A panoramic view of Hay's Dock (before)
(after)
If you are looking for information on Hay's Dock Cafe Restaurant please visit www.haysdock.co.uk.
Hay’s Dock, Listed Category B, is an important and integral part of Shetland’s maritime heritage. It is effectively the last remaining area of original dock on the Lerwick waterfront.
Hay’s Dock was constructed in 1815 by the firm of Hay and Ogilvy. It rapidly became one of the busiest spots in Lerwick. In 1841 a visitor described "Messrs. Hay and Ogilvie's great stores, building yard, and curing houses..." and marvelled that "This seemed an immense concern, containing within itself the means and materials of every kind of work, and rather resembled a small self-contained colony than a private establishment, so numerous and complete are its docks and harbours, ships, quays, and other conveniences".
In 1844 a new company, Hay and Company, was formed and as the company grew it diversified into areas other than fishing and fish processing. These included boat building and many Shetland boats were born at Hay’s Dock. The recently restored Fifie, The Swan, is a fine example of one of these. The company also sold goods, both wholesale and retail, including Welsh slate that can now be seen throughout Shetland.
The development of the new Shetland Museum and Archive at Hay’s Dock will serve the dual purpose of creating an exciting and vibrant new museum and archive while preserving one of the last remaining sections of Lerwick’s historic dockland. The acquisition of the historic pier and boat building shed will stimulate an exciting and imaginative approach to the interpretation of maritime heritage, with the opportunity to demonstrate traditional boat building skills long since superseded by the advance of modern technology.
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