Also in the news 20 May 2026
- Museum exhibition for Shetland Connections
- Clan simmer dim event
- Species on the Edge workshops
- Accessible event fortnight at library
- Shetland businesses exhibit on national stage
SHETLAND Museum and Archives is marking the Royal Scottish Academy’s 200th anniversary with a special new exhibition.
Shetland Connections, now on display in the Briggiestanes area of the museum, brings together 16 works from eight RSA-associated artists spanning two centuries.
It reflects both the variety of artistic practice represented within the RSA and the enduring inspiration Shetland has offered artists over generations.
Featured works include scenes of Hamnavoe, Hillswick, Fetlar and Papa Stour, alongside paintings and drawings by artists such as Ursula Wood, Albert Paterson Barclay and Walter Graham Grieve.
Exhibitions officer Karen Clubb said that every piece in the exhibition has a connection to Shetland. The exhibition runs until 19 July.
CLAN Cancer Support is inviting Shetlanders to a special Simmer Dim tea and crafts fundraiser in Aith next month.
The event will take place on Sunday 21 June from 12pm-4pm at Aith Hall, celebrating Shetland’s famous simmer dim while raising vital funds and awareness for the charity.
The public can drop in throughout the afternoon and enjoy home bakes, teas and coffees, alongside a variety of craft stalls from small businesses across Shetland.
Raffles will take place on the day, with an opportunity to buy tickets for a car raffle drawn later this year.
All funds raised will help Clan continue to provide free emotional and physical support for people impacted by a cancer diagnosis across the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Clan Shetland area coordinator Joanna Smith said they wanted to create something special to mark the summer solstice.
Clan is also seeking volunteers to help on the day, with donations of home bakes and raffle prizes also welcome.
SPECIES on the Edge is running a series of free workshops this summer, helping people connect with their local cultural and natural heritage through art.
The Art in Nature series will kick off with three workshops led by artist Aimee Labourne.
Kicking off with a heritage and sketching walk on 14 June at Wadbister, Bressay, Aimee’s workshops will encourage people to experience their surroundings through the eyes of our local bees.
The two following workshops on 28 June and 5 July will see participants use drawing techniques to explore shape, colour and scale.
Cheryl Jamieson will then lead workshops exploring the landscape of the Keen of Hamar through glass-making, with dates to follow. People can register for Aimee’s workshops here.
SHETLAND Library will focus on its accessible services for people with sight loss and visual impairment next month.
Reading Sight HiVis fortnight celebrates the power of reading in all forms and reaffirms that reading should be accessible to everyone.
The first two weeks of June will be used to promote alternative reading formats at Shetland Library.
A drop-in event will be held on Saturday 30 May from 12pm-3pm, focusing on the library’s inclusive services, with other groups also in attendance to offer information.
The library’s talking newspaper is available for free to visually impaired library members, with volunteers reading and recording The Shetland Times each week.
All talking newspaper customers will receive a special recording of the 1 July 1966 issue of The Shetland Times, to mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of the current Library building.
Adult services librarian Marghie West said: “We are delighted to be showcasing the accessible reading options the library provides to ensure that visual impairment is never a barrier to enjoying stories, staying informed, or taking part in Shetland’s strong reading culture.”
A NUMBER of local businesses and organisations have raised their profile through Scotland’s flagship travel trade event VisitScotland Connect 2026, supported by Visit Glasgow.
Among those attending the event in Glasgow were travel company R. Robertson & Son based in Lerwick and the Scalloway Museum.
During the event week, VisitScotland also hosts a programme of familiarisation trips to allow buyers to experience what Scotland’s regions have to offer.
For the group who came to Shetland, visits included Hand-Made Fish Company, Hoswick Visitor Centre, Shetland Hotel, Shetland Seabird Tours, Lerwick Brewery and The Silly Sheep Fibre Company among others.
VisitScotland’s island manager Steve Mathieson said: “Throughout the year, our teams work closely with domestic and international tour operators, travel advisors and agents.
“This is vital when more than half of Scotland’s international visitors plan and book their trips through these partners. These relationships help shape new tourism products and itineraries, while giving us valuable insight into what global travellers are looking for.”
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