The Cabin Museum Travel Guide

The Cabin Museum is a specialized heritage site located in Mainland, Shetland, dedicated to preserving and presenting the islands’ significant role during the two world wars. This small but rich museum houses a remarkable collection of wartime artefacts including uniforms, cap badges, medals, and photographs that vividly illustrate Shetland’s strategic importance and the local community's contributions during these turbulent periods. The museum’s displays provide a compelling narrative of resilience and service, highlighting the unique Shetland experience in global conflict.

Beyond its wartime focus, The Cabin Museum also celebrates traditional Shetland life with an array of artefacts that reflect the islands’ rural heritage. Among these are a notable collection of tushkars—traditional Shetland knives—and a specialized peat-digging tool unique to Shetland. These items offer insight into the everyday lives and resourcefulness of Shetlanders, connecting visitors to the practical and cultural heritage that shaped the community.

Run with passion by local enthusiasts, The Cabin Museum benefits from the dedication of volunteers deeply rooted in the Shetland community. Their personal knowledge, family stories, and commitment enrich the visitor experience, providing context and anecdotes that bring the exhibits to life. This grassroots approach ensures the museum remains a vibrant custodian of local history, preserving memories that might otherwise be lost.

The museum operates seasonally, open from May through September on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons between 1 pm and 5 pm. Admission is free, making it accessible to a broad range of visitors. The intimate setting encourages a quiet, reflective visit where guests can engage closely with the exhibits and the stories they tell, away from the bustle of larger institutions.

The Cabin Museum is part of a wider network of museums and heritage centres across Shetland, supported by local history groups and the Shetland Amenity Trust. This network collectively offers a comprehensive exploration of Shetland’s cultural and natural heritage, from ancient settlements to contemporary life. Visiting The Cabin Museum provides a focused and personal perspective within this broader tapestry, complementing visits to larger venues like the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick.

Among the museum’s treasures are rare and specialized items that cannot be found elsewhere, such as the unique peat-digging tool and an extensive collection of tushkars, which are emblematic of Shetland’s distinct cultural identity. These artefacts, combined with wartime memorabilia, create a layered narrative that captures both the islanders’ everyday lives and their extraordinary contributions during wartime.