Esther Renwick and Marc Chivers

Shetland’s location and the geography of its island archipelago has meant that for most of the 6000 years that people have lived here a seafaring culture has prevailed. This is reflected in the archaeological record where strong cultural links can be seen with mainland UK and Norway. Until recently, everybody used small boats for local transport and communication, but today, boat culture is an important part of Shetland’s heritage not a lived experience for modern communities.

In this talk, archaeologist Esther Renwick and boat historian Marc Chivers, both long-time Shetland residents, will examine the traditional boat culture in Shetland and look at some of the archaeological evidence that helps us build a more complete seaward, rather than landward narrative of an almost lost way of life.