The Shetland Bus Friendship Society​

History of the Society
​The Society was formed in 2001 to cement the links forged between Shetland and Norway during World War 2 and to keep the memory of the Shetland Bus alive.
In 2003, the Society built a memorial on the seafront in Scalloway, dedicated to the memory of  the 44 Shetland Bus crewmen who gave their lives in the cause of Norway’s freedom.  The Society was invited to take over the ownership and management of Scalloway Museum and suitable premises were located at the present site. Funding was raised and the new museum was officially opened by the Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg on 17th May 2012, further consolidating our wartime bonds.
The memorial is a focus for commemorations on 17th May and Armistice Sunday.​
Photo of the Norwegian prime minister with volunteers at the museum opening in 2012
The Norwegian Prime Minister with volunteers at the museum opening. Photo courtesy of John Coutts.
Aims of the Society
Our aims are to:
  • continue research into the history of the Shetland Bus,
  • uphold the memory of those men who gave their lives on the operation and the shore crew who supported them,
  • research local history,
  • display and interpret relevant artefacts.
The museum’s reference room allows interested parties to access our library and digital photo archive.   Local schools also use the museum for educational projects and visits.  
Becoming a Member or Friend​
​​We are always keen to welcome new or returning Members/Friends so if you would like to support us, just click the link on the right to download the form which gives you two options for membership of the charity.
  • If you are interested in becoming actively involved in the charity’s operations, attend meetings or become a trustee then register as a 'Member'.
  • If you are only interested in supporting the work we do; become a 'Friend' of the charity.
This is explained in more detail in the application form.

​To make regular annual payments why not set up a Standing Order with your bank. Details are shown on the application form.​​​​
Member/Friend Forms
MS Word Version
File Size: 1060 kb
File Type: docx
Download File
PDF Version
File Size: 292 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
You can also pay your membership fee or make a donation by clicking on the "Donate" button shown on the right. This will take you to the PayPal website where you can make a payment to the Shetland Bus Friendship Society.