Events
Shetland Museum and Archives are proud to offer a range of events for adults, children and famlies, covering a variety of themes throughout the year. Our own events are detailed below, or see the 'What's On' Calendar for all public events and exhibition listings for the building.
Visit our Box Office to view event listings at our heritage sites
Museum Highlights Tour
Shetland Museum & Archives
Make the most of your visit with us and join us on a tour to ensure you see the highlights of our museum and our Recognised Collections.
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Shetland Museum Socials - drop-in
Learning Room, Shetland Museum & Archives
Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm - 3.30pm. Each session will have a heritage theme as the focus. Enjoy a cuppa, have a chat and learn something new!
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Pre-school Activity Mornings
Shetland Museum Auditorium
Bring your little explorers to the Shetland Museum & Archives for our heritage-filled fun sessions, designed especially for under 5s - where history comes to life through play and discovery! Drop-in event, no need to book.
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Relaxed Sunday Sessions
Shetland Museum & Archives
Join us for a relaxed Sunday session designed to support people who enjoy visiting our Museum when it is quieter. This session aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for individuals, families and groups who may benefit from a more relaxed session.
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Northern Isles No More? The Story of Emigration from Orkney and Shetland since 1700
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Shetland Museum & Archives
Professor Marjory Harper will talk about her latest book release - "Northern Isles No More? The story of emigration from Orkney and Shetland since 1700".
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MACDIARMID: IN COVERSATION with Alexander Moffat, Ruth Nicol and Alan Riach
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Shetland Museum & Archives
Inspired by the words and world of Hugh MacDiarmid, Alexander Moffat, Ruth Nicol and Alan Riach share how his letters, poetry and deep connection to the landscape continue to influence contemporary art and writing.
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‘OUTWITH’ Family Fun Day
10:00am - 2:00pm
Shetland Museum & Archives
Step into the lively lives of Hugh, Valda and their son Michael as you explore our vibrant exhibition in Da Gadderie. Follow exciting trails that lead you through their stories, discoveries and get creative with hands‑on craft activities whilst imagining what life was like for the family.
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Creative Poetry Workshops (Primary 4-7)
10:30am - 12:00pm
Shetland Museum & Archives
Immerse yourself in MacDiarmid’s poetry and letters in this imaginative, interactive session. Inspired by the historic works featured in the Outwith exhibition, we’ll delve into traditional writing styles and craft our own poems using a range of old style writing tools.
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Who’s Hugh & Valda? Workshops (Primary 1-4)
10:30am - 12:00pm
Shetland Museum & Archives
Uncover the story of Hugh and Valda and gain a sense of what life on Whalsay was like for them. We’ll explore the Outwith exhibition, listen to poetry shaped by the island’s fishing traditions, and return to the learning room to create our own clay sixareens.
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FIND ENCLOSED: Creative Bookbinding Workshop (Adults)
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Shetland Museum & Archives
Inspired by ‘Outwith: Valda, MacDiarmid and Whalsay’ this workshop will guide you in hand-making a concertina-style journal or sketchbook. Valda’s letters and MacDiarmids writings will serve as creative prompts as you turn your handmade book into something uniquely yours.
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