Shetland Museum and Archives staff welcomed record numbers of visitors to the building during the Tall Ships event. The award winning five star attraction is always a popular destination for Shetland visitors, attracting over 80,000 people every year since it opened in 2007.
Over the four days of celebrations and events for the Tall Ships, 4616 people came through the doors to take part in events and enjoy exhibitions and activities. Friday saw an amazing 1592 visitors in one day.
Events included a Mad Hatters tea party for children in association with the popular "High Seas and High Teas" exhibition in Da Gadderie. There was an additional exhibition of traditional Shetland boats outside on the dock area, where visitors were also able to enjoy freshly barbequed mackerel baps prepared by Hay's Dock Café Restaurant staff – while the weather held out! Elma Johnson and friends were very well received by visitors on the Saturday as they provided a range of Shetland music, song and stories in the boat hall.
Shetland Museum and Archives were also proud to host the Tall Ships VIP reception on Thursday evening and the Officers party on Saturday evening.
Barnaby Ashton, Customer Services Manager said: “We have had the most amazing weekend with so many visitors across the four days. It's been a superb atmosphere and the staff have pulled out all the stops to make sure all our local and international visitors received a very warm welcome and fantastic visitor experience.”