An exhibition about single-handed GPs that has been touring the Highlands and Islands has made its way to Shetland.
The exhibition is based on a book published 25 years ago describing the lives and work of GPs working single-handedly in remote and rural areas in Scotland. In 2024, some of those doctors were revisited to find out what had changed for GP provision and practice.
The Shetland part of the story features Dr Susan Bowie from Hillswick, Dr Dylan Murphy from Lerwick and Lisa Watt, Primary Care Manager for NHS Shetland. The individual stories are presented on information boards and filmed interviews, which can be viewed on television screens.
Dr Susan Bowie said: "It’s been fascinating to be part of this project – I’m proud to see our Shetland story included, and I hope visitors enjoy discovering more about life as a single-handed doctor in such a unique place."
This is a collaborative exhibition between the Royal College of General Practitioners, University of Dundee, St Margaret’s in Braemar and Aberdeen Medico-Chirurgical Society.
The exhibition is kindly being hosted by ‘The Weaving Shed’, a private waterfront art gallery, located in Hillswick.
The art gallery is housed in a historic building dating back to the late 18th Century. It is owned by Geoff Jukes, who renovated the building to house a collection of artwork by his late partner Jeanette Obstoj.
The Weaving Shed is also currently hosting stone sculptures by Northumberland-based sculptor Philip Kenolty, and is open from 12 – 5pm each day.
We would like to extend our thanks to Geoff and Philip for their help in providing a space for this exhibition.
The touring exhibition is available to view until 28 August 2025, and we would like to encourage anyone interested to take this opportunity to go and view it.