Collection: The Old Haa

Collection-level records:

• Collection history (Collection development policy)

  The Old Haa collection began with small donations from local Yell people mainly relating to local crofting and fishing life. The collection has developed over the years to encompass the local culture and history and also the natural and geological history.

  A large collection of over 60 items of apparel and accessories mainly from the early years of the 20th century, was donated in 1992 from the estate of Joan Gardiner. A significant acquisition to the collection was the donation in 1998 of the Bobby Tulloch Collection, over 14000 transparencies, 1000 negatives and his collection of scientific papers relating to the flora and fauna of Shetland and the other places he visited as a noted naturalist. The photographic collection has grown steadily over the years.

  A significant item in the collection is an early 19th century pianoforte originally owned by Dorothy Primrose Campbell, part paid for by Sir Walter Scott and Charles Hope, Lord Granton. It was donated (after restoration) by Jonathon Wilson in 2014. The collection contains a large selection of books and magazines published in or relating to Shetland, including a bequest from local school teacher, Barbara Garriock in 2012.

  The Old Haa Trust has recorded local people with their memories of local and historical events and local musicians. All recordings have been transferred to digital format. The Old Haa has a small collection of paintings by local artists and two portraits.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: 2017

  Licence: CC BY-NC

• Collection overview (Collection development policy)

  The Old Haa collection covers local history, cultural history, genealogy, and natural history. This includes:

  Local history

  items relating to:

  • Crofting and croft houses including 2 ‘tattit’ rugs
  • Haa houses including the ‘Sir Walter Scott’ piano
  • Clothing, jewellery and personal items showing historic life style of Yell Fishing including inshore, herring, deep sea, whaling, merchant service.
  • Shipwrecks and other specific historic events relating to Yell First and Second World wars
  • Photographic archives relating to all aspects of local life
  • Photographs relating to whaling in South Georgia
  • Prose recordings relating to local life. Much of the recorded material has been transcribed.
  • Video recordings of local activities
  • Collection of books published in or about Shetland
  • Large collection of magazines published in or about Shetland Stray archaeological items found in Yell

  Cultural history

  • Cassettes, reel to reel tapes and 8-track Trascam recordings of local musicians from 1950’s to present day, now in digital format.
  • Video recordings of local musicians
  • Collection of paintings by local artists
  • Donated paintings including portrait of Prof. G Donaldson Collection of framed black and white photographs by Max Bruce.
  • Collection of books and magazines of Shetland poetry and prose.

  Genealogy

  • Census and old parish records on microfiche
  • Family histories
  • Copies of documents from Shetland Museum and Archives

  Natural history

  • Bobby Tulloch Collection: 14000 transparencies, 1000 negatives and his collection of scientific papers. The photographs are computerised and available on the website.
  • South Georgia artefacts and photographs
  • Natural history books relating to Shetland
  • Limited selection biological specimens

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: 2017

  Licence: CC BY-NC