This is a past event
The story of Shetland's vernacular boats begins in the ninth century, and continues in a much reduced way even today. These clinker-constructed, double-ended craft were rowed and sailed, and are best known for their use as fishing boats.
Speaker: Marc Chivers
Perhaps the most well known types of vernacular fishing boats were the Ness yoal, the sixareen, and the fourareen. As well as being used for fishing, Shetland's topography necessitated that boats also served other vital everyday purposes, such as: going to the shops; flitting peats and livestock, delivering and collecting the post; visiting folk, and fetching the doctor or the minister.
These everyday activities were generally performed in the family fourareen, which can be thought of as the equivalent of the family car today. This public lecture will explore the development and use of Shetland's vernacular boats, whilst also reflecting upon their material cultural legacy.
Marc Chivers is in the final year of a full-time PhD with the Univesity of the Highlands & Islands, the Centre for Nordic Studies (Shetland). This PhD is funded by Lerwick Port Authority and Shetland Amenity Trust, and the subject of this inquiry is the Shetland boat: history; folklore & construction. Prior to moving to Shetland in September 2013 Chivers worked for a wooden boat building firm called Butler & Co., who were based in Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth in South Devon.
Before becoming involved in maritime research, and wooden boat building, Chivers worked for the NHS, first as a nurse, and then as a training manager. After becoming disillusioned with the NHS, and resigning from his post, Chivers undertook some boat building training at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis in Dorset.
Venue: MR051, MacRobert Building,Elpinstone Institute, Aberdeen University