Outwith: Valda, MacDiarmid and Whalsay
Saturday, March 28th 2026 - Saturday, June 20th 2026
Da Gadderie, Shetland Museum and Archives
The story of Hugh MacDiarmid and his wife, Valda, continues to inspire nearly a century on. This landmark exhibition focuses on the nine years (1933 - 1942) poet Hugh MacDiarmid and his wife Valda spent in the Shetland island of Whalsay, exploring how the island influenced their lives and work.
‘Man, dey were fantin – da folk tocht ill aboot dem and dey gae dem fish and things’
Despite poverty, ill health, and isolation, MacDiarmid produced half of his life's work there. The exhibition examines how the island's rugged landscapes, community and solitude shaped his poetry, while highlighting Valda's resilience and support, which was central to his achievements.
". . I was out constantly with the fishermen, and I went away out beyond Foula, in the main deep as they call it, you see, beyond the continental shelf. "
Featured items will include original manuscripts and personal letters on loan from the National Library of Scotland (NLS); photographs from the Grieves Estate and Whalsay Heritage Group, visual art from Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) artist Alexander Moffat, and landscapes from Scottish contemporary artist Ruth Nicol (RSW).
The exhibition will be presented at the museum's Da Gadderie Gallery in collaboration with National Library Scotland, RSA, Shetland Library, and Whalsay History Group, connecting national heritage with local Shetland history.
This exhibition and events programme is the final instalment of the National Library of Scotland’s OUTWITH programme for its centenary year.
A vibrant events programme is planned to coincide with the exhibition.
Family photograph © Grieves Estate
With thanks: This project has been shaped through local partnership, with generous support and contributions from the Whalsay Heritage Group. Key loans include the original fourareen used by Hugh MacDiarmid to reach Linga, alongside photographs, Valda’s knitting pattern books and replica knitted garments. We warmly thank them for their involvement.
The National Library of Scotland's OUTWITH programme has been kindly supported by Garfield Weston Foundation, the NLS Foundation, The Gannochy Trust, P F Charitable Trust, Stichting Teuntje Anna (TA Fund), The Ettrick Trust, William Grant Foundation, Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust, and by supporters of the National Library's Centenary Appeal.’
