Naught but Trouble

This work is a collection of letters and other documents about the mercantile activities of the Hay family in Yell and the Yellsound area, in the period between 1755 and 1824. It covers their early years in Shetland, when they became involved in the fishing trade, and before the central location of their business moved to Lerwick in the early 19th century. William Hay, the first of the dynasty in Shetland, married a sister of the laird of Windhouse, and after acquiring a property in Westsandwick, he built a house on the shore of Ladie Voe in 1760. Westsandwick remained the family base until the end of the 18th century, although William’s son James moved away at a young age to set up business ventures. The family retained their interest in the fishing trade in the Yellsound area into the 19th century, with stations at Sound in West Yell and the Mossbank area in Delting. They were much involved in the summer fishing from Fethaland in Northmavine.