Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.3°C   S Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Hillswick jeweller’s workshop flooded

A fire engine was called out to pump water from the workshop and yard.

A NORTH Mainland handmade jeweller is counting the cost of sizeable flood damage to her workshop following heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

Esme Wilcock, who runs Jewellery Made by Shetland from the Hillswick workshop she shares with her father, blacksmith Bruce Wilcock, said she was “gutted” after floodwater of about two and a half feet gushed in.

“The water came down off the hill very fast, bringing a lot of silt with it, and the drains couldn’t cope,” she told Shetland News. “The yard and workshop went from being clear to flooded in about half an hour.”

A fire engine from Brae was called out at around 11.30am and used a small pump to drain the water away, leaving the scene shortly after 1.15pm having ensured the area was safe.

Esme said she wanted to thank everyone who had helped including the fire crew.

“The neighbours were great and all mucked in helping sweep the rest of the water out, and cleared the silt off the road – we are lucky to have them,” she said.

She won’t know the full extent of the damage until the workshop is fully dried out, and the buildings appear to be unscathed, but she had some pieces of jewellery sitting out ready to be polished and “they have been lost”.

“I have dehumidifiers in now trying to dry it all out and I am hoping I can get back in working as soon as possible as it’s my livelihood,” Esme added.

Her handmade business uses glass, shells and pottery collected from Hillswick beach and Shetland sand to cast bespoke pieces of silver and gold jewellery.

Esme’s father keeps his power hammers in the workshop and they are unsure of the damage to it, but the fan for his furnace was submerged by water so “it could be a while before the forge is lit” again.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.