Shetland Crofthouse Museum is fairly typical of mid-nineteenth century Shetland croft buildings. A typical family unit included grandparents, parents and children. The sea, not the land, was the main provider and the crofter was a fisherman, seaman or whaler. Work on the land was done in his absence by his wife and family.

This type of building evolved over many centuries and was extremely well adapted to local conditions. It was built and furnished almost entirely of local materials. It was kept structurally as simple as possible, consistent with strength and comfort, to facilitate maintenance. The house was normally split into two rooms. The 'ben end' was the inner room with the outer room or kitchen end, being the 'but end'.

The intercommunicating house, barn and byre was a necessary arrangement which allowed a light to be carried between the units during the most severe storm conditions: it is impossible to tend animals in total darkness, and matches are a recent invention.

This theme of efficient function with maximum simplicity is very evident in the little water mill. A simple dam with two outlets affords perfect control of the flow while the rotary part of the mill, balanced on a moving beam, allows full control of the grinding process. This type of mill, known to archaeologists as Norse mills, is believed to have been introduced into Britain by Norse settlers.

Self-reliance and maximum use of local materials is very evident within the house. With the exception of items such as the clock, gun, iron pots and dishes, everything is home or locally made. Driftwood is much in evidence, often identifiable by the marine worm-bores. It was used structurally as well as for making furniture. Imported wood was expensive.  

	Shetland Crofthouse Museum seen from the rear