Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM6072_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600011964)

Summary

Description

The monument consists of the remains of an 18th-19th century fishing station, within which are the remains of a prehistoric house.

Fedeland, or Fethaland as it appears on maps, was one of the most important stations used for the "haaf", the open-boat long-line fishery practised during the summer months in Shetland. Initially undertaken to supplement subsistence diet, this fishery developed into an integral part of the islands' economy, with farming tenancies requiring participation in the "haaf" at fixed prices.

The industry was wiped out during the later 19th century by a combination of larger, competing, vessels, severe losses of life and the abolition of the complex system of credit, fishing leases and joint ownership which maintained it.

Like most "haaf" stations, Fedeland is at an extremity of the islands, at the extreme N tip of Shetland. The physical remains take the form of the walls of up to 20 rectangular houses. Most are of one compartment and all, with the sole exception, on the NE, of the factor's house, were of single-storey construction, with drystone walls occasionally patched with mortar.

The roofs of these houses were generally temporary affairs, constructed for the fishing period only, due to the scarcity of timber. Old photographs show much use of old spars, masts and sailcloth. Towards the central N side of the settlement, on a grassy slope, are the remains of an oval prehistoric house, perhaps of Iron Age date.

The area to be scheduled is irregular, measuring a maximum of 300m N-S by 250m. It is partly bounded by the high water mark in the Wester and Easter Wicks, and by the top of low cliffs to N and S of the Easter Wick. Its NW boundary is partly marked by a ruined drystone field wall.

This area includes all of the ruined houses, including the prehistoric one, and an area around and between them in which evidence relating to their construction and use may survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as the finest surviving example of a 'haaf' fishing station, illustrating an important aspect of the Shetland economy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It provides evidence for domestic architecture at its most basic. The prehistoric house, although badly excavated, still has the potential to provide information about prehistoric domestic architecture and economy.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.