Croft(ing)

Most people moving to a new house want just that, one that is purpose built. A plot of land in Shetland usually costs around £25,000 but it can take a long time to build, This is all down to the weather, the normal building months are May- September

These old traditional croft are hard to heat but they retain a great amount of character. This one at Cunningsburgh even has traditional hay drying. Today crofting is hard work with most people having at least three part time jobs

most of the crofting work is either done at night, weekends or during holidays. These are often family homes that have been handed down. Too often now buildings are seen derelict which is very sad.

If the crofter has sheep he will be having a hard time with lamb prices down to next to nothing and uncertainty with Brexit

Some have cattle and they are increasing in number. They were a rare sight back in the 1980's now they are a common sight in the south mainland usually on larger farms

Crofting is not just about the land, most have a small boat to catch fish and there is certainly a bountiful selection.

If you want to see how people living in a similar croft then head south to the croft house museum at Boddam where you can experience life as it was, smoke filled rooms, fish drying beside the fire, box beds and of course a fiddle to keep everyone entertained