Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
This film is part of Free
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_480x270/public/hero-images/promo259437083.jpg?itok=7TNs_68m)
Gannets at Lerwick
Visit Lerwick harbour in 1946, as a mass of gannets spectacularly dive bomb into the water. A breathtaking amateur film from Theo Kay with fishing boats, birds and Shetland magic.
From the collection of:
![Logo for Scotland's Moving Image Archive](/sites/default/files/styles/association/public/association-logos/NLS_moving_image_archive_CMYK_linear.jpg?itok=lCXaAIiU)
Overview
Visit Lerwick harbour in Shetland in 1946, and watch with the fishermen as a mass of gannets dive bomb like vertical torpedoes into the water after the fish. Victoria Pier is bustling with fishing boats, ships and puffers, men with vans come and go, and the town hall, shops and houses overlook it all. A breathtaking amateur film from Shetlander Theo Kay that will enthrall bird lovers, Shetland enthusiasts and anyone curious about these remote, but unique and magical islands.
Inspired by Jenny Gilbertson’s films of Shetland, this short amateur film by her friend, Theo Kay, captures harbour life on the islands in the post-war era. Still a busy fishing port, Lerwick harbour is used by around 2,000 fishing boats every year, which land over 66,000 tonnes of fish with a value of over Ј62.5 million. The harbour has also evolved to support the oil and gas industry which developed during the 1970s, providing Shetland with one of the healthiest economies in the UK. The gannet colonies in Shetland are still thriving, with around 25-30,000 breeding pairs on the islands. They are able to enter the water from heights of up to 40m above, and can reach speeds of over 80 mph in their spectacular dives.
Related
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo243618327.jpg?itok=i80xl5kL)
Old Norse Vikings Festival Old Norse Vikings Festival
Non-Fiction 1927 4 mins Silent Location: Lerwick
Viking chieftains, flaming torches and outlandish costumes liven up a dark January day in Lerwick, Shetland, as the townsfolk celebrate 'Up Helly Aa'.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo259437135.jpg?itok=yJfDV70F)
Off the Map Off the Map
Sponsored film 1958 27 mins Location: Shetland Islands
Cruise on the steamer 'Meteor' for a magical 1950s journey to the wild and remote islands of Fair Isle, Shetland, Papa Stour, Foula, North Rona, St Kilda, Mingulay, Barra and Iona.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Shoot-Your-Shot-02.jpg?itok=KREdlpBS)
Shoot Your Shot Shoot Your Shot
Drama 2022 12 mins
An emotional stand-off takes flight, as teen best friends Ronit and Brennan come to terms with navigating that fuzzy feeling in their stomachs, all whilst learning to skateboard.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Yellow-04.jpg?itok=Bt5NDkC8)
Yellow Yellow
Drama 2023 13 mins
In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil from a Talib shopkeeper and face a new future.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/%25E2%2580%258ELook-Like-You-02.jpeg?itok=2R3w9luT)
Look Like You Look Like You
Drama 2022 13 mins
While visiting the adoptive family of her eight-year-old biological son, Tara relays advice she gathered from growing up as a queer outcast.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/NEHEMICH-02.jpg?itok=ba9fjUy4)
Nehemich Nehemich
Drama 2023 23 mins
Banished in a dilapidated village hut during her menstruation, a young girl waits to elope with her lover.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/1717526943-default-ovp-poster-image.jpg?itok=Fk8VLsGa)
Interview with Pam Cullen Interview with Pam Cullen
Inside Film 2020 53 mins
Interview with Pam Cullen who at 97 boasts an incredible career spanning over fifty years in the Indian film industry.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/muscleqanda.jpg?itok=8sw22r7R)
Muscle - Exclusive Q&A Muscle - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 34 mins
Director Gerard Johnson talks Nia Child through the making of Muscle, an adrenalized drama that tears into the stereotypes of masculinity and male friendship.