Representing & Supporting Shetland’s Fishermen

Special book to mark SFA 75th anniversary
December 5th 2022

Shetland Fishermen’s Association has published a special book to commemorate its 75th anniversary.

The 246-page hardback book, 75 Years of the SFA, written by Dr Ian Napier of UHI Shetland and featuring a large number of images by photographers such as Dennis Coutts, Tom Kidd and Martin Smith covering the span of the association’s existence, is out now.

It is available to buy via the SFA office, the LHD shop and The Shetland Times Bookshop. It is priced £40.

A free-to-attend launch event with mulled wine and nibbles will be held at the SFA offices above the new fishmarket at Mair’s Quay on Tuesday 13th December – 75 years to the day since the foundation of the SFA – at 5.30pm.

Dr Napier said: “The book charts the main issues that Shetland’s fishermen have faced over the last 75 years, from the price of fish to North Sea oil and the Common Fisheries Policy.

“The story is told primarily through the contemporary eyes of the association, as recorded in the minutes of its meetings.

“It also reflects wider changes in society in the islands and beyond and is a reminder of how much has changed in a relatively short time. In an age when almost everyone has a smartphone in their pocket offering instant universal communication, it is difficult to imagine a time when the absence of a payphone in the Lerwick fish market was an issue that the association had to address.”

SFA executive officer Daniel Lawson said: “The book is a high-quality history of fishing in Shetland with some excellent photographs that capture the different eras extremely well.

“It will make a great Christmas present!”