Smithfield

A better day, still fairly cloudy, some fine warm sunny spells, and breezy at times.  Calm this evening, and looks misty to the south.

After a good night at the hall bar, it was an early start today.  Headed out walkies with Sammy after breakfast.  Packed up the caravan, then a day of exploring.  Spoke with Peter Coutts at Everland, then a look around Smithfield.  After lunch, it was a look around the west, and a look at Brough Lodge.  Caught the ferries, headed home, via Frankie's chippy in Brae.  A quiet evening by the fire. 

There are many ruins dotted allover Fetlar, due to depopulation.  The Nicolson estate started the clearances in 1822, to make way for sheep.  By 1841 census, there were 761 people living on the isle, dropping to 127 in 1961, 88 by 1971, a rise to 101 in 1981, 86 in 1991, and by 2011 it was 61.  It has risen to 68 again, sadly no bairns in the school.  This must be the most grand ruin on the isle.  The lands of Smithfield were acquired by James Smith in 1774, and this house build by his son, Gilbert, in 1815.    He acted as a factor for the Nicolson's, and had extensive interest in the Free Kirk establishment on the isle.  When he died in 1866, most of his family had emigrated to Australia, and the estate was sold to the Nicolson's in 1874. The roof was removed in 1886, along with other parts of the interior, used for other buildings on the isle.  Even in a poor state today, it's still a great example of a merchant laird's house, very typical of the time in Shetland.  Taken at Smithfield, Strand, Fetlar.