Community's Christmas spirit shines bright

It began in 2020, as Covid restrictions caused people to change their festive plans, and meet fewer folk. Indoor gatherings were limited but there were opportunities to meet outside. As Christmas approached, the garden of the Bridge End church in Burra began to change.

Lobster creels, fishing floats and trees, all adorned with festive lights appeared. Christmas music played quietly while images of angels were projected onto the stone walls.

In the dark of that uncertain winter, this place, this light, was truly magical.

The bairns ran around, going from one display to another, chatting to the baby Jesus in the manger and the assortment of animals statues gathered around him. They wanted to return again and again, so almost every day after school we went to the garden.

Sometimes we were alone, but most days they played with friends from school while I chatted to parents, such a welcome chance to socialise in a year that had felt so isolated. One evening there was a carol service and the community gathered.

Our breath rose in the cold night air as together we sang, surrounded by lights. Hot soup was served and people stood together talking and laughing.

This imagination and adaptability is integral to Shetland culture.

Before there were regular ferry services to mainland Britain islanders needed to make good use of what they had, to repair and recycle. One of my favourite examples of this are sheds with boat roofs. When a fishing boat was no longer seaworthy but was still waterproof it could make a perfect cover for a shed or henhouse. Examples of this can be see across the landscape and new sheds built in this style continue the tradition. A memory of the past but also a lesson for the future.

Making good use of what is available is something I saw time and again when working with island crofters and pony breeders. I was always amazed at how quickly and efficiently people could create a solution to a problem they encountered using only what happened to be in their shed, car, or pockets.

And it is the same way with this garden.

At a time when people might have felt lonely, when a winter felt darker than usual, everyday items were transformed, making a welcoming place of light.

The next year, the lights returned, and again this year, and so a new community tradition has begun.

Each time the garden is a little different, the shapes and colours of the scene changing. This year the bairns were delighted to find Santa riding a quad bike, it’s trailer overflowing with decorated creels.

It started as a place I would take the kids but I find myself drawn to it even when they are not with me. It is a place to take a moment to remember that there is light still in the darkest months.

Many much older Christmas traditions are still enjoyed in Shetland. Discover more by reading the blog post.