Student researcher keen to hear about heritage of peatland

A STUDENT working towards a masters degree in heritage is looking to hear from Shetland residents about the history of local peatland.

Ginebra Lavao is hosting a number of informal “show and tell” workshop events in Lerwick over coming weeks where people are encouraged to bring “stories, songs, photographs or objects” that represent their heritage in relation to Shetland’s peatland.

The events will take place at Fjara on Wednesday 5 June (2pm), Sunday 9 June (2pm) and Friday 14 June (4pm).

“There’s three workshops taking place to suit as many people as possible, but you only have to attend one,” University of Stirling student Lavao said.

“I will then hopefully look at the relationship that cultural heritage has with how people use and value peatlands, which is important to take into account for peatland restoration projects.”

Shetland has a long connection with peatland, with folk cutting peats to burn as fuel.

In more recent times evidence has shown peatland to be a carbon store, with a growing number of restoration projects taking place in Shetland.

For more information on the university research project people can contact Lavao by email on gil00028@students.stir.ac.uk.