The 'Meal Roads' in Shetland
Saturday, March 21st 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Learning Room, Shetland Museum
In 1847 Shetland was stricken by the potato blight that had already devastated other parts of Europe. Relief came in the form of a road building programme in which the Shetland victims of famine laboured and were paid in meal given under strict conditions of supervision.
Barbara Ridland and Joan Fraser will introduce a new resource, currently under development, that will allow greater insight into these events. Through a set of linked narratives that bring together relief records, original documents and maps, it focuses on the people and communities affected by the crisis. The afternoon is aimed at researchers and anyone interested in family or local history.
This is a free event, but booking is required
Category: Lectures
