Grindins Croft
Grindins is a 41 acre traditional croft situated in Wester Skeld on the west side of Shetland, often referred to as 'the sunny side of Shetland'.
The croft has been worked for over 200 years, the original croft house, byre and wash house (next to a burn) are still present. The house has been substantially extended in recent years and the wash house now forms winter accommodation for pigs.
Our croft is primarily worked to breed and produce Shetland Ponies, but we also keep a traditional range of animals with two pedigree Shetland house cows, pigs, chickens and ducks; in addition, we raise a few lambs through the summer. The sheltered vegetable garden by the house provides some fresh greens for the kitchen. We plant forage crops in the pig's winter field whilst they are in their summer field.
Wester Skeld circa 1800. Grindins is the middle of the three crofts on the right of the photo. Little has changed in the following 200 years.
Photograph reproduced with the kind permission of the Shetland Museum Photographic Archives
Grindins is approximately 300 yards away from Scarvister Beach and the village of Skeld is less than a mile away. It has a Primary school, village hall and marina with clubhouse.
Skeld Primary School is small but highly successful. In an average year the roll is typically around 25 pupils (nursery & primary). The modern facilities are built in picturesque surroundings and provide an excellent environment for the children to learn in.
At the head of Skelda Voe is the Marina which was constructed by Skeld Waterfront Trust. The old Skeld shop has been rennovated as a camping bod and the Sail loft has been aquired and rennovated by the Boating club. The nature hide provides an excellent opportunity to watch the wildlife around the marina.
