Place Studies (Case Study) Lerwick Flashcards
Describe the background history of Lerwick.
Capital of Shetland Islands, small town + port located on east of main island. Industry traditionally fishing but North Sea oil discovered in 1970s, along with tourism has improved economy.
What is the pattern of population like in Lerwick?
6958, lower proportion of working age and a high proportion of older people. Concerns over ageing population.
What is the local dialect in Lerwick?
Has a distinct dialect, some words from Old Norwegian. Cultural history of island, populated by Vikings and Scots. Leirvik, Norway translates to the ‘bay of clay’
Which poet is associated with Lerwick?
T. A. Robertson wrote in Lerwick dialect. ‘Kwarna Farna?’ is about depopulation and ‘Bit noo da laand is bare’ suggests emptiness.
What is the employment pattern in Lerwick?
Higher than average proportion of workforce in the skilled and elementary occupations and below average proportion in managerial and professional, 17%.
What does employment pattern reflect?
Reflects importance of seafood industry, which employs many people
What is the crime rate like in Lerwick?
Very low, 2012-13, 1057 crimes reported for whole of Shetland Islands.
How do media portray crime?
News reported in 2014, ‘one of the safest communities in Shetland is becoming safer still’. The Guardian reported a rise in drug crime while the BBC drama ‘Shetland’ may alter perception of crime here.
What does the burning image show?
Viking heritage, local annual festival. Up Helly Aa means ‘the end of the holiday’ and involves burning a Viking longship. A sense of drama which communicates lived experience of place and sense of place. Connects Lerwick to world as tourists come to experience it.
