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Stofa Reconstruction

Partial Reconstruction of the Norse Stofa

An exciting and most ambitious project is being led by the Papa Stour History Group at the Biggins in Papa Stour this summer. In partnership with craftsmen from Norway they are planning a partial reconstruction of the 13th wooden Norse Stofa believed to be that mentioned in the 1299 document, Shetland’s oldest surviving document.

Following a most generous offer from craftsmen in Norway to provide the log timbers and expertise to undertake this partial reconstruction, the Papa Stour History Group has taken up the challenge. Funded by the Amenity Trust, the Russell Trust and Shetland Islands Council Regeneration Funding, Phase 1 of the project was completed last autumn. Two stonemasons from Norway joined local dykers Jim Keddie and Rick Barton and Glasgow based archaeologist Beverley Ballin Smith to rebuild the outer stone protective walls or vernemure. Using stone from the site these walls have been built along the original foundations and to a total height of 1.6metres to comply with planning permission. A membrane was used to separate the original stonework from the new.

The log timbers for partial reconstruction of the stofa have been grown at Granvin, Horderland, West Norway. Felled in December they have been taken to Bryggen in Bergen to dry out over the winter months. In the spring they are to be prepared for transport to, and on site assembly in, Papa Stour.  Eight students, under the tuition of skilled craftsmen, will make their own tools with which to carve out the notches (or findalslaft) in 13th century fashion. Among the students will be Tom Best from Fair Isle and Andrew Watt, a trainee working at Papar Wark Furniture, Scalloway  who are taking part at the invitation of the Papa Stour History Group.
When ready for transportation, the log timbers, each weighing up to half a ton and measuring from five and a half to seven and a half metres in length, protected by wooden casings  will be taken aboard the Norwegian sail training ship, the Statsraad Lehmkul and brought to Lerwick. From there they will be taken into Papa Stour ready for assembly during the second week in June. Tom and Andrew together with Magnus Scott from Papa Stour will assist four Norwegian carpenters at this stage. The timbers will be lifted into position with the use of a front loading tractor. During this phase the Papa Stour History Group is planning an afternoon of lectures at the Shetland Museum.

On completion of the reconstruction the site will be prepared as a visitor attraction with public access, interpretative panels and landscaped. It is hoped the site will be officially opened late August/ early September this year.

This project has generated enormous interest in Norway with the Bryggen Foundation, West Norwegian Cultural Academy (VKA), Norwegian Crafts Development (NHU) at Maihaugen and the Hordaland Council all being partners in this not inconsiderable undertaking. In Shetland the Amenity Trust is giving invaluable support and advice to the Papa Stour History Group and Shetland Islands Council has been invited to become a partner in the project.

Download Progress Report (pdf)

Read article in Shetland News

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