A replica Viking longship Skidbladner under construction at Haroldswick by Shetland The Viking Unst Project. SCO 7293.
The vessel spent some weeks in Shetland waters, much of it lying at anchor at the east side of the West Voe of Sumburgh. Where, in the shadows of Jarlshof with its Viking ruins, it could be said she projected a somewhat strange form of deja vu. Due to faults in her construction, and problems with her crew, the ship was eventually taken to Lerwick, where she was placed under embargo and subsequently abandoned. She was aquired by Shetland Amenity Trust and transferred to Unst to become part of its Viking Unst project When she arrived in Unst she was in a bit of a sorry state, but a team of local enthusiasts, experienced in boat building are currently engaged in her restoration. She has been thoroughly cleaned and we are applying a combination of linseed oil and turpentine to protect her against the Shetland winter. The Skidbladner will be situated alongside our Viking Longhouse and used to illustrate the Viking maritime past. Vistors will be able to board the vessel to enjoy activities related to Viking seafaring. The Skidbladner provides an excellent insight into how Viking longships were constructed. The clinker built style that the Vikings brought to Shetland has been much employed by Shetlanders ever since, notably in the famous 'sixereens' used for the far haaf fishing in the 18th and 19th centuries. It creates boats that are strong, flexible and incredibly seaworthy, and is still sometimes used today.
Size: 5613px × 3736px
Location: Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland Isles, Scotland. United Kingdom
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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