A Kist of Emigrants - Book Signing
In February 2008 the Shetland Hamefarin 2010 Committee commissioned Mr J Laughton Johnston to write a book on Shetland emigration. After two years corresponding with Shetlanders and their descendants, all over the world, Laughton has now collated a collection of more than 100 stories with almost every story being accompanied by photographs, letters and poems.
The image below is a sketch by the hand of Captain Andrew Cheyne of Tangwick who left home to trade in the South Pacific. It is the Isle of Pines in 1841 where the islanders cut sandalwood which Andrew then shipped to Japan and China. Not long after he drew this sketch Andrew met up with another ship whose Mate was from Shetland, William Henderson. Andrew warned William of the dangers from the islanders, but, nevertheless, William and his fellow crew were overpowered by the islanders on their visit, killed and eaten. This is just one of the many fascinating stories contained in the book... there are another 140!
The book will be launched on Monday 14 June at 7.30pm at Clickimin Leisure Complex. An invitation to attend the launch is extended to all.
There will be an opportunity to meet the author and have copies of the book signed at The Shetland Times Bookshop on Saturday 19 June from 12noon until 2.00pm.
The book is now available to order pre-launch. All copies ordered online before the launch date will be signed by the author and will be dispatched on the day of launch. Click here for further details.
| Venue | The Shetland Times Bookshop, Commercial Street, Lerwick |
| Date(s) | Saturday 19th June |
| Time(s) | 12noon - 2.00pm |
| Cost | This is a free event and no advance booking is required. |
