  Scalloway Castle, and Muness Castle in Unst, are the only two feudal structures in the islands. Scalloway Castle Scalloway Castle was built by Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600, at a time when Scalloway was the capital and the only town in Shetland. Over the gateway was a Latin inscription, adapted from the New Testament contrast between the house founded on a rock and the house founded on the sand— “Patricius Orchadiae et Zetlandiae Comes. Cujus fundamen saxum est, domus illa manebit; Labilis, e contra, si sit arena, perit. A.D. 1600.” Patrick’s house in Sumburgh had been built on sand and had collapsed, it is said. Muness Castle, Unst Muness Castle dates from 1598 and belonged to Laurence Bruce of Caltmalindie, Lord Robert Stewart’s half-brother. He was at one time Grand Foud of Shetland, but for his oppressive rule he was brought to trial at Tingwall and deposed from office. As no one could conscientiously praise him, he did so himself in the following inscription over the Castle doorway:— “List ye to knaw this building quha began, Laurance the Brus he was that worthy man, Quha earnestlie his ayris and offspring prayis To help and not to hurt this wark alwayis. The zeir of God 1598.” At Sumburgh is the ruin of Jarlshoff, once a residence of Lord Robert Stewart, and rendered famous in Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Pirate. Town Hall, Lerwick (Midnight, June) The only building of architectural significance in Lerwick is the Town Hall, a handsome Gothic building, erected in 1882. Its external decorations include the arms of the town and of the nobles who were connected with the government of Shetland. The main hall is the chief centre of interest. Its beautiful stained-glass windows present a magnificent series of pictures representing the history of the islands from the time |
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