Shetland Amenity Trust is following the launch of the Real Shetland Stories Competition with an appeal to the public to submit their Shetland wool memories in story form.
Shetland Heritage Publications, operated by Shetland Amenity Trust, will be publishing the best of the entries in a new book later this year. Staff from The Trust and Shetland Museum and Archives will be judging the competition and choosing the best entries to be published, and the overall winner, who will receive a bespoke handmade bed from prestigious bed makers Vi-Spring, worth £11,000.
The competition, launched last month in partnership with Jamieson & Smith (Shetland Wool Brokers) Ltd, aims to gather and rekindle fond memories and experiences about wool, fleece and textiles in Shetland.
The stories and memories submitted will be compiled into a book to celebrate and recognise the importance of wool and textiles in our heritage and culture. Emma Miller, Marketing Officer with Shetland Amenity Trust said, “The majority of Shetlander's will have experiences and memories of wool, whether it be crofting, knitting or even a favourite old jumper belonging to Granddad. Preserving these memories in a publication for current and future generations is an excellent way of ensuring these stories are not forgotten, and will bring a nostalgic smile to all who read them.”
Entries to the competition should include a written piece, 100-300 words long to accompany a photograph or drawing of a wool/textile related subject. Entries should be submitted to Shetland Museum and Archives or Jamieson & Smith (Shetland Wool Brokers ) Ltd in Lerwick's North Road. Email entries may be submitted to realshetlandstories@shetlandamenity.org. The closing date for entries is 15th September and the winners will be announced during Wool Week from 10th to 16th October.