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To find out more please visit Vacancies with Viking Unst
Unst is the most northerly island in Britain, right in the heart of the Viking seaways. It was one of the first landfalls of the Vikings coming to Britain and it is rich in Viking and Norse remains. Over 30 rural longhouse sites have been identified so far. That means that Unst has a greater density of rural longhouse sites than anywhere else, including Scandinavia. However, we know surprisingly little about them.
The aim of the Viking Unst Project is to open up some of these sites for public enjoyment and information.
This multinational project began in May 2006. The first phase of the project is funded until 2010 and encompasses three main aspects:
It is hoped that future phases will look at other aspects of Viking settlement.
The knowledge gained from excavation work will help to fulfil the main objectives of the Viking Unst project, which are:
To find out about current events please visit our what's on page
Excavation is being undertaken at the longhouse sites of Hamar, Belmont and Underhoull. Local volunteers are welcome to take part and help to uncover the past.
To find out more visit our excavations page.
Alongside ongoing excavation work, the project is bringing the Viking past to life through exhibitions, events and reconstructions.
To find out more visit our reconstruction page.
At Viking Unst we want to give the local community, and those further afield, a chance to participate as fully as possible in the project. This includes working with local schools, holding events and exhibitions and inviting volunteers to help with our excavations. Why not find out more about getting involved or contact us with your questions?
The Shetland Amenity Trust’s new Shetland Museum and Archives opened in Spring 2007. Built on the historic 19th century site of Hay’s Dock, this iconic new building replaces the old Shetland Museum and Shetland Archives and offers a rich insight into the development of Shetland from its geological beginnings to the present day.
It recently gained five stars - the highest grading possible - through Visit Scotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme. Visit Scotland were very impressed with the ‘world-class facilities and outstanding presentation of Shetland’s history through time’.
The musuem is an excellent place to find out more about the Viking heritage of Shetland. It currently houses a number of impressive Viking finds and a replica of the famous St Ninians Isle Treasure.
The Viking Unst Project wishes to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund, The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, Shetland Development Trust, Shetland Enterprise, Shetland Amenity Trust, Historic Scotland and Shetland Islands Council.
