About Us

Shetland ForWirds was formed in 2004 at the end of a conference about the Shetland dialect. That convention was keen to see our unique way of speech, with its Nordic and Scottish roots, survive and thrive.

Aims
Shetland ForWirds aims to foster and promote the use of written and spoken Shetland dialect as a valued and essential element of Shetland’s distinctive heritage and culture.

 To achieve this we will encourage and assist where practical:

• the recording, publishing and broadcasting of the Shetland dialect;
• the development of Shetland dialect as a valid element of education at all levels;
• the acceptance of Shetland dialect among the whole Shetland community. 

Office bearers
Laureen Johnson Convener
Eileen Brooke-Freeman Vice-convener
Margaret Sinclair Secretary
Mona Walterson Treasurer
Mary Blance Communications Officer

Committee
Bruce Eunson
Melvyn Leask
Derick Herning
Bill Moore
Iris Sandison
Christian Tait
Doreen Waugh                   

Meetings  
General meetings are held every 4-6 weeks and are open to everyone who has an interest in Shetland dialect.  Meeting dates are posted on this website and advertised on BBC Radio Shetland.

Groups
A number of sub-groups work on particular areas:

• Education
• Website
• Performance
• Wirds
• Merchandising

Products

• Ivver Entrancin Wis
• Craigsaet  - CD and jigsaw for peerie bairns

Partnerships

• Shetland Museum and Archives wird ring
• Sumburgh Airport refurbishment
• Magnetic Letters
• SIC Schools Service (Creative Links) : material for schools
• SIC Economic Development Unit:  Bright Pebbles anthology