Shetland Amenity Trust was established in 1983. The charity works to preserve and enhance everything that is distinctive about Shetland's cultural and natural heritage, promoting access to it whether physical or intellectual.

The trust created a museum and archive in Hay’s Dock, a 19th-century category B listed building on the Lerwick waterfront. The new building was designed to mirror the old merchant houses that once lined the foreshore. It incorporates a boat building shed where visitors can watch boats being worked on using traditional techniques.

Sustainable design and the use of recycled and reclaimed materials were central to the project. This resulted in some unique features, including a reception desk made from ships’ timbers recovered from the dock, and wrought iron door handles crafted from old anchors. Local contractors were used where possible to minimise the environmental impact of the build and to help preserve traditional skills. Renewable energy sources were used for heating and hot water. A photographic slideshow documenting the construction of the building can be seen on the Art on Site website.

The museum galleries chart the development of Shetland from its geology to the present day, including its customs and folklore, textile industry and maritime heritage. An archive search room enables visitors to explore 5,000 documents, books, sound recordings and other records relating to life in Shetland. 

The creation of the museum and archive had major benefits for the community. A historic dockyard area was conserved, a run-down part of Lerwick’s waterfront regenerated, and traditional crafts sustained. Local people now have a highly valued attraction and learning resource at the hub of a network of museums and heritage centres across the islands.