A Place in the Sun: Shetland and Oil-Myths and Realities

Richard G. Kuhn is an assistant professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

The discovery and subsequent development of North Sea oil reserves had a
major effect on Great Britain’s economic and social well-being. This
book focuses on the construction of a massive oil terminal at Sullon Voe
in the Shetland Islands. Wills has provided an insider’s account of
the political wrangling and debate that occurred. The massive influx of
capital and laborers caused substantial changes to the economic, social,
and environmental fabric of the Shetland Islands. Conflicts between and
within various Island groups and multinational oil giants are detailed.
Attempts by locals to hornswoggle the British government and the oil
companies are described in detail, with attention to the strategies and
personalities of the key players. Battles raged between those favoring
development and economic prosperity and those fighting to preserve the
unique lifestyle of the Islands. At the end of the day, both interests
fared well.

A particularly enlightening chapter compares the safety procedures used
at Sullen Voe with those used in Valdez, Alaska (site of the Exxon
Valdez oil spill). The safety regulations at Sullen Voe were far
superior—a tribute to the local’s tenacity in ensuring that the oil
companies and the British government employed the best technology and
training to prevent oil spills.

Wills has provided a highly readable account of life on the Shetland
Islands as its residents were faced with upheaval and change. His bias
toward the preservation of local culture and environment is clearly
stated, and adds to rather than detracts from the book.