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The community is the capital city of the islands. Lerwick is also the most northeastern city in Scotland. The first human inhabitants formed a settlement here approximately 3,000 years ago around a structure now known as the Broch of Clickimin. Other civilizations followed.
The modern day settlement of Lerwick began in the 1600s when anglers and sailors constructed huts along the shore during the herring and white fish season. Many of these men traded with Dutch fleets that arrived annually. Residents from the then capital city of Scalloway, expressed rage over the inappropriate behaviour of the residents living in the shanty village. Scalloway authorities wanted the wooden huts burned annually after the Dutch left the harbour.
The anglers and sailors reconstructed the small village, expanding the site and constructing permanent buildings. The government grew pensive concerning the Dutch interest in the area. After the 1665 war between Britain and Holland, officials constructed Fort Charlotte, which guarded the Lerwick Harbour. The community continued growing around the fort.
Lerwick became the capital of Shetland Islands in 1708. By the late 1700s, vessels sailed from Lerwick, often delivering ponies that worked in the country’s coalmines. The prosperity Lerwick experienced in the 1800s influenced further town expansion. By 1836, steam ships carried passengers to Aberdeen, and in later years to other cities.
After 1900, Lerwick had medical facilities. Previously, residents requiring care relied on ferry services travelling to the mainland for medical necessities. The oil boom of the 1970s, created another means of prosperity for the Shetland Islands. The community constructed an oil terminal. The project provided jobs for thousands. The harbour expanded and housing developments increased.
Today Lerwick port remains busy, having daily ferry services receiving and transporting passengers to mainland Scotland and as far away as Iceland and Scandinavia.
Activities and Attractions
The Lerwick visitor’s centre contains vast amounts of information concerning the community, local and nearby points of interest. The harbour provides ferry service to the mainland and to Bressary, the community across the bay. The Lerwick lifeboat station, saving lives since 1896, welcomes guests to tour the facility and learn the history of the vessels and crew members. The building contains exhibits and a marine shop.
Archaeological enthusiasts enjoy exploring the Brock of Clickimin, which lies on the west side of town. Originally constructed about 3,000 years ago, the site features an inlet surrounded by a stone wall with interior stone structures. Passageways and stairs join various parts of the site, once containing a series of wooden buildings.
Britain fought the Dutch on three occasions in the latter half of the 1600s. With Dutch fishermen frequenting Lerwick port and the possibility of further battles, the government built a modest pentagon shaped fort along the coast. The fighting ended and some deemed the fort too small and ill-equipped. The military abandoned the site. The Dutch army arrived in 1673, and with no opposition, invaded Lerwick. The army burned the barracks and the huts used by locals during the fishing season.
With the possible threats of war with France and Spain looming, the government constructed a new fort, naming the establishment Fort Charlotte, for the wife of George III. Fort Charlotte, completed in 1781, welcomes guests to tour the installation, which includes barracks, the weaponry and ammunition centres. Visitors learn the history of the military location, which later served as a training facility, local courthouse and jail.
The Bod of Grimista is another historical location in Lerwick. Constructed in the late 1790s, the structure once served as the childhood home of Arthur Anderson, co-founder of the Penninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. Now a museum, the facility encourages guests to explore the modestly decorated and furnished home reminiscent of the time.
Places to Stay and Dining
Lerwick hotels lie at various places strategically located along the scenic coast. Guests find spacious rooms that include sleeping, dining and living areas with full-sized en suite bathrooms. At the end of a day filled with exploration, guests have the option of relaxing and watching freeview TV while enjoying in-room dining.
Guests enjoy specially prepared meals at the Oasis Restaurant. Have crisped guinea fowl, roasted in a creamy garlic, ginger and onion sauce. Try leg of lamb, stuffed with stilton cheese and oven roasted with a wine glaze.
Accommodation in Lerwick
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