Alastair Hamilton moved to Shetland in 1976. Until he retired, he worked for Shetland Islands Council, latterly as Head of Planning, and was also involved in economic development.
His writing has included chapters on Shetland, Orkney and the Scottish Highlands in the second and third editions of the Rough Guide to Scotland; preparing the original text for the website encouraging folk to move to the islands; and many articles and newsletters on this website. He has also written for 60 North magazine and the Shetland Wool Week Annual, among other outlets. He is co-writing a book narrating the history of Shetland's response to oil development.
He has undertaken several roles in the Children's Hearings system over more than 35 years. He served two periods as a Trustee of Shetland Amenity Trust and has been involved, too, in the Swan Trust, the Brough Lodge Trust, ShetlandPeerieMakkers and the Shetland Tamil Nadu Association. He also undertakes occasional consultancy work in planning and marketing.
He's keen on cooking, photography, cinema, travel and listening to music. He lives in Burra and has two grown-up daughters.