RADIO: Beyond Da Briggiestanes wi’ Jen Stout

BBC RADIO SHETLAND | 11th Jan 2021

FAMILY TIES: My great grandfather left Fair Isle in the 1930s and moved to Lerwick. He made several strawback chairs and was likely one of the last makers.

People don’t believe me when I say that I’m terrified of public speaking. But I am. At some point my brain switches between being perfectly articulate and chatty to a nervous wreck who could say anything and remember none of it! I made a decision a long time ago to avoid it at all costs.

So it is with great discomfort, combined with a faint hint of amusement, that I have found myself on radio several times recently - thanks to this project! By far the longest piece was this one, aired on BBC Radio Shetland in January as part of their Beyond Da Briggiestanes segment. You can find us at about the halfway mark.

Thankfully I was interviewed by fellow Fair Isle lass, Jen Stout, so it really wasn’t at all scary. It is very easy to yarn with folk about Fair Isle Chairs, and even easier if its someone who understands the whole historical and family context. Just have to ignore the microphone.

This is an excellent audio tour of the Fair Isle Chairs Project exhibition - for those who can’t make it along in person.

Still growing and harvesting oats as a community in Fair Isle 2020. Photo: Rachel Challoner