Press Release
Vaila Mae – The Making of a Sixareen
Shetland Museum and Archives have today released the long awaited DVD; ‘Vaila Mae – The Making of a Sixareen’ following the story of the first Sixareen to be built at Hay’s Dock for over 100 years.
The Sixareen was the traditional Shetland boat used for haaf (deep sea) fishing, and is a vital part of Shetland’s cultural heritage. The last working Sixareen in Shetland, Industry LK718 is now housed in Shetland Museum and Archives boat hall. This historically significant vessel was the basis for the new boat.
The DVD follows the progress of the build from the laying of the keel through to the launch, and first sailing of the beautiful hand crafted boat. Interviews with local experts including Duncan Sandison and Jim Gair also feature.
Boat builders Jack Duncan and Robbie Tait came out of retirement to build the ‘Vaila Mae’ and give details throughout the film of each individual part of the building process. Using traditional boat building skills and methods, and a little help from modern tools, the fully authentic boat was completed.
Davy Cooper of Shetland Amenity Trust followed the project closely. He commented today; “This DVD is a record of the craftsmanship and skills of boatbuilding, which are much rarer now than ever before. The opportunity to see a Sixareen being built was a privilege and I am delighted that this DVD has captured a real piece of our heritage for everyone to enjoy. Future generations who may not have otherwise been able to see this process now have a permanent record of the skills which were so important to our forefathers.”
During the build, a regular stream of visitors to the Hay’s Dock boat sheds followed the progress of the boat. The enthusiastic response from the public encouraged Shetland Museum and Archives to use the footage captured by production company Digital Imagineering to compile this DVD. In addition to the main feature, the DVD also contains over an hour of additional special features.
The DVD is available in the Shetland Museum and Archives gift shop, priced £17.99. (Complimentary review copies will be sent out to the media.)
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