New Vagaland poetry book launched

Published: 16 November 2023

'Love in Human Herts’, a new publication celebrating Vagaland’s finest poetry has been launched today by the Shetland Amenity Trust.

Thomas Alexander Robertson, who wrote under the pen name Vagaland, is one of Shetland’s best-loved poets. Last published in book form in 1975, Robertson’s poetry has become increasingly unavailable. This new publication coincides with the 50 year anniversary of his death and includes a selection of 30 of his greatest poems and a glossary.

In both English and Shetland dialect, his poetry celebrates traditional ways of life that few people today have experienced. Vagaland cared deeply about ‘da aald true wyes’, and his writing is a reminder that there is inevitably something lost when we rush headlong towards the new.

Edited by Brian Smith, Laureen Johnson and Mark Smith. Essential reading for all language lovers and Shetland aficionados.

• Available to pre-order from the online SAT shop.
• Publication date estimated 24 November.
• £10
• A5
• 64pp, Paperback
• Cover image: Aimee Labourne