Exploring your Shetland heritage - a genealogy guide

Whether your surname appears in an old family tree, you've heard stories passed down through generations, or you've already spent years researching your ancestors, a visit to Shetland can bring that history to life in a way that no document can.

Standing where your ancestors lived, seeing the landscapes they knew, and connecting names on a page with real places can be powerful. If you're thinking about tracing your family roots in Shetland, you'll find a warm welcome here, along with expert support to help you uncover more of your story.

Shetland's history is deeply connected to migration. For centuries, people left the islands to build new lives across Scotland, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. And, like today, Shetland has long been a cosmopolitan and outward-looking community, not least because of its maritime heritage. From the old days of whaling, through to modern energy industry careers, Shetland has a long history of people travelling the world for work.

Today, descendants of those emigrants and travelling workers often begin their journey online, researching census records, birth certificates and family trees. Visiting the islands adds an entirely new dimension to that research.

Arriving in the islands allows you to experience the ‘feel’ of the place, and there may be opportunities to discover and visit locations like:

• The parish where your family lived
• The croft or community associated with your ancestors
• Historic graveyards and memorials
• Local place names that appear in family records
• Connections with living relatives
• A deeper understanding of the culture and landscapes that shaped your family story

Even if your research is at an early stage, spending time in Shetland can help turn family history into something tangible and memorable - and you can explore the islands, too!

One of the best places to start your research is the Shetland Family History Society. It promotes genealogical study for Shetland families and descendants worldwide. Over many years, volunteers have built an extensive archive of resources and knowledge to support family history research.

Members can access a wide range of research materials and receive guidance from experienced volunteers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of tracing Shetland ancestry.

The Society's resources include:

• Research guidance and tips
• Information about Shetland surnames
• Parish maps and historical references
• Monumental inscription records
• Publications and journals
• Access to specialist local knowledge

Whether you're just beginning to investigate your family connections or have already built a detailed family tree, the Society can help you take the next step.

Researching family history isn't only about collecting names and dates. It’s about place and identity – and it can be rewarding to walk through locations which your ancestors would have known well.

There are many ways to discover where your ancestors built their home.

A parish record might identify a particular district. A surname might have links to a specific island or community. Or a conversation with local experts like those at SFHS might reveal stories and connections that don't appear in official records.

One of the things which visitors often find remarkable about Shetland is that every part of the islands has a distinct character and history. Whether you can trace your family roots to Lerwick, the ancient capital Scalloway, or one of the outlying communities like those found in the Westside, North Mainland, or islands like Skerries, Papa Stour and Fetlar, discovering more about the area can help you understand what life was like for your ancestors.

Visiting Shetland to trace your family history might be the main reason for your trip. But there is a lot to see and do while you’re in the islands, beyond the archives and parish documents.

A genealogy trip gives a chance to experience the islands more fully, exploring local heritage sites, museums, coastal walks and communities while learning about the people who came before you.

You might find it useful to refer to our Area Guides, which give details about each of the main districts of Shetland, and what makes them different from other areas.

If you travel here to explore your family history in Shetland, you should consider visiting the various Visitor Information Points. Many are found in museums and heritage centres, often run by dedicated local volunteers, making them an excellent place to get information from those who know the area best. You’ll also learn more about Shetland's fascinating history.

If you're considering a trip to explore your Shetland roots, it can be helpful to gather as much information as possible before you travel.

Family names, approximate dates, locations, photographs and copies of historical records can all provide useful starting points for further research.

You may also wish to contact the Shetland Family History Society before your visit to discuss your research and identify helpful resources.

Once you have decided to visit, you may need practical travel guidance. We have compiled the most important information to help you plan travel to Shetland, find somewhere to stay, and find the best ways to get around.

You might also want to join our online community by subscribing to our monthly email newsletters or following us on social media.

Every family history journey is different.

Some visitors arrive with a detailed family tree stretching back generations, while others know only that somewhere in their past, there is a connection to Shetland.

Whatever stage you're at, we’d love for you to start exploring those links. With the support of the Shetland Family History Society and the opportunity to experience the islands for yourself, you may uncover new stories, new connections and a stronger sense of where you come from.

Visit the Shetland Family History Society website to take the next steps in exploring your Shetland roots.