Since 1983 the Shetland Amenity Trust has worked to protect, improve and enhance buildings and artefacts of architectural, historical, educational or of other interest in Shetland, and to provide, develop and improve facilities for the enjoyment of the Shetland countryside and its flora and fauna.
Jamieson & Smith Shetland Wool Brokers Ltd. purchase Shetland wool from 750 of Shetland’s crofters and farmers, and transform it into high-quality Shetland wool products including yarns, knitwear, blankets and carpets. J&S started Shetland Wool Week in 2010, and are a member of the Campaign for Wool.
Jamieson’s is a family owned business, which has specialised in wool from the native Shetland sheep for five generations. The family are dedicated to the survival of this unique fibre and as each new generation joins the business, this promotion becomes their life’s ambition.
Island Vista is a locally owned company, based in the Shetland Islands that specialises in providing high-quality shore excursions and bespoke tours for private groups and individuals. Island Vista aims to enhance the visitor experience by concentrating on creating excursions that connect Shetland’s traditional way of life, natural beauty, unique archaeology, fascinating geology, wonderful wildlife and rugged landscape of the Shetland Isles.
Uradale yarns come only from organic native Shetland sheep. Their sheep are naturally multi-coloured, so the Uradale knitting yarns reflect the natural colours of our flock. Uradale Yarns wool is unbleached when scoured and spun.
Hoswick is traditionally known as the Textile Hub in Shetland. We celebrate Shetland Wool Week in the Hoswick Visitor Centre by providing classes and also a comfortable place to meet, knit and spin whilst enjoying a light refreshment from the cafe. Delight in fabulous views, a pretty beach, knitwear shops and a warm welcome from tutors, locals and other visitors.
Shetland Museum and Archives is an award winning, multifunction visitor attraction that forms a gateway to Shetland’s heritage and culture and link into Shetland’s other heritage and cultural facilities, events and activities. The Shetland Museum and Archives achieved a five star grading, the highest possible, as a visitor attraction through the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme.
Shetland Textile Museum is a community museum in Shetland – the only one of its kind dedicated to the islands’ textile heritage. Housed at the Böd of Gremista on Lerwick’s waterfront, the collection comprises over 500 knitted and woven items dating from the nineteenth century to the present day. Temporary exhibitions show pieces from new designers, and regular demonstrations of spinning and knitting make the STM a vibrant centre of Shetland’s textile culture and heritage.
The Shetland Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers was formed in 1988 by a group of people keen to promote the crafts of spinning, weaving and dyeing and, of course, knitting. Knitting is such a familiar aspect of Shetland and an integral part of Shetland’s history that it tends to be thought of as “always there” – we hope to ensure that it is indeed always there.
Located in the wild crofting landscape of the remote island of Foula, west of the Shetland Islands, Foula Wool is proud to bring you their very own range of naturally coloured knitting yarns exclusively spun from 100% Foula Sheep Wool.
100% Shetland wool. Mackenzie’s Farm have been tending the croft at Aister, Cunninsgburgh for hundreds of years.
Led by a desire to use what is on the door step and the traditions of the past, Donna runs her business from the family croft producing naturally dyed yarn and knitting patterns. Her Langsoond yarn is 100% Shetland wool; the fleeces from the crofts of neighbours and friends and includes the wool from the family’s flock of sheep. Donna has been designing knitting patterns since 2015; many are based on traditional Shetland techniques and patterns.
Producing 100 per cent pure Shetland yarn from their flock of Native Shetland Sheep. Laxdale wool is dyed in a lovely selection of colours inspired by the surrounding area of their croft and garden. Sheila Halcrow also designs her own Fair Isle knitting patterns and creates kits which are available for sale on her website.
Producing beautiful fibre and knitting yarns from Shetland in natural and hand-dyed colours. The Silly Sheep Fibre Company use fleeces from their own sheep and from those of their friends and neighbours on the island.
Shetland knitting and heritage tours and publications.
Shetland College is Scotland’s most northerly partner within UHI and offers students in Shetland the opportunity of studying further, higher and degree level courses. The onsite textile facilitation unit allows local and visiting students to develop their skills in a inspiring location.
The Campaign for Wool was initiated in October 2008 by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who had observed that the wool industry was facing enormous and unprecedented challenges. The Campaign is multi-national, multi-sector and inclusive, and tries to embrace all sections of wool users from the very largest companies to specialist artisans with the aim of raising the profile of wool as a sustainable farmer to support sheep numbers and the prices paid to farmers for their wool.
YS2022 Community Stories Fund was designed to support organisations and community groups to take part in and celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, spotlighting the unique stories that matter to them with new, creative events, activities and programming. The fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players