Laughton Johnston's grandfather, like so many Shetland seamen
of the 19th century, moved to Leith where his father's
generation was brought up. The Shetland family and seafaring
connections, however, proved strong and a trip home to the
islands became an almost annual summer event of Laughton's
childhood. He and his eldest brother then followed their
grandfather to sea. Laughton only for a few adventurous and
enjoyable years. Eventually, he moved back to Shetland
permanently, which led him to seek his Shetland roots.
Exploring his grandfather's career then led the author to
research the wider story of 19th century Shetland seamen.
What began as a casual recording of those, who like his
grandfather, took officer tickets between 1850 and the 1920s,
became over a period of a decade, a spreadsheet of the careers
of over 2000 men.
J Laughton Johnston
Paperback
293 pages
