In the 1970s I was involved in archaeology digs in the Orkney Isles and I visited a number of Brochs.
There are many brochs in Shetland, but most of them are in ruins as the stones were reused over the centuries.
Nice pictures which brings me to this question: where did the people then and now get their fresh water ? You live on a more or less barren rock in the ocean. You don't dig simply a cistern to collect rain water I guess.
When we all lived on crofts/small farms, each croft had it's own wells and the source of those wells were natural springs, in hot weather the wells on some crofts would dry up and folk had to go to the tarns/lakes and fill barrels which were transported by horse and cart or by tractor and cart or small trucks. Rain water from roofs was also captured in barrels. These days we have water pumping stations and mains water, but many folk still use the spring water for cooking and making tea etc., because it's better water.
The link below shows a short film from the 1937 which may be of interest. Muckle Flugga lighthouse is the most northerly lighthouse in the UK., and waves have been known to break over the top of that lighthouse. Back in the mid 1990's, I met a retired lighthouse keeper who had spent many tours of duty on that rock and he mentioned that it was the least sought after posting, which is not surprising, thankfully it's fully automated now, the lift for transporting stores and equipment up to the lighthouse is ingenious. Full record for 'LIGHTHOUSE RELIEF' (3571) - Moving Image Archive catalogue
Hi Jeff, you said waves have been known to break OVER the lighthouse ? Must be frightening if one sees how high above the sea the rock is it stands on! Going up & down the stairs to the sea once a day will keep the doctor away and one in great shape too! All very impressive! Best regards, Wim
From time to time, waves break over the lighthouse at Sunderland. I suspect it's quite a common phenomenon during stormy weather for lighthouses situated more or less at sea-level...
Hello Wim, this photograph shows a wild storm at Muckle Flugga lighthouse and the link below shows information about the lighthouse. Muckle Flugga Lighthouse - Wikipedia
The link below shows a Shetland film from the 1930's which may be of interest, there is still someone here who has that skill and he also teaches it. Full record for 'DA MAKKIN O' A KESHIE' (1127) - Moving Image Archive catalogue
You are welcome Kerry and this link shows a longer Shetland film from the 1930's. Full record for 'CROFTER'S LIFE IN SHETLAND, a' (0981) - Moving Image Archive catalogue
This link shows a 1969 film about Shetland ponies. Full record for 'SHETLAND PONY' (1130) - Moving Image Archive catalogue
@JEFF JOHNSON I also enjoy very much looking at your photos! A beautiful and romantic landscape, although I can Imagine that life is not so easy over there (at least compared to our convenient living here at central Germany). All the best, Martin K.
Add some lit mantle lanterns to the scenery, and its just perfect. Like it. Never made it so far north. Pity. Enjoy now your shots. Regards Willi
The first photograph shows the broch which is located on the island of Mousa and the second photograph shows the Clickimin Broch which is located in Lerwick and the link below shows relevant information. Category:Brochs in Shetland - Wikipedia
This link shows and article and a 1961 film about the island of Foula, which is the most westerly of the Shetland Islands. Foula - 60 Years and counting | Brathay Trust
