Whalsay History Group

Overview

The Whalsay History Group was formed in 1984 and acquired premises in 1993, which is now known as the Whalsay Heritage Centre. This is in the Farmers House, part of the Midden Court complex to the rear of the Secondary School. The school is housed in a former Georgian mansion, which was once home to the Lairds of Whalsay and built around 1830.

In the Heritage Centre the group now have a splendid base for meetings and exhibitions. The exhibition for summer 2009 was the history of Whalsay’s fishing and crofting. Exhibits also look at some of last centuries events in Whalsay, concentrating on the Kirk, the Lairds and Healthcare before the NHS. They plan to add ‘schools’ to the existing exhibits for 2010.

Additionally, an important part of the heritage centre is the family history room with its Parish and Census Records which can be seen on microfilm. The History group members will be happy to help anyone interested in research. We are open every Wednesday evening through the winter, from 7pm - 9pm and everyone is welcome to come and have a look around.

Finally, the restoration of the Farmers house to the Whalsay Heritage Centre was finished in 2006. Finding phase 1 completed of a larger vision to see all Midden Court buildings restored and available for a variety public uses. Therefore, recently a sub-group has been formed to take phase 2 of this project forward. A feasibility study is presently being carried out to this effect and is due to be completed in spring 2010.

Distance from Lerwick - 21 miles to Laxo to meet ferry, then less than 1 mile from Symbister Ferry Terminal.

Events

See the events calendar for information on upcoming events in the area.

Facilities

Map & Directions