Shetland Wildlife Sanctuary
Recent events and changes
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Building the sanctuary stone circle...... click to visit building the stone circle

     Fire at the sanctuary
During the night of 26th November 2004 a fire broke out in the cooperage due to an electrical fault. Originally this building was used to make barrels for salt herring. Now it is the unit where we look after sick seals. The damage was limited but sadly three baby grey seals died from the smoke. It was a terrible time but help was immediately at hand. Shetland Islands Council provided two shipping containers which were kitted out with financial help from IFAW and Shetland Wildlife Trust. These emergency facilities have proved invaluable while the cooperage is being repaired. We are looking forward to the building being ready for use by April 2008.

  


The cooperage is where sick and injured seals are housed. They are kept warm and clean in separate pens.

 
     
Shipping containers lent to the sanctuary by the SIC

 


 


Helping to clear out the wreckage from inside the cooperage.  


Two volunteers, Jim and Henry helped to clear out the fire damaged cooperage.

Renovating and extending the sanctuary.


Vera holding a rescued seal.

 Jan and Pete had long dreamt of having a multi-functional room above the cafe, which could also be used for bed and breakfast, to continue raising funds for the sanctuary.
Vera Johnston, pictured to the left, had been a keen supporter of the sanctuary since its earliest days. She was always helping us raise funds and came up with many ideas on how to do this. Upon her death she left a legacy for the sanctuary which allowed us to realise our dream of a new room at The Booth to keep the fund raising going in her name.
The old walls exposed as worked began.
 
Work began to strip the old damp walls and roof in preparation for the building work to commence.
When we gutted the room we discovered  a long bricked-up window facing west which we were delighted about. This window was not in the photos from the 19th century so it felt like quite a find and allowed evening sunlight into the room. So obviously we decided to open it up again.
 


The bricked up west window.
The original stone wall seen after materials were stripped away.       


Electrical cables waiting to be sorted and wired  properly.

The new room is clad with pine wood and a reclaimed oak floor. It is  peaceful  with views towards the sea. It has a fire and Jan has added many touches that make it an enchanting place.

The picture to the right shows the west window re-opened after so long of being bricked up.


The new room has comfortable furnishings including a bed settee for those who come to stay. 

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