including first and second edition Ordnance Survey maps.

• About 5000 books, magazines, journals and pamphlets relating to Shetland – on subjects such as archaeology, biography, culture, folklore, genealogy, language, literature, religion, statistics, the sea and war.

Education

For formal education we offer a range of tours, workshops and talks that are suitable for pre-school to further and higher education groups, free of charge.

Nurseries, Playgroups and Schools

By bringing our collections alive our staff will inspire learning across topics from Vikings to the Victorians, Crofting to Portraiture, Whaling to 19th Century housing. Visits can be tailored to pupils and classes needs.

Visits can be tailored to meet students need from curator-led talks to collections research to visits for inspiration for design projects. Please contact to discuss your requirements.

Download the Shetland Museum and Archives Schools Programme here.