Shetland history

The history of the Shetland Islands began long before the appearance of modern towns. The archipelago was inhabited as early as the Mesolithic era, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. However, the arrival of the Scandinavians became a key stage in shaping the unique character of the islands.

In the 8th–9th centuries, the islands were colonised by Vikings, who named them Hjaltland. For a long time, Shetland was part of the Kingdom of Norway. A turning point in history was the year 1469, when the islands were pledged to Scotland by Christian I, King of Denmark and Norway, as security for his daughter's dowry. Since then, the archipelago has been part of Scotland, yet it has retained its Scandinavian spirit.

The development of the region was defined by its unique geographical position and natural conditions:

• Strategic Geography: Located at the crossroads of sea routes between Scandinavia, Scotland, and the Faroe Islands, Shetland served as an important point for seafarers and traders.
• Marine Resources: The abundance of fish in the surrounding waters became the foundation of the economy and the survival of the local population, turning the islands into a major centre for the fishing industry.
• Isolation: Remoteness from the mainland contributed to the preservation of unique traditions and relative autonomy in governance during the early stages.

The early economy was built on a combination of farming and fishing known as crofting. Residents raised hardy breeds of sheep and ponies adapted to the harsh climate. Culturally, the islands remained Scandinavian for a long time: Udal law operated here, distinct from the feudal law of Scotland, and the local population spoke Norn — a dialect of Old Norse that persisted in daily use right up to the 18th century.

Timeline of Key Events

• Around 4000 BC — First evidence of permanent settlements by Neolithic farmers who left behind megalithic structures.
• Around 100 BC — Period of active construction of brochs — unique round stone tower-fortresses, the most famous of which is the Broch of Mousa.
• Late 8th — Early 9th Century — Mass colonisation of the islands by Scandinavian Vikings, which completely changed the culture, laws, and language of the archipelago.
• 1195 — Following a rebellion against the Norwegian crown, the islands were stripped of their earldom status and came under the direct rule of King Sverre of Norway.
• 1469 — King Christian I of Denmark pledged the Shetland Islands to Scotland as security for the dowry of his daughter, Margaret.
• 1600 — Earl Patrick Stewart began the construction of Scalloway Castle, which became a symbol of his despotic rule and feudal oppression.
• 1707 — The Act of Union between Scotland and England led to changes in trade regulations and the gradual decline of traditional trade with German merchants of the Hanseatic League.
• Mid-18th Century — The final disappearance of the Norn language (the local dialect of Old Norse) from everyday use and the transition to Scottish English.
• 1886 — Passing of the "Crofters Holdings Act", which granted small land tenants (crofters) legal rights and protection from eviction.
• 1939–1945 — Organisation of the secret "Shetland Bus" operation to transport agents and equipment to Nazi-occupied Norway.
• 1978 — Opening of the Sullom Voe Terminal, the largest oil terminal in Europe, which radically transformed the economy of the islands.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of the Shetland Islands proceeded from isolated settlements to a modern industrial and tourist centre. Below are the main milestones that shaped the economic and architectural appearance of the region and its capital — Lerwick:

• Change of Capital and the Rise of Lerwick (17th Century): The historical centre was Scalloway, but the deep-water harbour on the east coast became a magnet for Dutch fishing fleets. This led to the spontaneous construction of the trading port of Lerwick, which took over the status of capital and became the main urban hub of the archipelago.
• Era of the "Great Herring Boom" (19th – Early 20th Century): The industrialisation of the fishing trade turned the islands into one of Britain's largest ports. During this time, the iconic waterfront architecture was created, and stone warehouses (lodberries) and docks were built, defining the historical look of the coastal zone.
• Infrastructure Leap of the War Years (1939–1945): World War II brought the islands out of isolation. For military needs, the first paved runways (now Sumburgh Airport) and a network of surfaced roads were built, laying the foundation for modern logistics.
• The Oil Era and the Creation of the Shetland Charitable Trust (from the 1970s): The discovery of oil in the North Sea and the construction of the Sullom Voe Terminal became the main economic driver. Unique agreements with oil companies allowed revenues to be directed towards social infrastructure development: building the best roads in Scotland, modern schools, and sports complexes.
• Port Modernisation and Green Energy (21st Century): In recent years, active redevelopment of Lerwick Port has been underway. The construction of new deep-water berths has allowed for the reception of giant cruise liners and the servicing of renewable energy projects, reorienting the economy from oil to wind and tourism.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of the Shetland Islands and their capital, Lerwick, is dictated by the harsh climate and close connection to the sea. Here you will not find opulent Baroque or ancient Classicism in their pure forms. The urban fabric of the city is a story of struggle against the elements, embodied in massive stone, narrow sheltered streets, and functional buildings that have acquired a unique charm over time.

Traditional Development and "Lodberries" (17th–18th Centuries)

The historical core of Lerwick formed spontaneously along the coastline. The most recognisable architectural element of this period is the lodberries — private jetties and stone warehouses built directly into the water. They served for unloading goods (often contraband) directly from boats.

• Style: Vernacular (folk), utilitarian.
• Characteristic Features: Thick walls of grey sandstone, slate roofs, facades facing directly into the sea, lack of decoration.
• Iconic Object: The Lodberrie — the most famous house in Lerwick, which became the "home of Detective Jimmy Perez" in the series "Shetland".

Military Architecture (17th–18th Centuries)

The strategic position of the islands required protection, which was reflected in fortification structures.

• Object: Fort Charlotte.
• Features: A pentagonal artillery fort, originally built during the Anglo-Dutch Wars and rebuilt in the Georgian era. It is an example of strict military functionality dominating over the old town.

Victorian Era and Scots Baronial Style (19th Century)

With the growth in prosperity caused by the fishing boom, public buildings began to appear in the town, designed to demonstrate status and civic pride. During this period, elements of Gothic Revival and National Romanticism penetrated Lerwick.

• Style: Scots Baronial, Neo-Gothic.
• Iconic Building: Lerwick Town Hall, opened in 1883.
• Details: Turrets, crenellated parapets, lancet windows, and stained glass depicting the history of the islands from the Vikings to the Scottish Earls. The building dominates the town's skyline, resembling a medieval castle.

Modern Development (20th–21st Centuries)

The second half of the 20th century, especially after the start of the oil boom in the 1970s, brought modern architecture to the islands. The town expanded beyond the coastal strip onto the hills (Hillhead area and beyond).

• Residential Development: Practical low-rise houses with rendered walls ("harling") that protect the masonry from moisture and wind.
• Cultural Objects: Shetland Museum and Archives. This is an example of modern contextual architecture, opened in 2007. The building echoes the forms of traditional boat sheds and sails, blending harmoniously into the historic waterfront.

Notable Figures of the Shetland Islands

The history and culture of the archipelago are inextricably linked with the names of people whose deeds — from tyranny to great art — shaped the character of these islands. Below are key figures who left a significant mark on the annals of Shetland.

• Arthur Anderson (1791–1868)
  Co-founder of P&O, philanthropist, and politician.
  A native of Lerwick who rose from a simple clerk to one of the most influential businessmen of the Victorian era. He co-founded the famous shipping company P&O (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company). Anderson never forgot his homeland: he founded an educational institute (now Anderson High School) and a home for fishermen's widows. The building Böd of Gremista, where he was born, now operates as a museum.
• Earl Patrick Stewart (c. 1566–1615)
  Earl of Orkney and Shetland.
  Known as "Black Patie", he went down in history as one of the most despotic rulers of the islands. To strengthen his power, he used the forced labour of local residents to build Scalloway Castle in 1600. His rule symbolised the end of the era of Norse law and the transition to Scottish feudalism. He was executed in Edinburgh for treason, but his castle remains one of the main attractions.
• Tom Anderson (1910–1991)
  Musician, composer, folklorist.
  The man called the saviour of the Shetland fiddle tradition. While the world was shifting to pop music, he collected, recorded, and taught the ancient melodies of the islands. Thanks to his efforts, the unique style of Shetland fiddle playing did not disappear but became a hallmark of the region, known throughout the world.
• Hugh MacDiarmid (1892–1978)
  Poet and leader of the "Scottish Renaissance".
  Although Christopher Murray Grieve (the poet's real name) was not born in Shetland, he lived on the island of Whalsay for nine fruitful years in the 1930s. It was here, in harsh isolation, that he wrote many of his best works. His stay on the islands attracts literature lovers wishing to see the landscapes that inspired the classic author.
• Aly Bain (born 1946)
  Virtuoso violinist.
  The most famous living musician of the Shetland Islands, a student of Tom Anderson. Aly Bain brought local folk music to the world stage, performing in the planet's largest halls and founding the band Boys of the Lough. His name has become synonymous with Shetland culture abroad.
• Thomas Fraser (1927–1978)
  Fisherman and musician.
  A unique natural talent from the island of Burra who, despite never pursuing music professionally, became a cult figure posthumously. Working as a fisherman, he recorded thousands of songs in country, blues, and jazz styles at home on a reel-to-reel tape recorder. After his death, these recordings were released and brought him fame as the "Shetland Lonnie Johnson", showing how deeply American music had penetrated the daily life of the islanders.