Community / A chance to watch old Shetland films from the comfort of your home
Shetland Film Archive has launched a YouTube channel to make its collections more accessible to people both in and outwith Shetland.
Over 62 videos are now available to watch online, giving these ‘old’ films a new lease of life with new audiences.
Chairman of the Shetland Film Archive Greg McCarron said it was decided to set up a YouTube channel after seeing the interest in short clips posted to the charity’s Facebook page.
A film featuring demonstrations of carding, spinning and knitting wool, filmed by Bertie Mowat in 1970, received over 100,000 views and comments from all over the world.
McCarron added that one viewer, Terri, living in the USA, was able to identify the event, put on especially for her family when her father was stationed in Shetland with the coastguard.
“It is hoped the YouTube channel will provide more fantastic contributions, stories and memories from people like this,” McCarron added
The channel can be found by searching for ‘Shetland Film Archive’ from the YouTube home page www.youtube.com
“We are excited to finally have a platform in place where the everyone can enjoy this visual record of Shetland life, culture and heritage,” McCarron said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who donated material; and the volunteers who have worked tirelessly for years to make the archive a reality.”
Digitisation of material was supported by grants from Heritage Lottery Fund, Leader, Shetland Amenity Trust, Tesco and community councils.
As well as making material available to watch online Shetland Film Archive said it will continue to work with local partners to exhibit and screen films publicly in Shetland.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
