The development of what must surely be regarded as Shetland’s most exciting heritage project took a tremendous leap forward recently when the Trustees of Shetland Amenity Trust confirmed the appointment of local firm DITT Construction Ltd. as main contractors for the New Shetland Museum and Archives.

This appointment, coming as it does in conjunction with the issue of a formal building warrant last week, will allow work to commence, as planned, early in the new year. This multi-million pound project is for the construction of new purpose built premises which will bring Shetland’s museum and archives under the same roof for the first time.

The exciting project has been developed by a joint Project Team from Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Islands Council with the responsibility for the overall management being undertaken by the Trust. Funding for the project has been provided mainly through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Shetland Charitable Trust. The Project Team has worked with award winning architects BDP to design a building which is forward thinking, makes use of the latest available technologies and yet is in complete sympathy with its setting at Hay’s Dock.

In addition, a large amount of work is currently being undertaken by a working group, consisting of Museum Service, Shetland Amenity Trust and GBDM Ltd staff, on the development and design of the various displays which will transform the shell of the building into a first class facility for both the residents of Shetland and visitors. A concurrent but separate project is being developed for the regeneration of the dock itself which is practically the last surviving example of Lerwick’s historical wharfs. 

The aim of the project is a consolidation of both the Museum and Archives services and their integration with existing services provided by Shetland Amenity Trust and local museums/history groups/visitor centers, in partnership with Shetland Islands Council and other interested bodies. This will create,  by positive fusion,  a new cultural heritage service for Shetland which will be better co-ordinated, proactive, more accessible and more rewarding for visitors and locals alike.

Shetland Amenity Trust General Manager Jimmy Moncrieff stated “Speaking on behalf of the Trust and the entire Project Team we are delighted that this major milestone has been reached and we have every confidence that the contractor can deliver a first class building on time and within the available budget. We look forward to welcoming the public when the doors open in 2006.”

Click here for more information on the project.