New home for Shetland Family History Society

Published: 28 January 2020

The Shetland Family History Society has thrown open its doors to its new premises at Shetland Amenity Trust’s head office at Garthspool in Lerwick.

The Society, which promotes the study of family history and genealogy has moved location from Hillhead to Garthspool where it is expected to stay for two years with the long-term plan of moving to the Shetland Museum and Archives once appropriate space can be found.

The Society has been in operation since 1991 thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and is well used by both locals and visitors who are all keen to trace their Shetland roots. Unfortunately their previous base at Hillhead was no longer viable for them and with the support of Shetland Islands Council had been seeking a new home for some time.  An agreement with the Shetland Amenity Trust was reached late last year for the Society to move into the offices at Garthspool.

Susan Cooper, Chair of the Shetland Family History Society said: “We are delighted to be in our new offices at Garthspool and look forward to welcoming our first visitors.  Moving offices was a daunting task but it is great to be set up in our new location and to be working alongside the team at the Shetland Amenity Trust.”

Ruth Mackenzie, Chair of the Shetland Amenity Trust was there to welcome the Family History Society as they moved in last week.  She said: “I am so pleased to be welcoming the Family History Society here to Garthspool.  Their work plays a vital role in keeping Shetland’s heritage alive and aligns so closely to our own work in caring for Shetland’s heritage.  I hope it will lead to even more opportunities for future collaboration.”

The family history society offices will be open to the public every week day from 2.00pm – 4.00pm and by appointment by contacting secretary@shetland-fhs.org.uk