The end of the haaf fishery; fishermen's superstitions.
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1970.250
Original Tape ID
Summary
The end of the haaf fishery; fishermen's superstitions.
Line fishing started to decline around 1876 when boats got bigger and replaced the traditional sixareen [six-oared boat], and fish curers from the south provided competition among the buyers. Shetland was the premier fishing area of Britain before the First World War but it declined and never recovered after the Second World War.
The contributor discusses fishermen's superstitions such as turning the boat with the sun [clockwise] and the use of sea names for things and animals. It was unlucky to meet certain people who were a "bad fit [foot]". Lucky ones were a "good fit".
Item Location
County - Shetland
Parish - Nesting
Island - Shetland Mainland
Language
English, Scots
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good