News / Amenity trust pays tribute to ‘monumental’ work of archaeologist Val Turner as she ends 38 year tenure
ARCHAEOLOGIST Val Turner is to end a 38-year association with Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) to move across to Shetland Islands Council (SIC).
It comes as the regional archaeology service changes hands from the amenity trust to the SIC this month.
SAT announced Turner would leave the trust after a “remarkable” tenure as regional archaeologist to a similar role at the SIC.
The amenity trust said the switch would ensure “the continuity of this vital work”, adding Turner’s influence and contributions “will continue to shape the future of archaeology in Shetland”.
A spokesperson for the SIC said: “The contract to provide various archaeology services to the council has been undertaken for some time by Shetland Amenity Trust.
“As this contract has now ended there was an opportunity for this to transfer to the council directly. We are pleased to welcome Val Turner as a member of staff, to provide continuity for this service.”
The amenity trust paid tribute to Turner on Friday afternoon, saying her work had been “monumental”.
“Arriving in Shetland in 1986, Val was faced with a limited number of recorded archaeological sites,” SAT said.
“Today, thanks to her tireless efforts, over 10,000 sites have been documented, transforming Shetland’s archaeological record and elevating the islands’ heritage onto the world stage.”
It said three projects stood out in her career – Viking Unst, Old Scatness and Catpund, a project she herself devised and led, which saw a prehistoric house excavated.
“The findings provided invaluable insights into Shetland’s Norse heritage, with well-preserved soapstone artefacts linking the islands to Viking craftsmanship and trade,” the amenity trust said.
At Old Scatness, Turner project-managed a 12-year excavation and uncovered a broch and a village that “reshaped our understanding of Scotland’s Iron Age”.
And SAT described Viking Unst as a “pioneering project” which unearthed three Viking longhouses and inspired the construction of a replica longhouse on Unst.
“Throughout her career, Val has not only conducted groundbreaking research but also played a key role in bringing archaeology to the public,” SAT added.
Amenity trust chief executive Hazel Sutherland said Turner had been a “catalyst for placing Shetland archaeology on a world stage” and “instrumental in igniting passion and enthusiasm in so many people”.
“She has built something truly extraordinary, and we want to thank her for leaving Shetland with such an immense legacy,” she said.
“With her continued presence in Shetland’s archaeology sector, we know that Shetland’s past remains in expert hands, and we wish her well as she transitions into her new role.”
Turner said she had been “truly blessed” to have spent her career in Shetland.
“From being an undergraduate I have always believed that if archaeology was about writing dusty reports to torture the next generation with, there is no point – the past belongs to the people who live alongside it.
“Shetland’s archaeology is a kist of riches.
“Working with the amenity trust has given me amazing opportunities, not least working at Scatness.
“I’m now looking forward to new opportunities working in the SIC, and laying the foundations for embedding archaeology in Shetland for the long term.”
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