Pay a Visit to the Fascinating Fetlar Interpretive Centre

The picturesque island of Fetlar is often referred to as the Garden of Shetland, as it is blanketed in breathtaking green fields and land, which is mostly used for farming. Other than being the idyllic location for a peaceful vacation filled with natural wonder and magnificent bird watching opportunities, the island is also scattered with the remains and tell-tale signs of its distinguished history of Norse and Viking occupation and Stone Age relics. One can always spend days trying to locate these hidden sights, but visiting the Fetlar Interpretive Centre is far less time consuming and much more educational and fascinating.

The Fetlar Interpretive Centre is a community run museum that documents the history of Fetlar through a massive collection of photographs that date back to the 1860’s, wonderful exhibitions of various items connected to the traditions and history of the island, and a spectacular collection of artifacts. They also run numerous island related projects and have ensured that their facility is able to accommodate visitors with disabilities to be able to welcome everyone to share in the fascinating past of Fetlar.

Multi-media displays and artifacts bring the exhibitions to life, covering a variety of topics and cultural activities such as folklore, whaling, shipping, historical houses, The Earls of Zetland, archeology, the art of crafting, peat work and the journey from past to present. With the islanders being known as extraordinary fishermen, Fetlar has a rich history connected to the ocean and with the accidental discovery of Norse artifacts in a local man’s garden, television crews have also descended onto the island to assist in archeological projects, highlighting the diversity of the island. Education played a vital part in the community of Fetlar and the Fetlar Interpretive Centre also touches on this subject. Households are represented in the museum through a collection of items such as textiles, sheepskin items, clothing and primitive appliances. With the island being legendary for its wildlife, the centre has wonderful photographs, as well as audio and visual footage to share with visitors, looking at the bird life on the island, flowers, marine life, geology and Shetland Ponies.

The stories of the islanders are told at the Fetlar Interpretive Centre. Between the photographs, documents and the handwritten diaries left behind by the ancestors of the islanders, a rich and colorful history comes to life. Every aspect of Fetlar is protected here, and will continue to educate the future generation of a heritage they can be proud of.