Baliasta and Stembelshoull: two thing sites in the island of Unst

This chapter examines two potential thing sites (ON þing, i.e. court and parliament) located at Baliasta and Stembelshoull in Unst (Shetland), dating from the Viking Age (AD 750-1050) and/or Late Norse period (AD 1050-1468/9). The locations and characteristics of Shetland thing sites is an interest that Brian Smith and I share and have discussed on many occasions. Over the years Brian has been immensely helpful in finding and passing on local information, above all details about place-names and oral traditions, which meant that I could study Shetland things sites in greater depth than would otherwise have been possible.