The
busy fishing port of Scalloway, Shetland's capital in the 17th century, is
the heart of Central Shetland.
This picturesque and surprisingly leafy village is shielded from
Atlantic gales by the rugged isles of Trondra and Burra.
To the north lie Tingwall's fertile valley and the headlands of Whiteness
and Weisdale.
Scalloway Castle
Overlooking
the fine new harbour is Earl Patrick Stewart's Scalloway castle, built by
forced labour in 1600.
It's a grand example of a Scottish fortified house, but
was occupied for less than a century and is now roofless. Beneath the grand
banqueting hall are large kitchens and a guard room where 17th century
witches, condemned to hang on nearby Gallows Hill, awaited their fate. The
castle is open to the public.
Scalloway Museum
A
short walk along New Street (past a curious stone plaque depicting a theory
of tidal motion) is the Scalloway Museum, opposite the Burn Beach.
There's
a fascinating display on the wartime exploits of Norway's `Shetland Bus'
heroes, who made the village their secret base.
Further west on Main Street is the Prince Olav Slipway, which was built
by the Norwegians to repair the boats damaged by storms and enemy action
during raids on their Nazi occupied homeland.
Across
the street Norway House (now a garage) was their barracks. The Museum also
houses memorabilia from Scalloway's past particularly the history of fishing
in the district.
