History

It was Norse raisers who first named the landfall Leir Vik - “muddy bay” - but it was another nationality centuries later which was to be the catalyst for the development of the harbour and town of Lerwick.

The crews of Dutch herring boats – busses - found the rich fishing grounds off Shetland in the 17th century and gathered each summer in the sheltered waters of Bressay Sound, coming ashore at the bay at Lerwick where initially a seasonal settlement grow up.

Fishing in various forms would dominate the life of the community for hundreds of years and today the modern industry is still a cornerstone of the way of life. Over the period, there have been booms and busts, but the fishing industry has, literally, always been at the heart of Lerwick.

Alongside the fishing boats, there eventually appeared sailing ships and steamers, cargo boats, mail ships, war ships, passenger ships, roll-on/roll-off ferries, oil-related vessels and drilling rigs, cruise ships and yachts as the port evolved over the centuries to accommodate changing times and new requirements and opportunities.

The oil and cruise industries have become additional, new features of the port since the second half of the last century.

Just as the creation of Lerwick Harbour Trust in 1877 provided an impetus for development, its successor, Lerwick Port Authority continues to add to the harbour’s history through its successful operation and continuing development.

Historical Events

View the history of Lerwick Harbour from different eras:

View All | Pre 1700 | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | 21st Century