'i grew up aware of the gunnisterman and i always did find the story inspiring. when the news came that the gunnistermans possessions were coming back to Shetland for exhibit, shetland arts were invited by Shetland  museum and archives to contribute to the event with something contemporary. this provided an opportunity to have a new take on heritage product and a time to challenge local craft makers to work in an area/method they didnt normally use. it was based on looking at the research,having group discussions and a chance to have theories of who the gunnisterman was, why he was carrying what he was carrying,what he might need to have in order to survive if in fact 'gunnisterman' was a man or woman and all the thoughts that a creative group might have. for the shetland makers it is a chance to work away from their normal routine from making product for selling. the work on exhibit is just the beginning and the makers will go on to develop the work'

hazel hughson shetland arts 
taken from audio by mary blance