Press Release
Dr Ian Tait appointed Shetland Museum Curator
Dr Ian Tait has been formally appointed as Curator of Shetland Museum.
Ian has worked at the Shetland Museum since 1984 when he started a two-year training programme upon leaving school. At the end of this he started in a permanent post as Museum Assistant. As staff levels increased at the Museum he became Assistant Curator in the late 1980’s. When the new Shetland Museum and Archives opened in 2007 Ian’s role became more specialised as he took on the role of Curator of Collections – an area that he has an extensive knowledge and passion for. At this time he also received his PHD from St Andrew’s University in Vernacular Architecture in Shetland.
Over the last two years Ian has been Acting Curator and following interview he now takes this role permanently. He will continue to have an active interest in Collections and other areas where his specialist knowledge will continue to benefit the Museum and the Community.
Ian said on his appointment: “My true passion is Shetland history and culture. The Museum collection is the absolute core of the service we run. We couldn’t deliver such a successful service for education, exhibition and support of community museums if it wasn’t for such a wonderful collection. I have spent all my life absorbing Shetland’s culture and heritage and hope that through my knowledge I can bring something special to the Museum service as Museum Curator.”
Shetland Amenity Trust operates Shetland Museum and Archives. General Manager Jimmy Moncrieff was pleased to appoint Ian to the Curator position. He said, “No-one knows more about the Museum’s collections than Ian and everyone who has met Ian realises his keen interest in Shetland’s heritage and culture. I wish him all the best in his new role.“