T.M.Y. Manson

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Dr. Thomas Mortimer Yule Manson, Shetland author, editor and scholar, was born on the 9th of February, 1904, at 6 Hillhead, Lerwick.

His father was Thomas Manson, publisher and author, his mother Margaret Elizabeth Lillias (Crutwell), (b. 1864, Sunderland). Mortimer was the fifth of five children and was musical like his father. He worked in T & J Manson, eventually editing the Shetland News, until the firm's demise. In retirement he was a very popular and long-serving member on Shetland Islands Council, active in public life generally. As T.M.Y. Manson, he was author of scholarly articles and popular works alike. His published volumes include:

Manson's Guide to Shetland, various editions The History of the Shetland newspaper press from 1824 to 1976, 1976 Lerwick Parish Church with E.J.F. Clausen, 1979 Handbook of Lerwick Town Hall, Lerwick County Council, 1984. The Bod of Gremista: birthplace of Arthur Anderson, 1989 Drifting alone to Norway: the amazing adventure of Betty Mouat 1986

Manson organised the first Viking Congress in Lerwick in 1950. In recognition of his achievement Aberdeen University gave him the degree of doctor of laws.

He received a tribute volume on his 80th birthday: Essays in Shetland history : heiđursrit to T.M.Y. Manson, edited by Barbara Crawford, 1984

'Tom' / 'Mortimer' Manson died on the 23rd of January, 1996 at the Viewforth Eventide Home, Lerwick, and is buried in Knab Road Cemetery. He is greatly missed.