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In August 2013 we set sail from Stromness on our second Sea Change expedition, aboard Lerwick community boat The Swan, with a crew of 27 artists, scientists and informers. More ›

The Crew

The expedition crew of 27 includes a wide range of scientific and creative folk.
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Watch video highlights from the expedition ›

Quota

bunk and deck
quota n 1. the proportional or part of a whole that is due from, due to, or allocated to a person or group 2. a prescribed number or quantity, as of items to be manufactured, imported, or exported, immigrants admitted to a country [from Latin quota pars how big a share?, from quotus of what... Read more ›

By Deirdre Nelson
20 September 2013, 8:52am
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Pelagic Gannets

gannet
When the seas calmed and I was no longer confined to my sick bunk, it was wonderful to be on deck and to observe my new watery surroundings, I saw gannets flap and glide past the Swan and was amazed to see their large wingspan for the first time. They truly are a majestic bird!... Read more ›

By Deirdre Nelson
12 September 2013, 11:47am

Big words + Lumpy times

scalloway map
LUMPY adj lumpier, lumpiest full of or having lumps (Transport / Nautical Terms) (esp of the sea) rough confused seas We headed south on ‘lumpy’ seas from Scalloway towards Sumburgh Head.  Our direction towards the East side was guided by the weather forecast and I was pleased to be moving at last. I have been... Read more ›

By Deirdre Nelson
10 September 2013, 10:58am
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Shetland wool socks

socks (blog post2)
On another visit to Scalloway museum, I spotted a beautiful pair of dark Shetland wool socks and was introduced to Emma, a 92 year old knitter, who was working away on some red knitted lace in the museum café.  She had made the socks many weeks before and created many knitted items for sale in... Read more ›

By Deirdre Nelson
8 September 2013, 1:20pm
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Replenish + Unision

replenish and reunion
Replenish Fill ( something up again) Restore ( something to a former level or condition ) To nourish, to fill with inspiration or power Unison Synchronised or simultaneous An instance of agreement or concord Stranded in Scalloway for the weekend due to bad weather, our expedition around the Shetland Isles in the Swan was slow... Read more ›

By Deirdre Nelson
8 September 2013, 1:18pm
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Gin Socks

Gin Socks, 2005 (1 pint of gin = 3 socks)
Since 2005 I have visited Shetland researching textiles there and working with various groups through Shetland Arts. My visits to Shetland have been very much land based though I have come across many interesting pieces of social history relating to the sea, trade and travellers. I have heard about a knitter on a boat to... Read more ›

By Deirdre Nelson
16 August 2013, 9:14am
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