Thousands raised for charity at Sharon’s latest swapshop

19 January 2026 11:15

A group of women and one boy pose indoors; some wear lanyards, one woman holds a dress, and another wears a pink tutu. Dartboards and a table are visible in the background.

Sharon Deyell (third from right) with some of her volunteers who helped the day run smoothly. From left to right: Debbie Hammond, Sandra Spence, Enya Spence, Jane Tierney, Shona Drummond, Louise Cooling, Jacqui Duncan, Sharon Deyell, Joanne Fraser and Joe Fraser.

THE AITH Hall was a hive of activity on Sunday as Sharon’s Swapshop raised thousands for charity.

More than £6,700 was raised in total, with proceeds going to CLAN Cancer Support, the Viking Genes fund and Alzheimer Scotland (Shetland).

The long-running swapshop, organised by Sharon Deyell, encourages people donate clothes and accessories.

People attending the swapshop are then encouraged to take a bag and fill it up with clothes before making a donation.

Deyell said this year’s swapshop was a “huge success, with folk queuing well before the doors opened at midday”.

The event was officially opened by Deyell’s sisters, Rachael Hughson and Wendy Inkster, who cut the ribbon to get the day underway.

Two women cut a red ribbon at a doorway in an indoor setting, surrounded by people and tables with folded clothes.

Rachael Hughson (left) and Wendy Inkster (right) cutting the ribbon to get Sharon’s Swapshop underway on Sunday. Photo: Sharon Deyell

“From the moment the doors opened, there was a tremendous buzz, with an incredible turnout right from the start – probably the biggest crowd ever seen at a swapshop,” Deyell said.

“Shoppers were eager to get browsing, while the teas were in full swing, giving folk the chance to enjoy a cuppa and catch up with friends and family.

“Although there had already been a huge amount of clothing donated beforehand, even more arrived on the day, meaning fresh stock was coming in continuously throughout the event.”

A crowded room filled with people shopping for clothes at racks marked with various sizes, including sizes 18 and 20. The shoppers are bundled in winter clothing.

Sharon’s Swapshop was busy as folk flocked to the Aith Hall on Sunday. Photo: Sharon Deyell

The star prizes in the raffle were won by Rose Llewelyn, who took home the Burra Bear, and Lynne Geddes, who won a sparkly dress donated by TV personality Lorraine Kelly.

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Goods left at the end of the day were collected by the Salvation Army, which will ship them south to be sorted and either sold on or recycled.

Deyell said she would like to thank her “incredible army of volunteers who work tirelessly to make the event happen” as well as everyone who donated clothes, raffle prizes and homebakes.

She also wanted to thank the Shetland public for coming along and making the event a success.